Why It Is Important To Check A Used Car’s Verification Identification Number (VIN) Before Purchase

One of the things one should check for is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Purchasing a used vehicle without knowing its history is a gamble that you cannot afford to lose. The VIN of a car is the specific identification of that car. No two vehicles can have the same VIN. A VIN displays the car’s unique features, specifications, and manufacturer. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can help lessen the risk factor of buying a used vehicle by providing missing pertinent information about its history. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage.

It is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. If you notice it’s less than 17, double-check to make sure that you have the right VIN and have copied it down correctly. Once you have verified that the VIN is less than 17 characters, the VIN is most likely from a pre-1981 vehicle.

Why Are VINs So Important?

There are over a billion cars on Earth, and VINs are a sure way to keep track of what happens to them all. Whenever something happens to a vehicle, be it an accident, oil change or overhaul, the event is on the vehicle’s VIN. In other words, your car’s VIN is the key to unlocking the secrets of its past; this makes VINs a handy tool for just about anyone. People who own used cars can use VIN check services to find out if the vehicle has ever been in an accident, how often the vehicle has been bought and sold, what its original production details are, and many more.

Also, those intending to buy used cars should ask for the VIN history of the car they intend to buy to give them an idea of the car’s history. A VIN check can also reveal if the car’s odometer has ever been rolled back, or if it has flipped (reached the maximum miles on the gauge and rolled back over to zero).

Even people who own new vehicles can use their VIN to establish trust with prospective buyers, should they choose to sell their car. They can also use it to find out where and when their vehicle was constructed, which could prove useful should the car’s manufacturer have nothing to hide.

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Where Can I Find My Car VIN?

The VIN is found by looking at the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the car on the driver’s side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. If the VIN isn’t found there, open the driver’s side door and look at the door post (where the door latches when it is closed).

How To Decode A VIN

Here is the breakdown of how to decode your VIN

1. World Identifier Manufacturer (WMI)

The first digit of the VIN is the country of origin or final processing plant. For example, numbers, 1, 4, and 5 represent the U.S, 2 in Canada, and the number 3 represents Mexico. The Society of Automotive Engineers is the one that assigns WMI’s to countries and manufacturers. Next is the digit that represents the manufacturer; for example, ‘G’ is for General Motors, ‘C’ can be Chrysler, and ‘B’ for BMW.

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The third digit combined with the first two may identify the type of vehicle, such as whether it is a truck, SUV, or car. For example, a Chevrolet truck VIN would start as ‘1GC’. 1 for the US as the country of origin, G for General Motors, and C for Truck.

2.  Digits 4 through 8 represent the vehicle descriptor section. It contains information such as model type, restraint type, body type, engine, and transmission.
3. Digit 9 is a check digit/ security code. It is a code number/letter the manufacturer generates to verify the authenticity of the whole number.
4. Digits 10 through 17 are the Vehicle Identifier Section. The 10th digit is the model year.
5. The 11th digit is the manufacturer’s plant code. Vehicle manufacturers all have their own unique systems for each car, truck, or SUV.
6. Digits 12 through 17, are digits numbers the vehicle gets as it rolls through the production line.

Final Note

The importance of checking a used car VIN before a purchase is essential as it saves you from the stress of later, wasting time, and resources and not getting the optimal satisfaction you desire.