The Hidden Cost of Odometer Fraud: Why Budget Cars Are Often the Riskiest Buys

Buying a used car can be both exciting and stressful — especially when it comes to ensuring the vehicle’s mileage is accurate. While expensive cars tend to come with better documentation, cheaper vehicles are far more likely to have their odometers tampered with. Recent research from Car Brief reveals that odometer fraud affects both high-end and budget vehicles, but the risk is significantly higher for low-cost cars.

Key Findings

• 7.5% of cars priced below €5,000 showed signs of odometer manipulation.
• Ukraine reported the highest percentage of clocked vehicles under €5,000 — 15.9%.
• Odometer rollback is most common among low-priced vehicles in Eastern Europe.
• Only 1.8% of cars valued above €50,000 had tampered mileage readings.
• Spain recorded the highest fraud rate among luxury cars, with 4.1% affected.

The Cheaper the Car, the Higher the Risk

According to Car Brief data, the likelihood of odometer fraud decreases as the price of the car increases. Vehicles below €5,000 have the highest manipulation rate (7.5%), while those above €25,000 see a significant drop to around 2–3%. Cars over €50,000 are the least affected, with only 1.8% showing mileage discrepancies.

Lower-priced vehicles are often sold with limited documentation or without a detailed history check. This makes it easier for dishonest sellers to roll back mileage, increasing the selling price and deceiving buyers. Many budget-conscious drivers also skip ordering a vehicle history report — a mistake that can lead to major losses later.

“Car buyers often seek low mileage, but if that number isn’t verified, it can be misleading,” explains an automotive expert from Car Brief. “Hidden wear and tear or mechanical issues can appear soon after purchase, leading to unexpected expenses.”

Low-Cost Cars: A Target in Eastern Europe

Mileage tampering is particularly widespread in Eastern European markets, though it occurs globally. Economic factors and market demand play a big role in why older, cheaper cars are clocked more frequently in this region.

For example, in Romania, 11.1% of sub-€5,000 cars are clocked. In Lithuania, the rate is 10.3%, and in Latvia, 13.5%. By comparison, Western European countries like France and Italy show much lower rates (around 3%).

Buyers seeking affordable vehicles in these regions are often more price-sensitive, which ironically makes them more vulnerable to scams. A vehicle bought cheaply might cost significantly more in repairs and depreciation if it has a falsified odometer reading.

Luxury Cars Bring Bigger Losses

While mileage fraud is less common among premium vehicles, the financial impact is much greater. A small percentage of high-value cars — even just 2–3% — can translate into massive financial losses for unsuspecting buyers.

For example, buying a luxury car worth €50,000 with a rolled-back odometer could mean overpaying by as much as €10,000. These vehicles may also require more expensive maintenance due to hidden wear and tear. Interestingly, Spain and Portugal lead in odometer fraud within the premium segment — 5.8% and 4.9%, respectively.

Common Signs of Mileage Fraud

Although it can be difficult to detect, there are several red flags that can help you spot a tampered odometer before purchasing a used car:

• Suspiciously low price: Scammers often price vehicles lower to attract quick buyers before the fraud is discovered.
• Worn interior parts: Excessive wear on the steering wheel, pedals, or seats can signal higher mileage than what’s displayed.
• Seller pressure: If the seller insists on a fast sale, it might be to prevent you from running a VIN check.
• Missing service history: Gaps or inconsistencies in maintenance records are strong indicators of potential odometer tampering.

These signs don’t always confirm fraud, but they should encourage buyers to be more cautious. A quick VIN lookup using Car Brief can reveal the car’s entire recorded history, helping you make a safer decision.

How to Verify a Car’s True Mileage

To confirm whether a car’s odometer reading is genuine, every Car Brief vehicle history report includes a dedicated Odometer Section. This section tracks all recorded mileage entries and displays them in a clear, visual graph.

If a sudden drop or irregularity appears in the data, it’s a clear sign of tampering. This tool makes it easy for buyers to confirm the vehicle’s real usage before committing to a purchase — and even negotiate a fairer price if any discrepancies are found.

Final Thoughts

Odometer fraud remains one of the most common scams in the used car market. Whether you’re shopping for a budget-friendly ride or a premium model, always verify its past with Car Brief. A quick VIN check can help you avoid hidden risks, overpricing, and costly surprises — ensuring your next car purchase is truly worth the investment.