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VIN Decoder Ireland

Karolis Bareckas

While the used car market has become more transparent throughout the years, odometer tampering is still prevalent worldwide. Buyers lose millions of euros to insincere sellers and it seems that the situation won’t change drastically any time soon.

But which models are the most popular among fraudsters? To answer this question, we explored thousands of history reports to make a list of the top 20 most clocked vehicle models.

From economy class cars to premium vehicles – any car can have its 

. However, some cars end up being clocked more than others. Let’s find out what happened in the clocking department in 2024.

Reveal them all! Just enter a VIN code and click the button:

Used cars have dark secrets

261,495 km – the highest mileage rollback in the study (Mercedes-Benz V-Class from Spain).

30.2% – the highest share of clocked models (Volvo V70 from Latvia).

6 – the number of Audi cars among the top 20 models with the most rollbacks.

4.5% – the share of clocked Citroen C4 models (the least rollbacks in the research).

7 – countries with at least one car model exceeding 10% of clocked vehicles.

11 – the number of premium cars among the top 20 most clocked vehicles.

German vehicle brands suffer from mileage fraud the most

The Audi A6 was the most clocked car on carVertical in 2024 – 8.4% of all models checked on our platform had an altered mileage. These are significant numbers, suggesting that 1 out 12 Audi A6 cars may have their original mileage forged.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (8.3%), Volkswagen Touareg (8.2%), BMW 5 Series (7.7%), and Volkswagen Passat (7.7%) are closely behind.

15 out of 20 most clocked vehicles belong to German manufacturers: Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, and Opel. 

German brands are known for their reliability, technological advancement, and premium features, making them an appealing option in the second-hand car market. However, this popularity also attracts scammers.

Scammers in different countries have different preferences for models to clock. In France, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most clocked model (5%), in Czechia – the Ford Mustang (13.5%), in the UK – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (4.7%), in Romania – the Toyota Prius (19.7%), and in Italy – the BMW 5 Series (8.5%).

Toyota Prius cars were the most clocked in Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, whereas the BMW 5 Series topped the list with the most rollbacks in Spain and Italy. 

The Toyota Prius often has clocked mileage due to its popularity among ride-sharing and taxi drivers

, who accumulate high kilometers quickly, making it a target for odometer fraud to inflate 

. The BMW 5 Series, on the other hand, is frequently clocked because of its premium reputation and strong demand in the used car market.

Some models may lose half of their actual mileage

Mercedes-Benz E-Class not only ranks among the most clocked cars but also leads in the highest number of kilometers rolled back

 (130,680 km on average). Other heavily clocked models include the Skoda Octavia (101,830 km), BMW 5 Series (96,662 km), Volkswagen Touareg (96,285 km), and Ford Mondeo (95,467 km).

If such models are listed as having 100,000 kilometers on the odometer, their actual mileage could be double.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class in Spain was clocked by the most kilometers in the research – 261,495 km. 

Cargo vans are often clocked more because they are typically used for commercial purposes, leading to high mileage

 from constant use for deliveries, logistics, and business operations. Manipulating the odometer allows sellers to make these vehicles appear less worn, inflating their resale value and appealing to unsuspecting buyers seeking reliable workhorses.

The Citroen C4 is the least clocked car on the list with the share of 4.5%

, meaning it’s almost twice riskier to buy the Audi A6 than the C4. The Skoda Octavia (4.6%), Ford Mondeo (4.6%), Audi Q5 (4.8%), and Volvo XC60 (5%) are also among the vehicles with the least mileage rollbacks.

The least risky cars in different countries vary. In Czechia, France, Latvia, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Finland, hatchbacks are clocked the least, in Spain and the UK – SUVs. However, every market is different, and the situation, even in neighboring countries, may differ significantly.

, therefore it’s important to check a car’s historical mileage and damage records.

 Performing a test drive and visiting a respectable dealership for an inspection also mitigates the chances of getting a vehicle in poor condition. Otherwise, you may risk losing money and compromise your safety.

So, you’ve checked a vehicle on carVertical and discovered that its mileage was altered – what should you do? 

Always inform the seller about mileage discrepancies you’ve found and allow them to explain the situation

. Not every seller is necessarily a bad guy, even though they’re selling a clocked car.

Sometimes, the odometer may have been altered in the past and the current owner doesn’t have any idea about it!

Clocked mileage means that the vehicle you’re interested in is worth less than its asking price

 with the seller. However, keep in mind that it may be in a significantly worse condition than you expect.

Passing a technical inspection with a forged mileage may also cause trouble if you get caught. Some countries allow you to restore a car’s mileage to the original one. However, check out your local laws beforehand so that you don’t have any trouble when registering such a vehicle.

Avoid costly problems by checking a vehicle's history. Get a report instantly!

Check your VIN

carVertical’s research examined actual car history reports acquired by our users from January 2024 and December 2024. Odometer tampering records found in the reports were categorized by car model, converted into percentages, and ranked.

Operating in 30 countries, carVertical uses data from over 900 international databases, including those from law enforcement agencies, national and state registries, financial institutions, and classified ad portals. By processing millions of car history reports annually, the company provides insights, forecasts, and trends in the used car market.

Most clocked cars 2024: which models are more likely to have their odometer altered?

Aivaras Grigelevičius

Outstanding driving dynamics and high build quality. These are just two synonyms associated with cars made by German manufacturers, which is still a common reason for buying a vehicle produced by one of the most influential automotive countries in the world.

While great build quality and driving enjoyment can be a great cause to buy a used German car, before choosing the maker, there is one crucial question to answer – who makes the most reliable German cars?

Dependability and reasonable maintenance costs are important features for any used vehicle owner, but they are especially important when purchasing a German vehicle. To help you avoid making a costly mistake, 

 has made a list to assist you in finding the most dependable German car.

A well-maintained and undamaged car is the most reliable! Check any VIN code to make sure you're not buying a wreck:

Looking for a reliable car?

Ranking the most reliable German car manufacturers

There are currently six major car manufacturers in Germany. Approximately 

six million new cars are produced within the country

, and 5 million more are produced in other regions. These include Hungary, Poland, China, and the United States.

So which of the German makers builds the most reliable vehicles?

one of the oldest automobile manufacturers

 in the world. Like Mercedes-Benz, Opel created their first car quite early – in the late 1890s. Also, like Mercedes-Benz, Opel was quite good at it.

However, the similarities between the two manufacturers disappeared in the 1930s. Mercedes-Benz quickly became synonymous with the best luxury cars in the automotive industry, while Opel 

suffered from poor General Motors management

There is an unusual distortion of statistics when trying to determine Opel's dependability. Several vehicle reliability studies from Germany conclude that Opel cars have higher quality standards than equivalents from other brands.

. For example, owners of the Opel Corsa, Insignia and Zafira 

report issues with oil-hungry petrol engines

 and questionable manual transmission durability.

Newer models, such as the Grandland or Crossland, show a lot more promise in terms of dependability. The Opel Grandland came in at seventh place out of 75 cars in the Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, but in overall brand ranking, Opel came in at 24 out of 29.

One of the most popular of the company's models is also 

. The 5th generation Opel Astra offers a solid ownership experience with fuel-efficient engines and proven electrical systems.

Opel Astra's reliability is better than expected of the manufacturer

. The Opel Astra is more dependable than the more expensive and bigger Opel Insignia, which is known for costly timing-chain and AdBlue systems failures.

Europe's largest car manufacturer for decades

. An extensive model range and a relatively conservative approach to car styling have won the hearts of many drivers in various parts of the world.

has long ceased to be a symbol of dependability

. The advent of sophisticated technology and safety equipment has taken a severe toll on Volkswagen's image as a reliable car manufacturer.

problems with corrosion, faulty fuel-injection systems

, and that's just a start. With that said, the latest vehicle reliability studies show that the German carmaker is starting to learn from their mistakes.

The French automotive magazine Auto Plus conducted a survey in which 

 – higher than Hyundai, Volvo, or Ford. Also, compared with earlier survey data, the notoriously unreliable DSG transmission has become a thing of the past, as has the faulty timing-chain system on models with petrol engines. However, modern Volkswagen’s do have issues with the build quality and software functionality.

The most reliable Volkswagen model – Volkswagen Tiguan

Practicality and better ground clearance are some of the Tiguan's better qualities. This Volkswagen SUV (along with the T-Roc) is also the most reliable car in the manufacturer's wide range. This is especially true of the fuel-efficient 2-liter diesel engine version.

The latest generation of the DSG dual-clutch transmission does not seem to have big weaknesses or expensive breakdowns. Furthermore, the North American market versions use a traditional 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, which helps reduce maintenance complexity.

The ultimate driving machine. For decades, BMW used this slogan as a symbol of the brand's spirit – made not just for comfort but also for sportier driving.

Like Porsche, BMW has made several successful performance vehicles, adored by car enthusiasts. However, the company has had many painful reliability setbacks, which have 

and the image that German cars are reliable.

Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen were once considered reliable. Meanwhile, the reliability of BMWs has always been just above average.

According to data from Consumer Reports, 

 for new (0-3 years) and older (3-8 years) models. BMW owners seem to feel that over 12 months, ownership of their 

, with frequent, frustrating visits to the workshop.

Consumer Reports places BMW in 17th place among all manufacturers.

 The German brand was beaten by Cadillac,

Neither too big nor too small. With a saloon or estate body style, it's not as stylish and desirable as the X3 or X5 SUVs today, but you get a more reliable car.

Surprisingly, the 5 Series, packed with technology and sophisticated systems, ranks higher on car reliability tests than the less complicated 1 and 3 Series. Owners tend to complain about software issues or problems with cooling systems, but these are minor flaws compared to BMW X5, X6, and others.

For decades, Mercedes-Benz was cherished for reliability and dependability. There are dozens of stories about these marvels of German engineering cruising without a proper engine rebuild in their 40th year – mileage be damned. It was a symbol of German luxury and dependability.

, but the latest models show promising signs that Mercedes wants to become a symbol of quality once again. However, the company will have to put in a lot of work to turn around its fortunes.

Several independent customer satisfaction surveys have placed Mercedes-Benz at the top of the satisfaction index for luxury cars, usually followed by Lexus. A high customer satisfaction rating helps improve relations with owners, but 

customer service has little to do with the reliability of its cars

Every year, the French magazine Auto Plus conducts a vehicle owner survey to determine which manufacturers produce reliable vehicles and what problems they've had over the years.

For the past few years, Mercedes-Benz's reliability has ranked at the 16-17th position. Neither good nor bad. The survey reveals that 

all of the luxury marque's models suffer from the same issues

. The A and B-Class have major issues with automatic gearboxes, C and E-Classes suffer from sunroof glitches or more frequent than usual turbocharger failures. The more popular SUVs have problems with failing sensors and stalling infotainment systems.

Mercedes-Benz's reliability and repair costs were also criticized by owners who took part in a survey by the European Consumer Association. Over 43,000 motorists said that Mercedes-Benz's reliability is just average, and most of them were expecting more from a make like Mercedes-Benz.

The most reliable Mercedes-Benz model – C Class

One of Mercedes-most Benz's most versatile and popular models, and for good reason. The W205 generation of cars was available as a saloon, estate, coupé, and even convertible. The W205 also offers a huge variety of petrol, diesel, and even hybrid power plants, so 

even the most selective buyer has a choice

While the C-Class is the most reliable Mercedes-Benz model, it isn't fault-free. Owners report that C-Class models have problems with jerky or freezing navigation systems, malfunctioning 9-speed automatic gearboxes, or early turbocharger failures.

After enormous efforts to become a luxury car marker, today Audiis 

considered one of the most technologically advanced manufacturers

 globally, dictating trends in several research fields.

Like many manufacturers in the vast Volkswagen Group, Audi shares platforms, suspension, engines, and transmissions with other brands. Yet the maker's engineers have often managed to give Audi models a distinctive character and the reliability of a premium vehicle.

has been lauded for excellent build quality

 and a general sense of a good product. Audi does not have a recipe for faultless cars, but a few models could be very close to it. Several different models from the brand are 

consistently in the top 20 most reliable models

, often leaving BMW and Mercedes-Benz models behind.

A vehicle dependability study by Consumer Reports has ranked the 

Audi A3, Q5, or A6 have shown their credibility

 in the reliability study curated by French outlet Delivauto, beating several rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

As impressive as Audi's achievements are, the brand's cars have shortcomings. Audis with petrol engines have issues with water pump failure. Another concern is S-Tronic (dual-clutch) gearboxes, nonfunctional EGR valves, and the wear of the timing chain.

One of Audi's most popular models is built with components found in the considerably cheaper Volkswagen Golf. Still, several improvements have enabled Audi to create a 

compact car that is comfortable, convenient, and extremely reliable.

The third generation of the Audi A3 is close to being the Audi flagship. It 

offers excellent build quality, easy-to-use technology, and durability many other models would envy

. It's no coincidence that the third generation of the Audi A3 has always been a benchmark for all competitors in this class.

Porsche is a renowned sports car manufacturer, known worldwide for its talented engineers and motorsports activities.

The manufacturer's constant drive to produce the best sports cars in the world has certainly helped lay the foundations of trust for a huge number of drivers.

Several automotive reliability studies, notably those conducted by Consumer Reports and Warranty Direct, rank 

Porsche's reliability way above the industry average.

 These studies put the maker closer to Japanese marques than other German car brands. However, each Porsche model's dependability should be considered separately.

, which these models have inherited from models that use the same components in the Volkswagen Group.

V6 petrol Macan, Cayenne, and Panamera cars suffer from timing case cover seal oil leaks. Also, owners report issues with fuel pumps, cracked exhaust mounts, or problems with Variocam adjuster bolts with models having a V8 petrol engine. However, thoroughbred Porsche performance cars do not share these weaknesses.

The most reliable Porsche model – Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 is the company's best-known model and is the closest thing to the brand's pure philosophy. It is also the most reliable on the roster.

For decades, Porsche perfected the sports car formula, without making drastic changes to the architecture. Of course, Porsche has implemented modern technologies, more fuel-efficient engines and advanced suspension systems, but without sacrificing reliability.

Granted, Porsche 911 owners cover less mileage than the average Porsche Macan owner. Still, more expensive and durable components make the favorite Porsche sports car dependable, no matter the weather.

Cars made in Germany were once prized for their superior engineering and quality. However, 

Various dependability and owner satisfaction studies show that several makes from Germany have been outshined by French and Korean makers.

However, there is a reason why so many German models look like a letdown. German cars need proper, detailed maintenance because of complex engineering solutions and a wide array of electrical systems. If reliability is a top priority, Germans cars need meticulous attention when it comes to 

, and that's not something everyone can provide.

Since most German-made cars can be fragile in the face of their owners' negligence, here are five tips to improve their endurance.

Germans cars with turbocharged petrol engines are known for their dynamic abilities. However, a price to pay for that is a thirst for engine oil.

To protect these engines from unusual breakdowns, every German car owner should closely monitor the oil level in the engine.

 more often. Most manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil, for example, every 30,000-32,000 km. However, for maximum reliability, engine oil should be changed every 11,000-16,000 km.

Most modern German cars use automatic gearboxes. Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and VW have a very effective double-clutch transmission system, which helps improve fuel economy and comfort while driving a car.

gearboxes are very sensitive to lack of proper maintenance

. The oil in the DSG gearbox should be changed every 60,000 km. The same goes for Mercedes-Benz G-Tronic and BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Your car’s battery is susceptible to weather and needs preventative care. Ensure that it has a tight connection and there isn’t any corrosion surrounding it.

. This type of battery typically lasts 5-7 years, but they give minimal warning when they are nearing the end of their lifespan.

It is an essential tip for all current and future German car owners. If you can afford it, 

, which were designed to withstand the manufacturer's quality standards from day one.

If OEM parts are too expensive, look for good aftermarket alternatives. They tend to offer an excellent price and durability ratio.

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Most clocked cars 2024: which models are more likely to have their odometer altered?

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