Compare mileage with age
A typical private car covers roughly 10,000–20,000 km a year. A 10-year-old car showing 60,000 km is possible but needs proof. Our calculator quickly estimates the average yearly mileage.
Inspect the wear
Steering wheel, pedals, driver’s seat bolster, buttons and gear knob. If they look worn on a “low-mileage” car, that is a red flag. New parts such as a fresh steering wheel or pedal covers also deserve a question.
Look for paper evidence
A stamped service book, receipts, inspection history and earlier listings. A sudden drop in mileage between records points to tampering.
Diagnostics
Many modern cars store mileage in several modules. A scan at a workshop can reveal a mismatch between the instrument cluster, the engine control unit and other modules.
Don’t rely on one sign
No single sign proves tampering. But if several appear together, don’t buy without an independent diagnostic.