Mileage and history: buying used wisely

When buying a used vehicle, mileage and service history are key indicators to assess the real condition of the vehicle. Here are the points to check.

Mileage

The odometer shows total mileage. Check consistency with the vehicle’s age (on average 15,000–25,000 km/year depending on use). A large gap (very low or very high mileage for age) can be legitimate (second car, long distance) or suspicious. Clock adjustment: illegal; checks (history, steering wheel/pedal wear, part condition) can give clues. Mileage history (service book, recalls, MOT) helps cross-check data.

Service history

Ask for the service book (or invoices): oil changes, services, timing belt, brakes, tyres. Regular and compliant maintenance is a good sign. Recalls: check if any recalls are outstanding (official sites, VIN). MOT: date and result (minor, major defects, re-test).

Guarantees and checks

When buying from a dealer, legal guarantees (hidden defects, legal conformity) apply. Read the contract and exclusions. Vehicle history (HPI, Carfax, etc.): can reveal accidents, ownership changes, inconsistencies. Test drive and inspection by a third party recommended before committing.

Summary

Cross-check mileage, service book, MOT and history to get an idea of the vehicle’s condition. My Auto Check-up can help you analyse the symptoms of a used car before or after purchase to anticipate repairs.