Data from leading diagnostics platform Carly reveals more than 1 in 7 vehicles show signs of mileage rollback or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) manipulation.
Based on more than 2,500,000 diagnostic sessions from over 550,000 UK Carly users from January to September 2025, the data found that 16.25% of UK cars checked using its tools displayed evidence of mileage fraud or identity discrepancies.
Dali Ati, head of internationalisation at Carly, said: “Mileage tampering can make a car appear newer and more valuable than it really is. But beneath the surface, it could be far more worn and that’s where unexpected problems begin.
“We want drivers to feel informed and in control before they spend their money. A quick Carly scan, using the Carly Used Car Check, can uncover these hidden issues in just minutes… and the best part? The scanner costs as little as £41, and these checks can save buyers thousands.”
Odometer tampering is a nationwide problem. Buyers in the North of England are just as likely to encounter clocked vehicles as those in the South.
Using advanced digital diagnostics, Carly connects directly to a vehicle’s internal systems via the OBD port to compare mileage readings across multiple control units – helping to identify resets, inconsistencies, or VIN mismatches that would be difficult to detect by visual inspection alone.
Carly is urging buyers to carry out digital checks before committing to any used car purchase – especially when dealing with private sellers or smaller dealerships.
Carly offers two packages: Basic and Premium. The Premium package includes the scanner and unlocks full functionality, including the Used Car Check, which allows drivers to detect mileage rollback and VIN inconsistencies. Prices start from around £41.
