Compare dated readings, understand RDW mileage assessments and learn the limits of diagnostics. Warning signs without premature verdicts.
There is no universal test that certifies true mileage. Look for consistency between dated readings, paperwork, seller explanations and the vehicle's condition.
Start with the vehicle number
Start with available technical details for free. The OBDAuto decoder does not provide accident, mileage, theft or service history.
Free checks and what a paid report may addHow to read a history reportRead the evidence, not just a verdict
Public carVertical demonstration screenshots, not reports purchased or cases investigated by OBDAuto. An example does not guarantee the same data for your car and does not replace an inspection.
carVertical · demonstration exampleRead the event type, date and estimate range. An assessment is not a paid invoice, and amounts should not automatically be added together.
Screenshot source: carVertical ↗ carVertical · demonstration exampleCompare the specifications with the documents and the actual car. This screenshot shows technical details, not a mileage timeline.
Screenshot source: carVertical ↗ Buying guide Editorial review: 17 October 2026Resolve any difference between vehicle markings, documents and the report before paying a deposit. An empty report does not confirm that the car has never been damaged.
Request a clear photo of the VIN on the car and the relevant documents, then arrange dates and mileage readings in order. Keep a budget for an independent inspection.
A current reading below an earlier one is a strong reason to investigate. Input errors or a replaced instrument cluster are also possible: request evidence.
Your first check at the car
Illustrative windscreen photos from different vehicles. The exact position depends on make, model and market; these images are not model-specific instructions for every car in the guide.
Look from outside at the base of the windscreenWesha · Public domain · Resized and compressed as WebP; cropped for display.
GM example: the plate seen through the windscreenHans Haase · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and compressed as WebP; cropped for display.
Some models show the VIN through the windscreen. A door-frame label or a stamped marking may be elsewhere; check the manufacturer’s manual for your model.
Compare the marking with the vehicle documents and report. Do not confuse an engine code or a part number with the VIN.
Do not scrape or alter markings. If a number is missing, hard to read or does not match, ask a specialist to verify the vehicle’s identity.
Put invoices, inspections and services in order. Check the VIN and units: do not mix miles and kilometres. Request paperwork for any cluster replacement.
On a phone, scroll the table to see all columns.
1. Start with dated readings| Illustrative example | Observation | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| 2022: 145,000 km → 2024: 189,000 km → today: 123,000 km | Today's reading is below an earlier record. | Verify the record and explanation before proceeding. |
| Four years with no readings | An undocumented period. | Request more records; do not invent a 'safe' mileage estimate. |
| One record in miles, another in km | Different units. | Convert correctly before comparing. |
For a Dutch car, check the registration number and exact current reading. Ask the owner for the available RDW vehicle report.
On a phone, scroll the table to see all columns.
2. Understand the RDW assessment| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Logisch | Recorded readings increase. |
| Onlogisch | A decrease exists; manipulation or a recording error is possible. |
| Geen oordeel | RDW cannot reach a conclusion from the available information. |
Steering wheels, pedals and seats can be replaced. City traffic, driver weight and maintenance produce different wear. A photograph of a steering wheel is not a mileage verdict.
A workshop may compare available module and service data. Mismatches warrant investigation, but matching values do not prove authenticity. ADAC warns that well-executed tampering can remain undetected even by specialists.
Do not accuse a seller on one clue alone. Request written explanations and original records. If contradictions remain, avoid a deposit and consider another car. If you have already bought it, keep the evidence and obtain an independent assessment before deciding what to do next.
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Readings ordered by date VIN and units checked Decreases and gaps explained Any instrument replacement documented Workshop assessment includes its limitations Declared mileage recorded in the contractIt shows consistency of available readings; it does not mean every kilometre travelled was recorded.
Can a scanner prove the mileage with 100% certainty?Not universally. Access and data vary by model, and tampering can affect several modules.
Do you offer vehicle inspections, history reports or transport?
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