Is there a way if checking a cars mileage?

[Jonny69]

I'm guessing not, but I'd like to check the mileage is correct on a van I'm looking at buying it's a 57 plate and it's done 24,000. Any advice much appreciated

 

Do not trust any log books/dealer stamps or mot certificates.

 

All are faked with ease.

 

Ring the dealer that the car was allegedly serviced with in the log book, give them the reg plate and/or VIN number and ask if they have the car down.

 

They will have records of anything done to the car and the mileage it was carried out at.

 

If the dealer is independant, backsreet dealer then you take you chances. I have seen many things that shouldnt be done regulary occur with small independant garages, much less chance of an issue if a main dealer has serviced and did the mot on the vehicle.

 

TimbercutterDartmoor: It would be great if the HPI system was perfect. Unfortunately it is not, however it is a good start to cheecking the validity of the vehicle and possible issues with outstanding finance etc.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Jonathan

[mikecotterill]

Cheers for the replies. Done the mot check thing and it failed it's first mot for having front nearside and rear offside springs cracked. Interesting little check that.

[gensetsteve]

check steering wheel, pedals, mats, seats as has been said, my vehicles at 24k are still like new and even have the new smell. Give away high mileage stone chips on front, tired headlights, 4 odd tyres, general condition

[blazer]

One tip I have found is to look under a few bonnets and look at the corrosion on pipe clips, bolts etc = high winter mileage, and alot of flys in rad = high summer mileage, along with stone chips etc. I looked at a 1 yr old Jimny but noticed rust in the inner outer seam on the steel wheels (it shouldn't do that in +10 yrs) = driven in the sea, along with dog smell - or may be they didn't wash:blushing:

 

OK they are both subjective depending on the salt down in the winter etc but over the years I can tell if a motor has done 100+k with one look, check with a look at a few friends motors to compare corrosion against mileage.

 

I have just noticed my last MOT on my wifes motor the tester put down a +20k on the mileage - must check next time.

[Ironbark]

Trust your instincts and if in doubt walk away.

[djbobbins]

Trust your instincts and if in doubt walk away.

 

I'll give that one a hearty "seconding".

 

In desperation I bought a Golf a few years ago, it was relatively cheap for the age and mileage, seemed nice and clean but I could tell it had suffered a minor shunt (poor panel fit on NSF wing).

 

Ended up costing me £2500 in various repairs (cracked gearbox housing, numerous problems with drive train) in about 14 months before I decided enough was enough and p/x'd it in. Garage did an HPI on it and discovered not only had it been clocked (by at least 30k) but was also Cat C damaged.

 

All told, the loss on the car and the repairs cost me over four grand in a year.

 

For the sake of spending 10 minutes and 10 quid on the web it is a mistake I will never make again.