If the dealer refuses to show you the prior title and documentation or says that he or she does not have it, do not purchase that vehicle until you are shown the documentation and are satisfied with the mileage shown. H. Know the car dealer you do business with. The federal Odometer Act also allows you to challenge oral misrepresentations. The federal Odometer Act also allows you to challenge oral misrepresentations. Odometer Act cases have inferred intent to defraud where the dealer recklessly or carelessly disregarded indications of a mileage representation's falseness, or reasonably should have known that the mileage was inaccurate.
Dealers have a special duty to inspect a vehicle for indications of mileage alterations.
How To Read Your Vehicle's Title Maine law prohibits dealers from transferring a vehicle to any person unless the dealer has a properly assigned certificate of title in the dealer's possession. If the dealer is awaiting the certificate from a lienholder, wait until the dealer has the document before you purchase. Don't buy a car without first examining the title, and don't accept explanations from sellers who say they can't show it to you. In a private party sale, the name on the title should be the same as the seller's. If it is not, ask why, and determine whether the seller is authorized to sell the vehicle.