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Renata Liubertaitė

Car mileage is an important indicator that can give you valuable insights about a vehicle’s condition. For this, it's critical to know how to break down the data you’re looking at in the most sensible way.

carVertical is committed to uncovering the truth behind a car's mileage, helping you quickly discover possible signs of odometer fraud and other issues.

Read on to understand what’s going on behind the mileage curves, and how they can help you make a decision when buying a used car.

Enter a VIN code to learn more about any vehicle!

Need help buying a used car?

total distance a vehicle has traveled throughout its lifespan and is commonly measured in kilometers or miles.

It’s recorded by the car's odometer, which has numbers visible on the dashboard, typically located around the speedometer area. This data is usually recorded on occasions such as registration, during regular maintenance or repairs, vehicle inspections, and when changing ownership.

A vehicle’s condition is significantly influenced by the distance it has traveled over time. Here’s how mileage affects different aspects of a car:

 Typically, a higher mileage indicates that important parts such as the engine, transmission, and suspension have experienced increased usage, potentially resulting in greater wear and tear.

 Mileage is crucial for a car's maintenance schedule, like oil changes every 5,000–10,000 km and brake replacements every 30,000–70,000 km. If you neglect mileage-based maintenance, it can lead to reduced performance, costly repairs, safety risks, and a shorter lifespan for your vehicle.

 Well-maintained vehicles with lower mileage are usually sold for higher prices due to the assumption they have undergone less wear and tear over time.

just having a lower mileage doesn’t always mean a better car.

 Other factors can play a significant role, such as the driving conditions (city vs. highway miles), periods of inactivity when the car wasn’t used, or maintenance history are all equally important. It's a good idea to judge odometer readings while looking at the overall picture.

In general, it’s better to have odometer readings taken at regular intervals, as it can confirm that a car has been used on a regular basis and is potentially well maintained. Looking closely at mileage data can also reveal possible issues, such as possible odometer fraud or periods of inactivity.

Mileage drops (or mileage rollbacks) indicate an attempt at deception

Spotting a decrease in mileage between two recorded entries generally indicates that the vehicle's odometer has been tampered with.

Rolling back the odometer to reduce the mileage on a vehicle is known as odometer fraud. It is performed to make a car appear less used than it actually is, in order to increase its market value artificially.

Purchasing a car that has undergone this practice comes with higher risk as it conceals the actual wear and tear and could potentially lead to unexpected (and expensive!) repairs.

Unexplained mileage gaps often point to missing service records

Large gaps between two mileage entries indicate missing records. This can pose risks to buyers, such as undisclosed damages, lack of regular maintenance, or uncertain usage patterns.

Check out this example from a carVertical report on a BMW X Series (2018 model year):

The report shows that it has two mileage records – one from 2018, when it was first used, and the other one four years later.

The missing information in the mileage logs could indicate times when the car may not have been taken for maintenance at authorized centers, or when records were not accurately recorded. This might create difficulties in accurately assessing the car's true condition.

Stagnation in the car’s mileage often indicates limited use

Mileage stagnation happens when the car's mileage stays the same over a longer period of time. This situation could lead to worries regarding possible mechanical issues, accidents, poor maintenance, or challenges in selling the vehicle.

For example, looking at the following data for an Opel Astra (2013) shows an inactivity period from December 2013 to April 2015:

Meanwhile, the Damage section of the carVertical report reveals that the car had an accident in August 2013, valued between €1,501 and €3,000:

This “idle” zone, when looking at mileage readings following the accident, could suggest that perhaps the car may have been at the mechanic for repairs, or potentially undrivable in a garage somewhere. Matching up any mileage data with damage history is a crucial step in understanding a car’s history.

By using carVertical reports, it’s possible to confirm the average mileage of the model you're interested in, helping you get a better idea of what to expect:

If you find out that the car you're interested in has a lower mileage than the average, a good idea to consider why it hasn’t been used as much. While it may have been well-preserved, there’s also a chance it could have sat undriven for a long time, which often leads to problems such as fluids and seals becoming degraded.

Car mileage vs. age: understanding the connection

The age of a car is often strongly aligned with its mileage, and it’s probably not surprising that the older a car is, the higher its mileage is more likely to be.

Having said that, age and mileage don't always line up perfectly. Being able to understand how their connection can differ goes a long way to helping buyers make better decisions.

: It’s possible the car wasn’t used much or perhaps for shorter trips. Although reduced wear could be positive, longer periods of inactivity might lead to mechanical problems, such as battery degradation or tire flat-spotting.

: This can mean regular long-distance driving took place. It isn't always negative, especially if the car was mainly driven on motorways, which is less stressful on parts than city driving.

However, our research has shown that older cars are much more at risk of being clocked. This graph shows how clear the connection is between car age and odometer fraud:

Therefore, always be cautious when dealing with cars with unusually low mileage, as this could suggest that the mileage has been rolled back. Verifying the mileage with reliable sources is crucial to ensuring a good deal.

Not all car makes handle mileage in the same way

Car companies design and build cars with various degrees of durability, and this can often affect how well a car can handle a higher or lower mileage. For example,

Toyota consistently ranks among the most reliable car brands, and cars like these might have higher mileage, gaining more kilometers before their owners sell them.

Looking at our research on average mileage by brand, some makes, in particular, are more likely to have higher mileage – mainly due to how much longer they last or how much owners place trust in the vehicle's reliability.

Therefore, sometimes it makes sense to choose a quality brand car with more miles under its belt over a less reputable one with fewer kilometers. The comprehensive information in a carVertical history report can help you better understand the condition of such a car.

High mileage calls for extra attention to possible underlying issues

Although the mileage doesn't always increase the likelihood of finding an accident, you should note that cars with higher mileage may show signs of cumulative damage or/or perhaps previous repairs.

Looking at this carVertical report, you can see a Mercedes-Benz 220 (2020 model year) with a last known mileage of 252,451 km – a notably high figure for a four-year-old car:

There are also two damage records valued between €1,501 and €5,000:

On top of these, the car's timeline shows changes in country, ownership transfers, and new attempts to sell, which can indicate issues:

This grouped example clearly shows how a higher mileage, when looked at with the vehicle’s damage history and frequent ownership changes, could mean the car has underlying issues. 

Combining multiple aspects of data is essential to get a better outlook on a car

On average, a vehicle can run up around 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers per year. In such a case, 

a 5-year-old car might typically have between 75,000 and 100,000 kilometers on the odometer.

However, you should note that different types of vehicles often accumulate mileage quite differently:

: As they are typically used for longer trips or commercial purposes, they could have a higher mileage.

: These often show lower mileages, mainly due to shorter, city commuting patterns.

Understanding these indicators can give you a better grasp of whether a car's mileage correctly matches both its age and type.

There isn’t a clear answer to this, but a car which has more than 200,000 kilometers is usually thought of as high mileage.

Our research shows that average annual mileage can even vary depending on the country, too. For example, in the USA, drivers often drive longer distances over a year than drivers in the EU.

By taking in the overall picture, such as the car's make, model, maintenance history, and driving conditions, buyers can truly understand whether the high-mileage car they’re interested in is worth the cost.

Remember, a "high mileage" car doesn't always mean it's a poor choice, but closely looking at the mileage along with the car’s overall history is crucial.

How to verify car mileage and get the best deal with carVertical

To make sure you're investing wisely, it’s important to verify the accuracy of a car's mileage with carVertical.

 section, you can find mileage records throughout the vehicle's history. The report features an interactive graph illustrating any mileage rollbacks, gaps, stagnation, or other inconsistencies.

One more method to identify odometer fraud is by looking at the 

 section (for cars used or previously registered in the US). This section of the report lists odometer brands and can help you identify if the reading displayed on the odometer does not reflect the actual mileage and, therefore, should not be relied on:

Extra details included in the carVertical report are (

: Showing details related to accidents and damage sustained

: Data on possible outstanding debts or legal issues

: Average price estimates helping you judge the asking price

: Alerts if the car has been reported stolen

By using this data together with odometer mileage, you can make confident steps towards a purchase decision while avoiding any potential issues down the line.

Avoid costly problems by checking a vehicle's history. Get a report instantly!

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How much mileage is okay for a car?

How can I tell if a car's mileage is reasonable for its age?

How many kilometers is too much for a used car?

What are common signs of odometer fraud?

Can I rely on mileage alone to assess a car's condition?

What the mileage can tell you about a car

You rarely know what to expect when buying a used car. They all come with a history, and you're likely to uncover a few quirks along the way – a mysterious dashboard light or a slightly offbeat engine hum that could double as a playlist.

Therefore, arming yourself with knowledge is vital in the used car buying process.

In this article, you’ll learn about some common used car problems, things that often lurk beneath the surface, and how you can avoid purchasing a vehicle that will take you on an adventure you’ve never signed up for.

Reveal them all! Just enter a VIN code and click the button:

Used cars have dark secrets

Among the biggest used car problems, the engine overheating is a frequent and troublesome issue. It occurs when the engine’s temperature rises beyond its normal operating range, potentially harming various engine components and even resulting in engine failure.

There can be many reasons why your car’s engine is overheating. Low coolant levels, a stuck thermostat, or a worn-out water pump can all throw a wrench in the works.

Fortunately, checking if the engine is overheating before purchasing a used vehicle is not that difficult. The easiest way to do this is to take a longer test drive, observing the temperature changes and potential overheating symptoms.

Regardless of the cause, an overheating engine isn’t something you want to leave unattended, as engine repairs or replacement can be very expensive.

The relatively good news is that you’ll be able to see clear signs if your used car starts to experience engine overheating. Typically, it includes the following:

A rising temperature gauge or a dashboard warning light is one of the most obvious signs of the engine going beyond its operating temperature.

Unusual smells that overheating engine emits, often resembling a sweet or chemical-like smell.

Strange ticking sounds indicate that the lubrication process between the moving parts of the engine has failed.

Reduced engine power prevents your car from keeping up with the traffic.

Coolant under your parked vehicle may also indicate an engine overheating.

If you notice any of these signs while driving, safely pull over and shut off the engine. By doing so, you can prevent potential damage (that can even lead to fire) and start addressing the issue immediately.

Whether the car transmission is automatic or manual, its malfunction is another common issue used car owners face.

Depending on the transmission type, a malfunction can appear differently. For example, an automatic transmission may slip, while difficulty switching gears is a typical manual transmission issue. The latter symptom may also be caused by a dragging clutch, making it challenging or even impossible to change gears.

Needless to say, transmission malfunctions require your immediate attention – they’re expensive to fix and may cause safety issues.

What are the most common transmission failure symptoms?

Besides transmission slipping and difficulty shifting gears, here are some other warning signs that your vehicle may need transmission repair:

Unusual sounds. Although strange sounds can indicate many different problems, a failing transmission is one of them. Usually, defective automatic transmissions will give you whining, clunking, and humming sounds, while manual transmissions give loud, often sudden mechanical sounds.

Fluid leaks. Since the transmission system relies on the balance of fluid pressure and lubrication, leaking transmission fluid is a clear indication of a potential transmission failure.

A burning smell can indicate that the transition is overheating or the fluid is burning. 

Grinding or shaking. If your car experiences any grinding or shaking while changing gears or pressing the gas pedal, it’s likely also related to transmission issues.

Car surging or sudden deceleration. A malfunctioning transmission can result in your car either accelerating or decelerating, even when maintaining a steady pressure on the accelerator.

Delayed gear shifting. Shifting into the proper gear should be easy with a functioning transmission. Hesitation or delayed shifting is your first hint that something’s gone wrong.

Check engine light. While the primary purpose of the check engine light is to alert you about potential problems with the engine and its associated systems, it is connected to the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system, which monitors various components and systems, including the transmission.

The braking system consists of many closely connected moving parts and is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle. Naturally, its various components can wear out over time, trickling down other elements.

Since brake pads and rotors experience constant friction and heat during braking, they often become the centre of attention when it comes to brake system problems in used cars.

How fast they wear out or how often you should replace them depends on various factors, including driving conditions and style. It’s recommended to replace brake pads every 40,000 to 105,000 kilometres, while you should change your brake rotors anytime between 48,000 to 113,000 kilometres.

How to tell that it’s time to replace your brake pads or rotors?

When it comes to brake pads, you can notice if they’re worn out just by looking at them. Of course, a professional mechanic can tell you more than meets the eye (since you can’t see the inner brake pad without taking the wheel off), but to get a basic idea of the situation, you can check the outer brake pad yourself if your car’s wheels have open design.

As for the rotors, one of the most common indications of wear is the vibration of the steering wheel while braking. If the rotors aren’t smooth anymore, the brakes may work unevenly, leading to slight car shaking.

A vehicle’s suspension system is responsible for maintaining a comfortable and controlled ride, therefore, any little suspension issue can impact your driving experience and safety on the road. If you feel that road irregularities have become significantly more noticeable lately, the problem is likely your car’s shock absorbers and struts.

Over time, shock absorbers and struts can wear out due to various factors, including mileage, road conditions, heavy loads, driving style, or environmental factors. All of these leave their mark over time, and that’s why suspension issues are a more common problem in used cars.

Increased bouncing. If your vehicle bounces more than usual after hitting a bump or a dip in the road, it can indicate that the shock absorbers or struts are no longer working effectively.

Poor handling. Your vehicle might become more difficult to control, especially during cornering or sudden manoeuvres.

“Nose diving” or squatting. If your vehicle has suspension issues, during acceleration or braking you can notice the rear end squatting or the car dipping excessively (nose diving).

Clunking, knocking, or rattling noises coming from the suspension area can suggest the components are loose or damaged.

Uneven tyre wear. Since a car with suspension problems typically is unstable on the road, it often results in uneven tyre wear.

Battery failure is another common issue in used cars, therefore, it’s recommended to ask about the age of a battery when buying a car. In modern vehicles, battery failure will often be accompanied by the dashboard battery light.

Here are several factors that can cause battery failure in used cars:

Battery’s age. Under ideal conditions, the car’s battery often lasts up to five or six years, therefore, it’s important to consider the battery age if you’re planning to buy a used car.

Maintenance. Regular battery maintenance, such as cleaning terminals and ensuring proper connections, can help prolong its life.

Extreme temperatures. In areas with severe weather conditions (extremely hot or cold), batteries might fail sooner in cars that haven’t been well maintained.

Inactivity. If you’re not using your car that much, the battery can lose its charge and sulphate can build up on the plates, reducing its capacity.

Electrical issues. The battery might not be charging properly if the car has electrical problems, thus leading to its premature failure.

Whatever the case, if you experience battery problems with a used car, have it tested or, if necessary, replaced by a reliable mechanic to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Modern vehicles are incomplete without catalytic converters that filter out harmful pollutants and toxic gases produced by cars. It’s an obligatory component of the car’s exhaust system that’s also expensive to replace if anything goes wrong – and sometimes it does.

Most cars perform a DPF regeneration once in a while, during which the trapped particulates heat up enough to combust and turn to ash, cleaning the catalytic converter and the diesel particulate filter. However, this function often fails, resulting in a clogged catalytic converter or DPF.

If your car’s catalytic converter is blocked or restricted, toxic gas trapped in the engine can heat up to the point of ignition. This can negatively affect the vehicle’s performance, emissions, and overall operation, and damage crucial engine components over time.

How to know if your catalytic converter is blocked?

Trouble starting the car is usually one of the first signs of a blocked catalytic converter. Another related issue is reduced engine performance, as the harmful gases get stuck in the combustion chamber, leading to decreased acceleration and increased engine lag.

Regardless of the symptom, a blocked catalytic converter can trigger the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system, causing the “Check engine” or another warning light to illuminate on the dashboard. So, if you suspect that the catalytic converter might be the cause for it, you can use an OBD2 scanner to determine whether it’s true.

Although cosmetic issues aren’t mechanical problems and don’t really affect the functionality of a vehicle, some of them are still important to fix for safety or potential issues they may cause in the future. Visual flaws can vary greatly in terms of severity and include things like scratches, cracks, and signs of wear and tear.

For example, paint damage is a common type of exterior damage and one of the first things you notice about a car. It may seem like a minor problem, but in reality, paint damage shouldn’t be ignored for several reasons:

Paint damage can significantly diminish aesthetics and reduce a car’s resale value.

Since the paint serves as a protective layer against environmental elements, paint damage can lead to rust and corrosion, potentially causing structural damage and affecting the car’s longevity.

Even minor paint damage can escalate if not addressed, for example, because of moisture, temperature changes, and other factors.

Interior wear and tear is another aesthetic matter, yet it can also help spot some discrepancies about the car. For example, if a vehicle’s steering wheel, driver’s seat, pedals, and gearbox look worn out but the car mileage is low, you should investigate the odometer for signs of tampering.

Problems with lights and indicators are sometimes hard to spot unless they start to mist up or collect water inside. If your car headlights look as good as new but you notice any of the mentioned issues, it can indicate that it’s been changed in the past or poorly fixed. 

3 things you should do before buying a used car

The key to avoiding the most common used car problems is learning as much as possible about a vehicle before sealing the deal. Identifying potential issues can help you make more informed decisions, plan your finances better, and avoid unexpected service visits in the future.

Overlooking a professional inspection is one of the biggest mistakes used car buyers make. Every car has its history, and you never know what you’re getting yourself into when skipping a visit to a qualified mechanic.

To avoid potential safety and financial issues in the future, inspect a used car before purchasing it so that you can know if any major repairs are needed. Make sure that the mechanic also does a car diagnostic test, as many issues can be revealed only after a diagnostic scan.

A car history check is a reliable way to learn more about a vehicle you’re about to buy. All cars have their own unique numbers called VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number.

Just enter the VIN below and get valuable insights about a car’s past, including accident history, damage records, odometer readings, original specifications, and more.

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Regular car maintenance is a crucial “ritual” every car owner needs to make a part of their lives. It helps your car run smoothly, regardless of its engine, transmission type, or age, and allows you to identify potential issues before it’s too late.

What are the first signs of a potential problem when buying a used car?

What cars are the most prone to issues?

How can I research a used car’s reliability?

7 common used car problems you should be aware of

On the market for a used car? You may be expecting to find hidden gems, but stumbling upon vehicular disasters is more common. In fact, even the savviest drivers often find themselves in the wrong lane.

To avoid putting yourself in such a situation, learn the most common mistakes used car buyers make and… don’t repeat them.

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