How to spot a clocked odometer
10 June 2026 · The Carnado team
A clocked (rolled-back) odometer is one of the most common scams in the used car market. Yet the difference between 90,000 and 180,000 km can easily be worth thousands of euros. Here's what to look out for.
1. Service history and invoices
Ask to see the complete service book and invoices. The mileage recorded at each service must steadily go up. A jump backwards or a long gap in the history is a red flag.
2. Wear and tear vs. stated mileage
Worn pedals, a polished steering wheel, a frayed driver's seat and a worn gear knob don't add up on a car with "low" mileage.
3. Online records and roadworthiness tests
Roadworthiness test reports (the Czech STK, the UK MOT, the German TÜV) and registration records can expose inconsistencies. Compare the mileage from the most recent inspection with what the seller claims.
4. Diagnostics across several control units
Modern cars store the mileage in more than one place. A garage with diagnostic equipment can compare the values from the individual units — if they don't match, something's wrong.
5. Wear of parts with a limited lifespan
| Part | Typical replacement |
|---|---|
| Timing belt | ~120,000 km |
| Clutch | 150,000–200,000 km |
| Shock absorbers | ~100,000 km |
"Extra" new parts on a car with low mileage can mask its real condition.
6. Listings across sources
Before you buy, search for the same car on several marketplaces. Sometimes you'll find an older listing showing a higher mileage. Carnado is ideal for exactly that.
7. Inspection by an independent mechanic
An inspection pays for itself many times over. Have the car checked before you buy it, not afterwards.
Rule of thumb: if the price, condition and history don't add up, trust what you see on the car — not the number on the display.
When you're ready, go through our complete pre-purchase checklist too.