- Odometer fraud is widespread; one in three German cars and three-quarters of Romanian used cars.
- Use VIN checks from CarVertical, AutoDNA, and RAROM.ro to verify mileage.
- Interior wear like the steering wheel and pedals can indicate higher mileage.
- Service books and invoices should show a consistent mileage progression over time.
Odometer fraud remains one of the most common deceptive practices in the used-car market. Statistics show that one in three cars from Germany arrive with manipulated mileage, and in Romania the situation is even more troubled—three out of four used vehicles have a rolled-back odometer.
This illegal practice fuels losses of more than $13 billion globally each year and directly hits buyers, who pay inflated prices for cars with wear far beyond what is declared.
Why is odometer fraud so widespread?
Odometer manipulation has become highly accessible to scammers. The equipment needed for this operation costs less than €1,000, and the service itself can be obtained for only €100. Because of this accessibility and the high profits, the practice has expanded massively.
Essential online checks for vehicle history
VIN verification services
The most effective way to verify a car’s real history is to use specialized services:
- CarVertical - offers detailed reports on history, accidents, and real mileage. Cost under 100 lei per check and you can get a 10% discount via [our special link].
- AutoDNA - alternative viable option for checking vehicle history
- RAROM.ro - free verification for cars that have circulated in Romania and have a history at RAR
These services access international databases and can reveal major mileage discrepancies, undeclared accidents, or other hidden issues.
Visual verification – signs that don’t lie
Interior analysis
The vehicle’s interior provides the clearest clues about real mileage:
Steering wheel - One of the best indicators of wear. A very worn steering wheel on a car with 50,000 km declared is a major red flag.
Pedals - Check wear on the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals. Very worn pedals do not align with low mileage.
Handbrake lever - Excessive wear here indicates intensive use.
Buttons and controls - Check all interior buttons. Faded letters or heavily worn buttons do not match reduced mileage.
Suspicious bodywork elements
Fresh paint - If the car looks recently repainted but has low mileage, it may conceal accidents or major problems.
Seats - Upholstery and side support wear progressively with mileage.
Tire verification – precise indicators
Tires provide valuable information about real vehicle usage:
DOT code and manufacturing year
- For cars up to 5 years old with low mileage, verify whether tires are original.
- The year on the tire (DOT code) should roughly match the car’s manufacture year.
- A tire replaced on a car with “low mileage” raises questions.
Tire wear
Uniform tire wear indicates normal usage, but excessive wear relative to the declared low mileage is suspicious.
Documentation – final proof
Service books and invoices
Essential checks:
- Request all available service books
- Check whether stamps look authentic (not printed)
- Analyze the logical progression of mileage over time
- Ask for invoices for major repairs claimed
VIN verification
Compare the VIN on the car’s documents with the one on the body and verify it through online services to confirm the information’s authenticity.
Consequences of buying a car with a rolled-back odometer
Financial impact
- You pay a price much higher than the real value
- Maintenance costs will be higher than expected
- Resale value will be negatively affected
Technical risks
- Major components (engine, transmission, suspension) can be far more worn
- The risk of unexpected failures increases significantly
- Warranties may be void if fraud is discovered
Conclusion
Verifying the real mileage is crucial for any buyer of a used car. The combination of online VIN checks, careful visual inspection, and thorough documentation review can prevent costly scams. Investing in professional checks for under 100 lei can save thousands of euros and many headaches in the future.
