Used Car Buying 101: VIN History Report Basics
Posted on: 25 February 2015
When you are in the market for a used car, you must protect yourself against unscrupulous sellers who attempt to conceal negative details about a vehicle. You can make sure that you do not become the victim of a dishonest seller by researching the car's history using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is assigned to a car when it is manufactured. You can order a VIN report to determine a car's origin and maintenance history. The following guide explains how a VIN can help you decide if a vehicle is worth your money.
VIN Basics
VINs are issued for cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters. Car manufacturers began issuing the numbers in 1954. The federal government requires that all vehicles sold in the U.S. have a VIN in a specific format.
You can usually find the VIN on major components of a vehicle such as the driver's side dashboard and door jambs. The number may be on a metal decal that looks like a sticker. The number has 17 digits and each part of the serial number tells you information about the origin of the vehicle such as:
- Where it was manufactured down to the exact plant facility where the car rolled off the assembly line
- Assembly line production number
- Engine type and body style
- Transmission type
- Model year
Suppliers of free VIN history reports can scan the unique number with barcode scanners and image readers to search VIN number databases.
Repair Details
If a car was an accident, a VIN report will have the details of the incident and indicate what type of damage the car suffered. You can also discern what types of major repairs the vehicle had such as a transmission overhaul or exhaust system replacement when you read the report.
Depending on your needs, you may not want a vehicle that has undergone major work such as a transmission rebuilding or has a history of electrical issues. In addition, repeated problems with brakes, the ignition system and other parts may mean that the car should be sent to a salvage yard instead of being sold for everyday use.
Recall Information
One of the most important pieces of information you can obtain from a VIN report is whether or not the car was ever recalled by the manufacturer. If a car was recalled, the VIN report will indicate if previous owners made the necessary repairs to make the vehicle safe for driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a free online database of recalls. If you need further specifics of why the vehicle needed to be taken off the road, the NHTSA database will also provide you with the details you need to contact auto manufacturer.
Ownership History and Stolen Car Detection
Your state's department of motor vehicles uses VIN numbers to help keep track of car ownership. When you register the vehicle and apply for a car tag, you submit the car's VIN number to the state. A VIN report will show the car's history of ownership so you know how many people were in possession of the vehicle before you and where it was registered.
In addition, if the car was ever stolen, salvaged or if the seller is trying to get rid of illegal merchandise, the VIN report will alert you to this information.
Estimated Selling Price
Even after you determine that a car's history is satisfactory, you should have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle to detect problems that the seller failed to mention. A VIN report will also list a car's estimated pricing and value, but if the mechanic finds hidden issues, you can use that information to renegotiate a final price. The VIN report and pre-purchase inspection can save you from buying a lemon.
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