Ascertaining the true mileage of a 2nd hand car - possible?

Tommygunn

Is it possible to find out the true mileage of a car by doing a more in-depth analysis of the vehicle? I've been reading that the vehicle ECU can be read and will be more or less accurate to what is displayed on the odometer, or not.

Can this be done at home with an OBDII gadget or would it need to be taken to a specialist with the right equipment to examine the ECU?


Cheers,
Tom.

System

If its 3 years old or more just check the MOT history. If its under 3 years old go to a dealership and get the service history printed out.

Whilst some record the mileage in the ECU not all do.

alan_d

Tommygunn wrote: »

I've been reading that the vehicle ECU can be read and will be more or less accurate to what is displayed on the odometer, or not.

What make / model car?
Certainly with Volvo the ECU stores it and it can be read with VIDA. Other makes will probably have it also.

arcon5

How old a car we talking

motorguy

Tommygunn wrote: »

Is it possible to find out the true mileage of a car by doing a more in-depth analysis of the vehicle? I've been reading that the vehicle ECU can be read and will be more or less accurate to what is displayed on the odometer, or not.

Can this be done at home with an OBDII gadget or would it need to be taken to a specialist with the right equipment to examine the ECU?


Cheers,
Tom.

As has been said, dependent on age - for the first three years of its life, dealer history. For > 3 years then online MOT history check.

Either way, an HPI check too (though wont give much more information on mileage)

An OBD reader wont read the ECUs in a car to enough depth to get you the mileage info. A main dealer should be able to interrogate the ECUs though and give you an accurate mileage. I say ECUs because there are several on most cars, and the mileage is held in various locations, including sometimes the key.

macman

Service history should show the mileage, if it's an old style printed service log.

sevenhills

Has it had previous owners, look at their address on the V5 and get in contact and ask them the milage at that time.

prowla

I bought a car a while back which had a surprisingly low mileage specified in the ad.


I went and checked the MOT history and found it had gone backwards one year; I suspect it had a new instrument cluster.

Geodark

Its even possible to re-prog some of them - I know with vauxhall the mileage is in two places in memory. one for the instrument cluster and one for the actual mileage

Tommygunn

Yes, to clarify, we are talking a 2010 Opel Zafira, here, in Italy. Everything would appear to be fine but I just want to make sure 100%, which is why I want to go this route i.e. some sort of gizmo to dig down.


Tom.

debtdebt

With an 8 year old run of the mill car like a Zafira, any discrepancy in mileage would likely have zero effect in it!!!8217;s value.