Understanding the mileage history of a used car can benefit you in several ways, from discovering whether a vehicle has been overused with a higher risk of mechanical problems and lower resale value to discovering mileage discrepancies indicating possible interference.
To determine if a vehicle’s mileage reading has been tampered with, a mileage check reviews the odometer history of the vehicle. This data can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association), NAMA (National Association of Motor Auctions), RMI (Retail Motor Industry Federation), as well as the DVLA and MOT mileages recorded by the DVSA. We offer a free check that includes an MOT mileage verification.
With Motorscan’s helpful guides and articles, we provide insight into how performing a mileage check can help you decide on your next car purchase, including potential maintenance requirements and how to use this valuable information when negotiating the price.
Being deceived by an unscrupulous dealer is a worrying aspect that most of us consider when buying a used car. However, you can protect yourself from unethical car sellers by being vigilant and doing your homework. So, to safeguard yourself on your next car purchase, take a look at Motorscan's latest guide on spotting possible signs of mileage fraud and the measures you can take to avoid rogue sellers and their nefarious
Take the stress out of buying your next car with a Motorscan vehicle check that provides comprehensive data to help you establish that the car you've fallen in love with doesn't come with a bundle of costly problems. Our latest guide delves into discovering mileage anomalies and the pros and cons of high-mileage vehicles.
When it comes to buying a second-hand car almost everything impacts it’s value.
Checking a vehicle’s mileage can give you an idea of how much wear and tear the car has undergone and whether the odometer has been tampered with. A low mileage car may have fewer mechanical problems than a high mileage car, but it’s important to check the vehicle’s overall condition as well.
If you suspect that a vehicle’s mileage has been clocked, you should not buy the car and report the seller to the relevant authorities. You can also contact the online vehicle history checking services, who may have additional information on the car’s history.
Clocking a vehicle’s mileage refers to the illegal practice of winding back the odometer to make the car appear to have a lower mileage than it actually does. This is done to increase the car’s value and deceive potential buyers.
You can check a vehicle’s mileage by looking at the car’s service history documents, MOT certificates, and logbook (V5C). You can also use online vehicle history checking services like motorscan to get a more detailed report on the car’s history
A VOSA MOT mileage check, also known as a DVSA MOT mileage check, is a process that verifies the recorded mileage of a vehicle during its most recent MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. The check is performed by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and is intended to ensure that the mileage on the vehicle’s odometer is accurate and has not been tampered with.
This check is particularly important when buying or selling a used car, as inaccurate mileage readings can affect the value and safety of the vehicle. The VOSA MOT mileage check is a reliable source of information about the vehicle’s true mileage, and can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about the transaction.
“Mileage clocking” or “mileage fraud” is the act of rolling back or manipulating a car’s odometer to make it appear as though the vehicle has fewer miles than it actually does. This is illegal and unethical, and can deceive potential buyers into paying more for a vehicle that has been driven farther than advertised. There are several ways to tell if a car’s mileage has been clocked:
Check the service history: If the car’s service history shows an unusually low mileage for its age, this could be a red flag.
Check the wear and tear: A car with low mileage should show less wear and tear than a car with higher mileage. If the car’s condition seems inconsistent with its mileage, this could indicate that the odometer has been tampered with.
Check the paperwork: The car’s logbook, MOT certificates, and service records should all show a consistent and believable mileage. If there are discrepancies or gaps in the paperwork, this could be a sign that something is not right.
Use a mileage checking service: There are several companies that offer mileage checking services, such as Motorscan, which can compare the recorded mileage with other sources of data to verify its accuracy. Some of these services may charge a fee.