Here is something I've wondered about for a while. When I bought my car from the original owner they told me it had 30k original miles on it. I believe them because of the condition of the car, but how can I be certain? The odometer only goes up to the ten thousands so it could be that it had 130k rather than 30k. Right? Something I don't know?
There's no way to tell how many times the odometer has turned over so it could be 30 or 130 or 230, etc.
You have to look for wear. With 30K, it should still have the original seats and break pedal which should be in excellent condition. If these items have been replaced, I would be suspicious of the milage.
Little things are the give-away for a low-mileage car. Its not a definate absolute.....but without each years' inspection reports its about all you have. All of these apply to low mileage cars: already hinted at are the brake pedal - the right side usually wears as it is used Turn Signal - should move into left or right with a sold "CLICK" and there should be little slop in the arms' movement Door Handle - again, it should not have any side to side slop, and up an down movement should be precise and crisp. Also, , the return spring should bring the handle back down easily. Window Cranks - little play and operate smoothly. bright finish and little wear to handle / knob Drivers carpet wear - where both feet rest should be in good condition (this is easily masked by floor mats though ANYTHING that gets touched often - Headlight switch, wiper switch, climate control - should all be bright with no paint / chrome wear Original plugs / wires - my 47K Sky had 7 of 8 original plugs and date-coded wires.....30 years after production !! Also, radiator clamps, voltage regulator, altenator...etc.etc.. should all be original Original Spare tire still in trunk - with jack and access. all properly in place. Now...these are what I've observed over the years. Its true that a 30K car could have lead a Very hard life.....like ALOT of say under 10 mile trips only....but thats unlikely. hope this helps
