What Does the VIN Number Tell You About a Used Car?

Although it is a weird combination of letters and numbers, the automobile VIN certainly isn’t random and it tells a lot about the history of the car. Let’s take a look at the breakdown of a VIN number:
• Digit 1: where country where the car was manufactured. Eg. cars made in Canada start with 2
• Digits 2-3: typically is the letter that begins the manufacturer’s name. Eg. A is for Audi
• Digits 4-8: car facts. Eg. engine code
• Digit 9: security code that is used to detect invalid VINs
• Digit 10: vehicle’s model year
• Digit 11: tells the plant where vehicle was manufactured
• Digits 12-17: unique serial number

If you’re considering buying a used car, it’s important to check the vehicle’s VIN to determine if a used
car is suspect or not. If the advertised VIN number does not match up with the make and model of the advertised vehicle, it can indicate a potential scam. A standard VIN check can also reveal important vehicle history information including if it has been stolen.

Sure, but it will only give you basic info about the car – engine size, assembly plant/ fuel type. If you’re
looking for a complete vehicle history report, you’ll have between XX to XX.

The VIN number will be stamped into the chassis of a vehicle, usually found in the engine bay or beneath
the plastic trim around the driver or passenger door opening.

It depends on what information you need when choosing the right car data check. If you intend to buy a used car and want to have more car information, we recommend running a car vin check. The car history reports can reveal if the motor vehicle you’re considering has been reported stolen or if it has a salvage title.

The vehicle report reveals all the key aspects you may want to know:

• Car history
• The type of the car
• Odometer readings
• Total loss records
• Car accident claim
• Mileage Rollback (car mileage check)
• Recalls and defects
• Car accident reports
• Lien and repossession records
• Theft and recovery records
• Personal, Police or Taxi Use
• Inspection, service, car registrations History
• Car titles