verifying mileage
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Seattle WA
If you were looking at Honda Accords and you saw a bunch of 97-04's with 20k miles or less, yeah, that would be strange.
Corvettes are often purchased and then left in the garage.
And then waxed.
And then polished.
And one time they are driven, so then they need another waxing and polishing.
And then, they drive them to a photo shoot where one of the pretty girls sits on the fender, and the owner goes nuts, scares the girls away, quickly drives home to put another 3 coats of polish on the entire car and saying 'It's ok honey, I know she tried to hurt you, I'll take good care of you, I promise, it's ok....'
Anyways, yeah. Lots of low mileage vettes out there, no reason to doubt the odometer.
Le Mans Master
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From: OK
Race Director
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From: oregon
there is no way to tell, but, service records along the way that state mileage along with emissions statements are your best bet
mileage can be altered in a c5 and it has happened more than a few times
at the same time many low mileage ones exist, make sure your ducks line up
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
not true, in most states the law only covers 10 years since new. the c5 would not fall under legal protection. texas is the only state i know of with strict anti tamper laws
there is no way to tell, but, service records along the way that state mileage along with emissions statements are your best bet
mileage can be altered in a c5 and it has happened more than a few times
at the same time many low mileage ones exist, make sure your ducks line up
there is no way to tell, but, service records along the way that state mileage along with emissions statements are your best bet
mileage can be altered in a c5 and it has happened more than a few times
at the same time many low mileage ones exist, make sure your ducks line up
Last edited by JR-01; May 14, 2015 at 06:06 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Wisconsin
True. The average Corvette owner doesn't have a clue how to change mileage, dealerships would be breaking the law and risking loss of business if caught rolling back odometers, used car lots are probably the most likely to roll back, but they are under a lot of scrutiny because of their reputation. I still believe most C5s are legit. Of course there are exceptions.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: OK
Super clean super low miles cars certainly bring a premium... that being said... if it's a super clean car and you suspect roll back... check the records, ask lots of questions, talk to previous owners, and get the scoop. The car we bought had the car fax flagged for roll back...so, I called the GM of the dealership and explained how the mileage added up according to their Carfax on their website... he proceeded to explain that at some point someone wrote down the wrong mileage and thus the discrepancy... he also said the owner that traded it in had all the service done at that dealership for the last 7 years and would be glad to give me his phone number so I could verify milage.... it only had 28k on a 04 a year ago it now has 34k on it. Just do your diligence and you'll be good! 
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Carfax would be a starting point where to look. It's not the whole story but can tell you when and where first registered... and more.
