Car Buying Tips for a VIN Number Check

Purchasing a car requires a substantial financial investment and making sure the vehicle is structurally sound and has a positive service history can save money. Cars and light trucks manufactured in 1981 or later have a 17-character number, or vehicle identification number (VIN), that can decode important information, according to CARFAX. There are several things to look for prior to purchasing a car that the VIN can provide. Services like CARFAX and AutoCheck offer reports for a nominal fee.

Locating the VIN

The VIN is located on the driver's side under the windshield.

Unfortunately, some used car dealers work to scam consumers by providing false information about vehicles for sale. They benefit by paying very little for a problem vehicle and selling it at an inflated price. For example, in 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that dealers sold 450,000 cars with odometer rollbacks, which cost consumers $1 billion dollars.

As a result, dishonest dealers may not be willing to provide the VIN or may modify the title to further obscure the truth, according to CARFAX. The best way to obtain the VIN is to record it from the vehicle by locating it on the dashboard under the windshield or the driver's side door jamb.

Car Safety History

Car accidents can cause severe structural damage.

Structural damage, recalls or salvage history each play a role the level of safety a new owner receives. For example, a vehicle in an accident that deploys airbags should be serviced for airbag replacement immediately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Furthermore, cars that have an accident history can have hidden problems that require future funding for additional repairs. VIN history reports provide information about a car's accident, airbag deployment or salvaged title history, which alerts consumers to structural compromises and assists with the vehicle purchasing process.

Original Powertrain Research

A car's engine typically has the VIN stamped on the engine block.

A car's powertrain includes critical components such as the engine and transmission. Replacement of these components indicates past problems that can require additional funding to repair dependent units. For example, engine replacement can affect oil seals, which provide the crucial engine lubrication required for proper engine function. Typically, the VIN is stamped into the transmission and engine and if it differs from the VIN on the dashboard, the powertrain has been changed.