Used car buyers are facing increasing risks of hidden mechanical issues and financial loss due to widespread odometer fraud and undisclosed damage, according to a new report. The analysis from automotive data firm carVertical examined vehicles in lithuania and revealed that while mileage manipulation is decreasing in newer models, the potential costs associated with these discrepancies are rising. the report highlights a particularly high risk for 2009 vehicles, but emphasizes that no model year is immune to these deceptive practices.
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Lithuania-based automotive data firm carVertical has released a new report detailing a persistent issue in the used car market: discrepancies in odometer readings and undisclosed vehicle damage. The analysis, covering vehicles registered in Lithuania between 2005 and 2020, reveals that while newer vehicles are less likely to have their mileage altered, the financial impact of such fraud is growing.
The data indicates that 2009 model year vehicles carry the highest risk, with 14.2% of those inspected by carVertical showing evidence of mileage manipulation. However, even recent models aren’t immune. In 2018, 3.8% of vehicles had altered odometer readings, falling slightly to 2.6% in 2019 and 2.3% in 2020.
According to the report, discrepancies in mileage can lead to significant financial losses for buyers, who may overpay for a vehicle with more wear and tear than advertised. The potential for future mechanical issues also increases with higher, undisclosed mileage, potentially rendering the vehicle unusable. The higher the initial purchase price, the greater the potential loss for the buyer.
“When purchasing a nearly new vehicle with low mileage, buyers typically expect minimal investment in repairs,” says Matas Buzelis, a carVertical automotive market expert. “However, if the actual mileage is significantly higher than stated, numerous critical vehicle components may already be worn and require premature replacement.”
The average mileage discrepancy discovered in 2005 vehicles was 104,300 kilometers, compared to 102,600 kilometers for 2015 models and 106,400 kilometers for 2020 vehicles. This suggests that the risk of encountering a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer remains substantial regardless of the car’s age.
Older Vehicles More Likely to Have Been Involved in Accidents
carVertical’s analysis also revealed a correlation between vehicle age and the likelihood of prior accident damage. Vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2016 exhibited the highest rates of reported damage, with 62% to 67% of inspected vehicles showing evidence of prior incidents.
Newer vehicles are not exempt from accident history, either. 55.4% of 2018 models, 47.6% of 2019 models, and 36.6% of 2020 models had sustained damage. However, the cost of repairs for these newer vehicles is considerably higher due to more expensive parts and advanced technology.
The average damage claim for a 2005 model was €1,874, while the average claim for a 2020 model reached €5,364. This increase reflects the rising cost of vehicle repair and the complexity of modern automotive systems.
“Minor damage, such as a dented bumper, typically doesn’t affect driving quality,” Buzelis explains. “However, if a vehicle has sustained more significant damage in an accident, a thorough assessment of its condition is crucial. Some of these vehicles may pose a safety risk to both the driver and other road users.”
Due Diligence is Key to Avoiding Problem Vehicles
The research, conducted across Lithuania and other European countries, confirms that both mileage and damage history can be manipulated in vehicles of any age. The findings underscore the importance of independent vehicle history checks in a market where transparency remains a challenge.
carVertical advises prospective buyers to always verify a vehicle’s history and have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase. Despite the misconception that modern vehicles are tamper-proof, Buzelis emphasizes that skilled individuals can manipulate odometer readings in both older and newer cars.
“Fraudsters often target newer vehicles with higher mileage because they can generate a greater profit by reducing the odometer reading,” Buzelis states. “This is supported by our data, which shows that mileage discrepancies are more common in newer vehicles than in older ones.”
Methodology
The carVertical study analyzed vehicle history reports for cars purchased by the company’s customers in Lithuania in 2024. The research encompassed vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2020. Vehicles with altered mileage and recorded damage were grouped by year, converted into percentages, and ranked by size.
carVertical specializes in vehicle history reports and operates in 35 countries, primarily in Europe, as well as the United States, Mexico, and Australia. By collecting data from over 900 registries and databases worldwide, carVertical provides comprehensive reports to help customers make informed decisions when purchasing used vehicles. The company reported record revenues of €53.9 million in 2024. Beyond providing history reports, carVertical aims to elevate standards and culture within the used vehicle market. In 2023, carVertical’s information security management system received ISO/IEC 27001:2017 certification – the world’s most recognized information security standard.
