How to Properly Check a Car’s VIN Before Buying
Purchasing a car is a significant investment that requires a thorough check of the vehicle before concluding the transaction. One of the most important elements of this check is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), or vehicle identification number. This unique 17-digit code contains key information about the vehicle and can help avoid fraud, hidden problems, or legal misunderstandings. Below, we will describe in detail how to check the VIN before buying a car.
What is a VIN, and why is it important?
VIN is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer. It consists of 17 characters that contain information about the country of manufacture, make, model, year of manufacture, body type, engine type, and serial number.
Checking the VIN code allows you to:
- Verify that the seller's data is correct.
- Identify possible facts of theft, recovery after an accident or flooding.
- Check the service history and owners.
- Make sure that the car is not in a lien or under a judicial encumbrance.
Step 1: Find the VIN on the car
The VIN is located in several places on a car. The most common ones are:
- On the panel under the windshield on the driver's side.
- On the driver's door pillar (inside, sticker).
- In the technical passport or registration certificate.
- Under the hood or on the engine panel.
Make sure that the VIN on the body matches the VIN in the documents. Any discrepancies are an immediate red flag for potential problems.
Step 2: Use online services for verification
There are many online tools available today that allow you to check the history of a car by VIN. The most popular services include:
- Paid and free databases with official records (e.g., Carfax, AutoCheck, NICB).
- National registries of stolen vehicles.
- Government resources, such as DMV websites.
When checking, pay attention to the following items:
- Number of previous owners.
- Data on participation in an accident.
- Insurance claims or repairs.
- Indications of drowning, fire, or body damage.
- Mileage and its compliance with the declared mileage.
Step 3: Check the VIN for restrictions or liens
Some cars may have legal restrictions, for example:
- Being pledged (leasing, car loan).
- Court bans on the sale or transfer of ownership.
- Active fines or debts.
This information can be obtained through banks, financial institutions, or specialized online platforms. If you have any doubts, it is recommended to consult a legal advisor or use a full paid due diligence.
Step 4: Evaluate the compliance of the VIN with the standards
The first character is the country of manufacture.
- The first character is the country of manufacture.
- The next 5 are model characteristics.
- The 9th character is a check digit.
- The 10th is the year of manufacture.
- The last 6 are the serial number of the car.
If the VIN does not match this format or has less than 17 characters, it may indicate a counterfeit or uncertified delivery.
Step 5: Check the physical condition of the VIN plate
Inspect the VIN plate itself on the body:
- Does the plate look authentic?
- Are there any signs of tampering, re-gluing, or painting?
- Does the font differ from the typical font for the car brand?
Any physical damage, manipulation, or suspicious appearance of the plate should be a red flag.
How Xtreet helps with VIN
The Xtreet platform takes into account the VIN code when registering a car. If the VIN is incorrect or contains signs of forgery, the system warns the user or requests additional information. This helps to avoid paperwork for a problematic vehicle.
Checking the VIN before buying is a critical step that can protect you from fraud, unforeseen expenses, and legal problems. With the right approach, attention to detail, and the use of reliable online services, you can make an informed decision about buying a car. And Xtreet will always support you in the matter of official registration and data verification.