Car mileage. What is it? How to check it?

The mileage of a car is the distance the vehicle has traveled in use. Mileage is one of the key parameters of a used car. Low mileage of a car increases its market value. However, it should be remembered that the actual mileage of a car and the odometer reading are often two different values. How to check the mileage of a car?

 

Why should you check the car mileage before you buy it?

When buying a car, one of the main considerations is its mileage. It often indicates the general technical condition of the vehicle and how worn out it is.

 

 

Whether or not a car has low mileage often determines whether a vehicle will be sold quickly. This is known to dishonest dealers who have cars with reversed odometers. It is such vehicles, very often imported, that are the lure for unsuspecting customers.

 

How to check car mileage online?

 

 

How to get an autoDNA report?

In addition, buyers can use commercial reports, that is, buy a report directly from autoDNA. These may contain more information about the car’s mileage in recent years and additional data, such as photos of the vehicle after a possible accident.

To check a car through autoDNA, simply enter its VIN number into the search engine – unlike with Vehicle History, you don’t need to know the registration number and date of first registration. You will then be provided with the range of information available on the specific vehicle, including the car’s mileage – if available. Once you know the scope of the report, you can decide whether to purchase it. The autoDNA vehicle history report helps you make an informed decision about buying a used car.

 

The most common methods of car mileage manipulation – how to avoid them?

Vehicle mileage manipulation is a common problem in the used car market. Scammers use a variety of techniques to lower odometer readings, which can mislead buyers. Here are the most common methods and tips on how to avoid them.

 

Techniques for falsifying mileage

1. Undoing the odometer: This is the most common method, which involves manually reducing the odometer reading. It applies only to the oldest, 20-plus-year-old cars.
2. Replacing the odometer: In more advanced cases, fraudsters replace the entire odometer with a new one with lower mileage. However, replacing the meter with a new one is expensive.
3. Software manipulation: In modern cars, where electronics play a key role, it is possible to modify data in the vehicle’s computer system – this is the most common way to roll back the odometer.

 

How to recognize a reversed odometer?

Interior and body condition: Check for wear and tear on interior components (e.g. steering wheel, pedals) according to mileage. A low odometer reading with heavily worn components should raise doubts. A leather steering wheel is usually already partially worn out after 100,000 kilometers. A freshly leather-wrapped steering wheel rim may suggest an attempt to hide the car’s actual mileage.

Service history: Check the vehicle’s service records. Regular service checks, including oil, should include mileage readings.

 

Best practices when buying a used car

To minimize the risk of buying a used car with a revoked odometer, it’s a good idea to follow a few steps every time:

1. Documentation: Check all the documents of the car in question, including the service book, repair invoices and vehicle history reports.
2. Technical inspection: Have the vehicle professionally inspected so that a professional can detect any irregularities.
3. Visual inspection: Pay attention to the condition of the body and interior. A badly rubbed driver’s seat, tarnished paint or numerous paint chips may suggest high mileage.
4. Price comparison: Check the market prices of vehicles with similar mileage to assess whether the offer is fair. Think the offer is too good to be true? Assume that it probably is. Read more about how to safely buy a used car from a private seller and what to look out for HERE.

 

What documents are worth checking in addition to car mileage?

In addition to the mileage of the vehicle, the following documents are worth checking carefully:

• Service book
• Invoices for repairs
• Technical inspection reports
• Previous sales and registration agreements, especially for an imported car – if available

 

Mileage, and the future costs of operating a car

High mileage usually means more wear and tear on wear parts and certain components:

• Suspension components – shock absorbers, control arms
• Steering system, including tie rod ends, mangle
• Engine accessories (starter, alternator)
• Brake system (pads and discs)

 

Repair and maintenance cost projections

Cars with higher mileage may require more frequent repairs in the near future, with high operating costs. For example, the repair of suspension components, depending on the degree of wear and the number of components to be replaced, can cost from at least several hundred to even several thousand zlotys. It is worth remembering that these components are replaced in pairs, which affects the final bill.

 

Is it worth trusting vehicle history reports?

Vehicle history reports, such as those offered by autoDNA, can be extremely helpful in checking a car, including its actual mileage. They contain data about the vehicle’s past, including the condition of the odometer. The report allows you to better evaluate the offer and make a rational decision regarding the possible purchase of a used car.

autoDNA reports offer a number of advantages that can significantly facilitate the process of buying a vehicle. First of all, the reports provide detailed information on the vehicle’s history, including data on accidents, technical inspections and changes of owners, which allows a better assessment of the car’s condition. With access to one of the largest databases from 26 countries, users can obtain reliable information that helps separate good quality vehicles from those with hidden defects.

How to interpret the data contained in autoDNA reports before buying a vehicle? Users should pay attention to the sections on accident history and inspections to assess whether the vehicle has been properly serviced.

It is important to consider the report as an auxiliary tool that should be supplemented with additional verifications, such as a visual inspection at an authorized service center. Ultimately, autoDNA reports are an important part of the buying process, helping to avoid unfavorable decisions.