When buying or selling a vehicle, one key factor everyone pays attention to is the mileage. It’s often the first number potential buyers look at, but how can you be sure it’s accurate? That’s where mileage verification comes into play.
It is important that you know everything about mileage verification, why it’s important, and how to ensure you’re not falling for any odometer fraud.
What Is Mileage Verification?
Mileage verification is the process of ensuring the odometer reading of a vehicle accurately reflects the total miles it has been driven. This may sound simple, but it’s a crucial step, especially in the used car market.
An accurate odometer reading provides insight into the car’s wear and tear, helping buyers and sellers determine a fair price. A vehicle with lower mileage typically fetches a higher price, so unfortunately, some dishonest individuals tamper with odometers to inflate a car’s value.
Why Is Mileage Verification So Important?
Preventing Fraud
Odometer fraud is more common than you might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), odometer fraud costs car buyers in the U.S. over $1 billion annually. Mileage verification helps buyers avoid being deceived by inaccurate readings.
Accurate Vehicle Value
The value of a used car depends heavily on mileage. A car with 50,000 miles will generally cost more than the same model with 100,000 miles. Verifying mileage ensures you’re paying—or asking for—the right price.
Maintenance Insights
Knowing the true mileage helps you understand the maintenance history and plan for future repairs. Cars with higher mileage may need services like timing belt replacements or transmission work sooner.
Common Methods of Mileage Verification
1. Service Records
One of the easiest ways to verify mileage is by checking the car’s service history. Each time a vehicle goes in for maintenance, the mileage is recorded. Compare these records to the odometer reading to spot inconsistencies.
2. Car History Reports
Services like Carfax and AutoCheck can provide detailed reports on a vehicle’s history. These reports often include mileage readings recorded during inspections, title transfers, or at the DMV.
3. State DMV Records
In many regions, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains odometer readings from when the vehicle was registered or inspected. Requesting these records can help verify accuracy.
4. Physical Inspection
Sometimes, a trained mechanic can spot signs of tampering, such as tool marks around the dashboard or irregularities in the odometer display.
Warning Signs of Odometer Fraud
If you’re considering a used car purchase, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Wear and Tear vs. Mileage
A car with 30,000 miles shouldn’t have heavily worn seats, pedals, or steering wheels. Discrepancies between the car’s appearance and its mileage can indicate tampering.
- Inconsistent Records
Check the service records and vehicle history report for jumps or drops in mileage. These could signal fraudulent activity.
- Digital Odometer Anomalies
Modern vehicles use digital odometers, which can still be altered. If the numbers on the odometer appear misaligned or inconsistent, it’s worth investigating.
How to Protect Yourself?
Always Ask for Records
Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, ask for maintenance records and a vehicle history report.
Use Trusted Services
Platforms like Carfax and AutoCheck are great for digging deeper into a car’s history.
Get a Professional Inspection
Before finalizing the purchase, have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. They’ll know what to look for and can help you avoid potential scams.
Buy from Reputable Sellers
Purchasing from a certified dealership or trusted individual minimizes the risk of fraud. Certified pre-owned vehicles often come with guarantees about mileage accuracy.
Why Sellers Should Care About Mileage Verification
If you’re selling a car, providing verified mileage builds trust with potential buyers. It shows you’re honest, transparent, and value the integrity of the transaction. A verified odometer reading can even justify a higher asking price if the mileage is low.
Final Thoughts
Mileage verification isn’t just a step in the buying or selling process—it’s a way to protect your investment and ensure fairness. Whether you’re in the market for a used car or putting one up for sale, taking the time to verify mileage can save you money and headaches in the long run.
So, the next time you’re dealing with a vehicle, remember: a little due diligence goes a long way. Don’t just trust the odometer—verify it!
