Mileage discrepancies and clocking

How to use mileage data

Check the mileage readings and dates for odd figures (such as a later figure that's lower) and cross check against any MOT certificates and service records.

Any discrepancies could mean the vehicle has been 'clocked'.

What if there is a mileage anomaly?

Mileage anomalies don't necessarily mean clocking - a figure might have been entered wrongly in the past, or the odometer could have needed replacing after an accident. Talk to the seller and, if there was an odometer change, ask for proof.

Please note that the DVLA round up mileages to the nearest thousand.

Also, the information is not validated and some data may not be complete or accurate. Please note that a small proportion of imported vehicles may have readings in kilometres rather than miles.

What if there is no mileage information?

There may be no data - or one figure when the car is fairly new and then nothing for several years.

This is because it's not compulsory to supply mileage information. So garages that serviced the vehicle may not have submitted any data.

And previous owners may not have entered any mileage on the V5C form when they sold the vehicle.

The significance of BVRLA mileage data

The BVRLA reports mileage on fleet and lease vehicles. These vehicles often cover very high mileages in short periods of time, and are prone to clocking to increase their value.

There is also a high chance that the vehicle was directly insured by the fleet owner and so, if it was in an accident, there would be no record if the car was written off. Check cars that were part of fleets particularly carefully for signs of previous accidents and if possible contact the original
BVRLA owner.