VIN aka Vehicle Identification Number, is a number used to uniquely identify vehicles. Before the 1980’s, there was no standard way in which this number had to be displayed, and so each car manufacturer had their own VIN format. Today, the standard that each manufacturer has to follow is a 17 digit format and the number must not have letters I, O or Q.

Where do you look for a VIN ? The VIN is usually placed on dashboard of the driver side of the vehicle. Other places to look at are the driver side door and the door post, where the door latches when it is closed. If you do not find it on any of these places, check under the car’s hood, it may be a sticker on the engine.

However, if you are not able to find the VIN number of the used car on any car part, ask the dealer. The dealer will definitely have it. If they are queasy about letting you know the car’s VIN, look for another dealer because you can be sure that it’s a cover up and there is something wrong with the car.

This is because the VIN tells you about the car’s history. You need the VIN to get a vehicle history report. For example if you go to Carfax for a vehicle history report, they require you to give them the VIN of the car to search for car history information in their database. If you don’t have one you can’t get the car’s history and you can very well land up buying a used car, that may cost you a lot in terms of hidden repairs.

Car manufacturers will usually place VIN stickers on part such as the doors, engines, and quarter panels. These are the parts most likely to get damaged during an accident or broken away from the car in a theft. If you find a VIN but the history record tells that it is the VIN of another car, it means the car was either stolen earlier or was simply a junk, rebuilt later. Look also at the doors and panels and you will find the VIN there as well.

If you find VINs in many places of the car, check all of them to find if they all match. If they don’t match, something is wrong. If the seller denies the car was in a wreck, though the history report says otherwise, you will know they are lying. Catch them in the act and ask them why the VIN#’s don’t match. Getting the car’s VIN and checking it’s history using the VIN is the best way to protect yourself and its only takes you a couple of minutes.

The car’s VIN and vehicle history report go hand in hand. You need them to find details about how the car was used previously. You also need it to find out if it has a bad history such as theft, or was totaled in a natural disaster such as a hurricane. You can make an informed decision on the used car you are considering for purchase and avoid buying problematic cars that will eat up your finances in repairs.

Summary

Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out about the car’s history. You can be sure if the used car you are considering for purchase is worth your money.