How to Check Miles on a Car with a VIN Number
Buying a used car can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. One of the key pieces of information you need to verify is the vehicle’s mileage. Sometimes, the odometer reading might not tell the whole story. In fact, according to the NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually with inaccurate odometer readings, costing American car buyers more than $1 billion each year.
If you’re buying a used car, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is crucial. With years of experience in the market, I can’t overstate how essential a VIN mileage check is for making a sound purchase decision. Using a tool like Searqle can provide you with accurate mileage information and help protect you from potential fraud.
What is an Odometer?
An odometer is a device that measures the distance a vehicle has traveled. It’s usually located on the dashboard and displays the total mileage in either miles or kilometers. Modern cars have digital odometers, while older models may have mechanical ones. For a comprehensive VIN mileage check, the odometer reading gives potential buyers an idea of how much the vehicle has been used, helping to determine its value and expected longevity.
Why is the Mileage Important?
The real mileage of a vehicle is a strong indicator of its wear and tear. Here are a few reasons why it matters:
- Depreciation: Cars with higher mileage generally have lower resale values. Knowing the accurate mileage helps in assessing the car’s market value.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Higher mileage often means more wear on the vehicle’s components, which can lead to frequent and costly repairs.
- Life Expectancy: Vehicles with lower mileage tend to have longer lifespans. This is particularly important if you plan to keep the car for several years.
- Insurance: Some insurance companies offer lower premiums for vehicles with lower mileage, as they are considered less risky.
Why Do People Roll Back Odometers?
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers roll back the odometer to make a car appear less used than it actually is. Here are a few reasons why they do this:
- Increased Value: Lower real mileage can significantly increase a car’s selling price. Rolling back the odometer can make an older car seem newer and more valuable.
- Quicker Sale: A car with lower mileage is often more attractive to buyers. It could lead to a faster sale.
- Lower Maintenance Perception: Buyers might assume that a car with lower mileage has been better maintained and is less likely to need immediate repairs.
How to Check Miles on Car with VIN Number
Given the potential for odometer fraud, verifying a car’s real mileage is essential. The VIN is a valuable tool for this purpose. Here’s how you can use it:
- Locate the VIN: The VIN can be found on the dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, the engine block, or the vehicle’s title and registration documents.
- Use Online Services: Many online services offer detailed vehicle history reports for a fee. These reports include mileage records from various points in the car’s life, such as inspections, registrations, and title transfers.
- Contact the DMV: Your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps records of all registered vehicles, including mileage information from past inspections. Provide the VIN to request a vehicle history report.
How to Detect Rollback?
Detecting odometer rollback can save you from purchasing a car that’s not worth the asking price. While it might seem tricky, there are several telltale signs to uncover this kind of fraud:
- Check for Inconsistencies: Compare the mileage on the odometer with the mileage recorded on maintenance and inspection documents. Look for any discrepancies that don’t add up. A VIN number mileage check can be helpful here.
- Examine Wear and Tear: A car with low mileage should show minimal wear. Inspect the pedals, steering wheel, and seats for excessive wear, which could indicate higher usage than the odometer suggests.
- Look for Tampering Signs: Inspect the odometer for any signs of tampering, such as misaligned numbers, loose components, or scratches around the dashboard area.
- Utilize Vehicle History Reports: Online services can provide a detailed history, including mileage records at various points in the car’s life. Unusual drops in recorded mileage may signal a rollback.
- Consult a Mechanic: A professional mechanic can identify signs of higher mileage, such as engine wear or transmission issues, which may not align with a low-mileage reading.
How to Get a Full Report by Car VIN
A few years ago, I was looking at a used car that seemed perfect — excellent condition, low mileage, and an unbeatable price. It was too good to be true – my sixth sense told me something was off. So, I decided to use Searqle to check the vehicle history using the VIN. Guess what? My intuition was correct! It turned out the car had significantly higher real mileage than the odometer indicated.
Before you land in a situation like this, it’s good to know how to check mileage on car using an online service like Searqle VIN Lookup. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate the VIN: Find the VIN on the car’s dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, engine block, or on the vehicle’s title and registration documents.
- Visit Searqle VIN Lookup: Go to Searqle VIN Lookup.
- Enter the VIN: Input the 17-character VIN into the search bar on the website.
- Review the Report: Searqle offers a detailed report that provides accident history, mileage rollback, warranty records, recalls and defects, vehicle specs, stolen car history, and more.
- Analyze the Report: Once you receive the report, review it carefully. Pay special attention to the VIN check for mileage records and look for any irregularities or signs of rollback.
Conclusion
There you have it — how to check the mileage of a car! Verifying this is crucial to protecting yourself from odometer fraud. My own experiences have underscored just how important this due diligence is. A bit of extra effort upfront can save you from significant headaches and expenses later. So, the next time you’re in the market for a used car, make sure to use Searqle’s VIN lookup to verify the mileage. Good luck with your car hunt!
