The Importance of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) in Buying Used Cars

While each pre-owned vehicle comes with its own history, not every story ends well. For those purchasing used, your task is to determine that history before making the purchase. The 17-character code known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is an essential tool for doing so. A VIN is a unique set of characters assigned to each vehicle that is manufactured and serves as its fingerprint. Knowing how to use the VIN can be the difference between owning a dependable car versus a costly mistake.

A vehicle's VIN is similar to a passport. It shows you the place of origin, various features & specifications, and a very comprehensive history of the car's past. When considering buying used automobiles, the VIN is the most important resource for your research. It can enable you to research the vehicle's entire history including accident records, title problems, and service records. Not utilizing the VIN is akin to purchasing real estate without a home inspection, a very risky practice you should avoid.

Using a VIN when purchasing a vehicle is an important and informed decision. This guide will provide the steps necessary to use the VIN correctly, how to create a complete vehicle history report using the VIN and common warning signs to look out for.

What is A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code consisting of 17 characters assigned to every vehicle that is manufactured. Since 1981, the format of a VIN has been the same across the world and allows manufacturers to provide a unique identifier for every automobile, truck, and motorcycle manufactured worldwide. Therefore, no two vehicles made within a 30-year timeframe can have the same VIN.

Most people can find the VIN in one of the following four areas of a vehicle:

Driver's Side Dashboard: If standing in front of the vehicle, looking through the windshield on the driver's side is the dashboard where it meets the windshield.
Driver's Side Door Jamb: If you open the driver's door, there should be a sticker located in the frame where the door latches.
Engine Block: The VIN is typically stamped on the engine block.
Vehicle Title and Registration: The vehicle's title and registration also include a VIN on every official certificate (ownership and insurance cards).

Understanding VIN 17 characters

Each number in your VIN will tell you something specific and, although there is no need to memorize all the sections of the VIN, knowing what they are can provide a snapshot of your vehicle.

Characters	What They Represent	Example Breakdown (Illustrative)
1-3	World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)	Identifies the country of origin and the manufacturer. (e.g., 1HG = Honda, USA)
4-8	Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)	Details the vehicle's model, body style, engine type, and transmission.
9	Check Digit	A security code calculated from the other digits to verify the VIN's authenticity.
10	Model Year	A letter or number representing the year the car was manufactured. (e.g., 'E' for 2014, 'F' for 2015)
11	Plant Code	Indicates the specific assembly plant where the vehicle was built.
12-17	Sequential Number	The unique serial number assigned to the vehicle as it came off the assembly line.

The VIN provides a complex overview and solid identification for each vehicle. The VIN has an element known as the check digit, which helps to identify fraudulent VINs, as fake VINs typically do not pass the verification process.

The Importance of Obtaining a Vehicle History Report

Running a VIN history report is one of the most important steps to take when acquiring a vehicle. VIN history reports compile extensive vehicle history data from thousands of sources, including DMV records, various insurance providers, auto repair shops, and police department records, compiling a complete picture of the vehicle's entire history.

When considering the purchase of a used vehicle online, or from an individual seller, obtaining a VIN history report should be a condition of purchase. Companies like CARFAX and AutoCheck use VIN information to create a complete account of the vehicle's history.

The critical details included in a VIN history report are:

Accident Report - A report will provide information about the number of reported accidents, their severity, and if the vehicle's airbag has deployed.
Branding Status / Title Brands - A report will disclose all brand titles on the vehicle (e.g., Salvage, Flood, Rebuilt, Lemon) which will significantly lower the value of the vehicle and may indicate major problems with the vehicle.
Odometer Reading(s) - The report will provide an accurate account of all odometer mileages during various types of transactions (e.g., inspection, sale, servicing). This will help identify odometer roll-back fraud, where the seller rolls back the mileage to make the vehicle appear newer.
Service History Records - Some reports include records of all oil change, tire rotation, physical care records to provide insight into how well the previous owner cared for the vehicle.
Previous Owners - It can make a difference in your decision whether you are the second, seventh, etc. owner.
Liens - A report will show if there is an outstanding loan for the vehicle, and may pose complications for the sale.
Recalls (open) - A report will indicate if the vehicle has any open safety recalls that have not been addressed.

Confirm your Vehicle Based on the VIN

The journey starts with the VIN; One tool to use before paying for a report is to confirm that the vehicle matches the seller's description using the VIN.

The Paperwork of the Vehicle Should Match

It is critical to verify the VIN on the vehicle against the VIN in the title and registration. Any mismatch is a huge red flag! It could indicate a stolen vehicle or a vehicle that has had the VIN of a legitimate vehicle implanted on it to disguise a stolen one (VIN's are cloned vehicles). This step is your first line of defense when verifying private seller vehicle data.

Confirming Original Specs With the VIN

The VIN's VDS (characters 4-8) identifies the original engine, transmission & trim level of that vehicle. There are many websites that will decode the VDS for free. You can use them to verify:

Is the engine as the seller advertised? A seller may state we're selling a powerful V6, but the VIN tells you it was originally built with a less desirable 4 cylinder.
Is the trim level as the seller represented? A base model with some cosmetic upgrades could be made to appear to be a premium trim level, but the VIN will tell you what it originally was when it left the factory.

This way you do not overpay for a vehicle that is not what it claims to be.

Evaluation of Using a VIN Check

While a VIN can make a huge difference, and can lead to many positive things happening for a buyer, it also has limitations. Using a VIN check is an excellent starting point.

Pros of Using a VIN Check	Cons of Using a VIN Check
Uncovers Hidden History: Reveals major issues like salvage titles and reported accidents that a seller might not disclose.	Not All Damage is Reported: An owner might pay for repairs out-of-pocket to avoid an insurance claim, so the damage won't appear on the report.
Verifies Vehicle Identity: Confirms the car's original specs, year, and model, preventing fraud.	Reports Can Have Gaps: Data from some small, independent repair shops may not be included.
Protects Against Theft: Helps you avoid buying a stolen or cloned vehicle by matching the car to its legal documents.	Doesn't Replace a Physical Inspection: A report can't tell you about current wear-and-tear, rust, or the condition of the tires and brakes.
Increases Bargaining Power: A history report showing minor accidents or multiple owners can be used to negotiate a lower price.	Cost: Running a full used car report costs money, which can add up if you're looking at multiple vehicles.

It is clear that conducting a VIN check is critical to any Due Diligence process; however, it should also be done in conjunction with having a trusted mechanic perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How to Use a VIN Check During The Used Vehicle Purchase Process –

Utilizing a VIN check can be accomplished by simply following the steps of utilizing a VIN when shopping for a used vehicle:

Find a Potential Vehicle: A car can be located on a dealership's lot or through a private seller, however, it must be something you wish to purchase.
Request the VIN: If the VIN is not available in the initial advertisement, request this from the seller. A reasonable seller should not object to your request.
Initial Check: Use an online decodable VIN to check whether the car's year, make, and model as well as its engine type match those posted in the advertisement.
Copious History Report: A trustworthy report service can provide detailed information on the car's history; take the time to read the entire report and focus on any title flags, damage reported on the report, accident history along with any discrepancies in the odometer reading.
Cross Reference The VIN: Check various locations on the vehicle for the VIN and ensure they all match the report and the vehicle title.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: The history report gives you the 'what' and the mechanic gives you the 'how.' The Pre-Purchase Inspection will assess the vehicle's current condition from a mechanical and structural standpoint, which will either validate or lead you to believe otherwise about the history report. Even if the report shows no major issues, a mechanic may still discover signs of flood damage that were not discovered, or evidence of inferior workmanship.

By using both of these resources—a comprehensive vehicle history report combined with a pre-purchase inspection—will protect you as a buyer and assure that you will receive a safe, reliable, and affordable used vehicle.

Conclusion: Don't Make A Purchase Blindly

The 17 characters of a Vehicle Identification Number provide a foundation for saving yourself from financial difficulties and security concerns. In an arena filled with used cars, it is the json expression of truth. It allows you to confirm the statements of the seller, discover the past of the vehicle, and base your choice on data instead of emotional appeal.

It is not the only tool that should be utilized, but it is a great place to begin. Always combine a vehicle history report with a thorough vehicle inspection by an expert. By using the VIN to its complete capacity, you change the power dynamic in your direction so that you know you are purchasing a used vehicle that is safe, dependable, and a good deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I learn about a vehicle's previous owner by checking the VIN?

Vehicle history reports do not provide personal information on prior owners because of privacy laws. A vehicle history report indicates how many owners the vehicle has had and how many times the vehicle was owned, but does not include names or phone numbers.

2. What if the seller will not provide me with the VIN?

A seller who refuses to provide a VIN is a red flag. Any honest and transparent seller will have no reason to hide the VIN. If the seller is reluctant or refuses to provide the VIN, you should consider walking away from the deal. This likely means the seller has something serious to hide and may be attempting to conceal the vehicle's true history.

3. Are vehicle history reports available without charge as good as those paid for?

No; free reports are suitable for verifying make, model, and year; however, they typically do not give detailed information about accident history, service history, and any title brands, as do paid reports from CARFAX and AutoCheck.

4. Can a VIN be changed or fabricated?

Yes; criminals can sometimes alter VIN tags or "clone" legitimate VINs from a normal vehicle onto a stolen vehicle by using various methods. Therefore, it is extremely important to verify that the VIN matches the official title and vehicle history report for all locations on the vehicle—dashboard, door jamb, and so on. If there is any difference, you could be dealing with significant fraud.

5. If a vehicle history report lists a minor accident, should I buy the car?

Not necessarily; many vehicles have had minor fender benders with no structural damage. If the report has listed an accident, it is essential that the area repaired be thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic during the pre-purchase inspection to ensure that the work has been done to the highest standards.