The average car in Europe drives about 15–20 thousand km per year. If a ten-year-old car in a listing shows 120,000 km – that is possible, but statistically suspicious. Mileage rollback is still widespread, especially among imported cars.
Where to look for mileage traces
- Service book and service records – mileage is recorded at each visit.
- Roadworthiness test history – in Lithuania and many EU countries mileage is logged through the test.
- VIN reports – collect mileage data points from different sources.
- Archived listings – the car may have been sold before with different mileage.
- Parts replacement history – e.g. a clutch change at "90,000 km" raises questions.
Physical signs of wear
The odometer reading must match the condition of the car. A worn steering wheel, shiny pedals and a sunken driver's seat at 120,000 km – a mismatch worth questioning.
Pay attention to renewed parts too: a new steering wheel or pedal rubbers on an older car often means an attempt to hide wear.
What to do with unclear mileage
If mileage logic cannot be confirmed, value the car on a worst-case basis – as if the mileage were higher. That means a lower price and more attention to wear items.
Better still – simply pass on that option: there are enough cars on the market with verifiable history.