Run an internet search for “free VIN lookup” or “free VIN decoder. ” There are websites that provide free VIN lookup services. For example, try: https://www. northamericanmotoring. com/forums/vindecoder. php While some free VIN report services provide every detail of a car’s options, others do not. Some websites offer an advanced search for a fee. [1] X Research source

Follow the directions on the website and then press “search. " Some websites may ask you to omit certain parts of the VIN number. [2] X Research source

The VIN report should include options, such as the transmission, the trim, and emissions specifications. The VIN report should include anything that was changed in the production process. VIN detail reports may not include options added after manufacturer, added at the dealership, or added by the consumer after the initial sale. Depending on the website, you may need to pay a fee for your VIN report. Make sure the title on the car is clear, meaning it doesn’t have any history or current status as a salvaged vehicle, and there isn’t any type of lien on the car. [3] X Expert Source Bryan HambyProfessional Auto Broker Expert Interview. 1 March 2020.

Find the VIN decoder or search section of the website. Almost all manufacturers have a VIN decoder or similar tool on their website. Search through the tabs or search bar for “VIN decoder” or “VIN search. " Click on the page or . pdf file that gives you information about decoding the VIN. For example, visit estore. honda. com/honda/parts/use-your-vehicle-vin. asp. [4] X Research source

The first number/letter tells the region the car was manufactured in, for example, “North America. ” The second number tells the country. The third number tells the type of vehicle, for example “light truck. ” Many different vehicles will share their first 3 numbers/letters. [5] X Research source

Engine Model Body style. [6] X Research source

If you suspect the vehicle has a fake VIN number, contact the manufacturer. To decode this number, you may have to bring your car into a dealership. [7] X Research source

This does not indicate what year the car was built. For example, if the car was a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, it might have been constructed in late 2009 This information should also be available in the vehicle’s manual or on other paperwork associated with the car. [8] X Research source

You’ll only be able to decode this information on the car manufacturer’s website. These numbers should give you information like that listed on the original sticker of the car. The numbers will also tell you in what specific plant the vehicle was built as well as production-specific information. [9] X Research source

Trim color Power seats and windows Entertainment system Seat covering material Sunroof Equipment packages like off road or towing[10] X Research source

Carfax Autocheck[11] X Research source

Feel free to shop around. Different websites or companies may offer different prices. In addition, some companies may run promos on vehicle history reports at different times. Fees normally range from between $20 to $40 to receive a full vehicle history report. Some websites may provide cheaper rates per report if you want several vehicle history reports. For example, you may be able to get 5 reports for $59. 99. [12] X Research source

Verify the report matches the VIN you submitted. Read about the car’s production and the vehicle’s repair and registration history in the report. Look to see if the vehicle has been repaired or if the report shows any evidence of aftermarket upgrades. [13] X Research source

The driver’s side in the door jamb The driver’s side dashboard Metal within the engine compartment Parts of car that can’t be removed[14] X Research source When you find the VIN, it’s a good idea to make sure it matches the number on the title for the vehicle. [15] X Expert Source Bryan HambyProfessional Auto Broker Expert Interview. 1 March 2020.

Title Registration Repair records[16] X Research source

Make sure the seller provides you with the entire 17-digit VIN number before you commit to buying the vehicle. The seller should happily give you the number so that you can do an independent vehicle history search. If they don’t, they may be hiding something. Keep in mind that between 1954-1981 there was no standard format for VINs. The best source for information on a vehicle would be to contact the original manufacturer. [17] X Expert Source Bryan HambyProfessional Auto Broker Expert Interview. 1 March 2020.