How to tell if a vehicle's odometer has rolled over?

I'm about to check out a 1996 Ford E150 conversion van with less than 50k miles being sold by a private owner. Pictures reveal the exterior to be in excellent condition but the interior is a little dinged up. If everything is on the up and up this vehicle was driven an average of less than 3k miles per year. That alone makes me a little suspicious. Now I know what a good magic wand trick at the local carwash can do for the engine compartment, etc. But I would like something a little more scientific for reassurance that I'm not getting bent over.

No. This is why older vehicles are exempt from odometer statements.

Get a Carfax report and that should give you some helpful information. In the report, they indicate if they have a reason to suspect the odometer has been tampered with.

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