The Nissan Qashqai was the most clocked car in 2024, with 3.4% of models checked showing signs of odometer fraud, according to carVertical.
Odometer fraud leads to overpayment and unexpected maintenance costs. A comprehensive car history report can reveal when and how the odometer has been tampered with, as well as how many miles were rolled back.
Matas Buzelis, carVertical’s head of communications and car market expert, said: “Proving odometer fraud remains a significant challenge, which unfortunately leaves many scammers feeling untouchable.
“With the UK used car market still vulnerable to mileage manipulation, it’s crucial for buyers to always check a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.
“Often, even the current owner may not be aware of any tampering that occurred before they acquired the car. This can lead to an unpleasant surprise for both parties when the fraud is discovered during a future sale. It highlights how important it is to be proactive in verifying a car’s true condition.”
The BMW 5 Series (3.4%) and Land Rover Defenders (3%) ranked second and third, respectively, among the most clocked cars.
The Land Rover Defender was followed by the Audi A6 (2.9%), Vauxhall Astra (2.9%), Vauxhall Corsa (2.6%), VW Passat (2.4%), the Audi S3 (2.4%), VW Caddy (2.3%), and the Nissan Juke (2.2%).
However, the VW Caddy had the highest number of miles rolled back (an average of 104,732 miles).
The most checked vehicles, reflecting the popularity of these models in the used market, were the VW Golf (accounting for 4.7% of all UK car history reports), the Range Rover (2.25%), the Ford Fiesta (2.81%), and the Ford Focus (2.2%).
