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Check APK History and Mileage Before Buying a Dutch Used Car

How to use RDW data, APK history, mileage records, import status and service invoices before buying a used car in the Netherlands.

By Tom Hoenderdos · Last updated 2026-06-29 · 7 min read

RideIQ is the tool I built to solve the problems in this guide: a used-car search for internationals in the Netherlands. Try it free

Table of contents

A used-car advert tells you what the seller wants to highlight. The Dutch licence plate often tells you what you actually need to know.

Before viewing a car, check the registration via the RDW vehicle check. Then compare the advert, APK history, mileage status and service invoices.

What the licence plate can show

The public RDW data can show brand, model, fuel type, weight, APK expiry date, first registration, Dutch registration date and mileage status.

Check at least:

  • Does the car match the advert?
  • When does the APK expire?
  • Is the mileage status logical?
  • Was the car imported?
  • Does the weight match your expected road tax?
  • Is there a serious status warning?

APK is not a purchase inspection

APK is the Dutch roadworthiness inspection. A valid APK does not mean the car is in good condition. It means it met minimum legal standards at inspection.

Look for patterns:

  • Repeated brake issues.
  • Corrosion warnings.
  • Suspension and tyre comments.
  • A fresh APK just before sale with no service invoice.

If the car recently failed APK, read what to do with a failed APK.

Mileage: look for a logical story

The RDW mileage guidance is essential for Dutch cars. A low number is not enough; the history must make sense.

Compare:

  • RDW/NAP mileage status.
  • Service invoices.
  • APK reports.
  • Wear on steering wheel, seats and pedals.
  • Import date.

If the mileage is marked illogical, only continue if the explanation is very strong.

Import cars need extra work

Imported cars are not automatically bad. Many good cars come from Germany or Belgium. The risk is missing history before Dutch registration.

Ask for:

  • Foreign service documents.
  • Damage repair evidence.
  • BPM/import paperwork.
  • Mileage records before import.

For the broader process, read importing a car into the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a valid APK enough?

No. APK is a minimum inspection, not a full purchase inspection.

What does illogical mileage mean?

It means the recorded mileage does not increase logically. It can be an error, but it can also point to fraud or missing history.

Are imported cars risky?

They need more checking. The car can be fine, but you need documents from before Dutch registration.

Can RideIQ replace an RDW check?

No. RideIQ helps combine listing data and RDW context, but you should still check documents, test drive and consider an inspection.

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