Greetings All. I am very close to buying a 2001 Z3 with 10K miles. Carfax and other maintenance records look normal but last 3-4 years show less than 1000 miles. I was told that it was stored in a garage. There is no excessive wear & tear so how can I tell if there is any tampering with the odometer? Cheers.
Newbie question about low mileage
- Thread starter chadwick
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- low mileage mileage odometer
Other than corrosion and previous MOT's etc (assuming you are in the UK) the only things I know of are the Anti tamper dot on the dash, this dot will appear by the service lights.
Also the code reader kit called "Carly" can do anti tamper checks with the ECU and binnacle to check using software.
These are the only methods I know of.
Also the code reader kit called "Carly" can do anti tamper checks with the ECU and binnacle to check using software.
These are the only methods I know of.
If its UK, https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history. Because a car HAS to be checked annually, you can check mileage and I doubt they would reduce it every year. Cost would be too much.
Pedals and carpets can be a good shout for wear.
Check the history for brakes, if they haven't been changed, look at how much life is left?
It is a guessing game but there could be signs.
Pedals and carpets can be a good shout for wear.
Check the history for brakes, if they haven't been changed, look at how much life is left?
It is a guessing game but there could be signs.
The flag shows that @chadwick is in the States, so the car may be also and standard UK MOT records will not be available. Maybe mileage is recorded on smog testing or whatever other checks are required in his State. The condition of the car should support the low miles and I would expect it to be almost perfect.
Whilst there may be no excessive wear and tear over the 16 year life various components will have deteriorated. First up would be tyres (tires - see I am bilingual) at 10K the tread will still be a good depth but the rubber will have degraded and be well past the general manufacturers maximum age recommendation of 6 years. Other rubber components, bushes, hoses and belts, are worth checking over as well. Unless there is documentation for fluid changes the brake fluid and anti freeze will probably be overdue a change.
Finally welcome to the forum. If you do decide to buy the car show us some photos and use the accumulated knowledge on here to help you get the best from your Z3 and keeping it running.
Whilst there may be no excessive wear and tear over the 16 year life various components will have deteriorated. First up would be tyres (tires - see I am bilingual) at 10K the tread will still be a good depth but the rubber will have degraded and be well past the general manufacturers maximum age recommendation of 6 years. Other rubber components, bushes, hoses and belts, are worth checking over as well. Unless there is documentation for fluid changes the brake fluid and anti freeze will probably be overdue a change.
Finally welcome to the forum. If you do decide to buy the car show us some photos and use the accumulated knowledge on here to help you get the best from your Z3 and keeping it running.
Tyres over here have the production date stamped on the sidewall. 0802 would mean 8th week of 2002.
So that may help. But it’s not foolproof obviously.
Like @roadvoyager1 says. If it’s only done 10k miles it really should have a pristine and fresh feel to it.
If not it’s not to say it hasn’t done 10k. But are you going to buy and presumably pay a premium for a 10k car that hasn’t been looked after?
So that may help. But it’s not foolproof obviously.
Like @roadvoyager1 says. If it’s only done 10k miles it really should have a pristine and fresh feel to it.
If not it’s not to say it hasn’t done 10k. But are you going to buy and presumably pay a premium for a 10k car that hasn’t been looked after?
Hi and welcome from London, it will be a good find if its genuine
Hi and welcome. I would be concerned buying a car with so few miles at that age. Everything has a shelf life and items will perish through lack of use. I would give it a thorough going over before committing.
to the forum from West Cumbria, England
Hello and welcome to the forum
Hi from central Canada !! Put the car on a hoist and have a knowledgable mechanic go over it from top to bottom front to back. A car sitting around not doing anything can bring on many as mentioned problems!! These can devalue the car to a point where the 10K isn't so appealing anymore!! But you may have found a rare gem so good luck just please proceed carefully, it could turn into a money pit!! JIM
raymond
Zorg Guru (I)
Look at the tires/tyres https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires