The first order of business when buying used is to check its history. The VIN is the fingerprint of the car, a number unique to every car. Not all VINs are created equal, though, with sometimes some cheat sellers scamming you by tampering with or lying about a vehicle’s VIN. This, then, is where knowing how to raise red flags may save you from making an expensive mistake.
The VIN Report, will show some valuable facts about the history of the car, whether the car was involved in an accident, the right mileage, or whether the vehicle was ever stolen. Sometimes pulling a report isn’t enough; you need to know how to interpret it and look for discrepancies.
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Why is the VIN Important?
The VIN is the 17-character alphanumeric code that contains the information needed about the car, the car manufacturer, model year, place of origin, and even some particular features referring to the type of engine and body style. Each part of the VIN was supposed to be a part of the car’s identity; therefore, it needs to match exactly what the seller claims.
If the VIN seems to be tampered with or is inconsistent, this can raise some type of alarm in the buyer that something could be wrong with the car, or the history with which it has passed is not altogether proper. Herein come some signs of how to notice those warnings and possibly avoid potential pitfalls.
Common Red Flags to Look for in a VIN
1. VIN is Inconsistent Across Documents
The most apparent sign of a tampered VIN in a car would be that the VIN on different documents does not correspond. In simple words, the VIN on the dashboard does not correspond to that with the registration or insurance papers of the car. Check Vin in several spots, including on the dashboard, typically visible through the windshield and inside the driver-side door frame. Should also match the records in the VIN Report.
2. VIN Shows a History of Theft
A stolen car’s VIN might be changed to conceal its identity. If a VIN Report indicates that the car has been listed as stolen or reported missing, then caution is advised. If the seller denies this, it is considered a huge red flag.
3. Suspiciously Clean Title History
Sometimes, a “clean title” may be issued for cars that have been in major accidents or have other issues to cover up the damage or fraud. A VIN Report can give you insights into whether the car had any major collisions or if it has been rebuilt after the issuance of a salvage title. Be wary of cars with no history of damage but without appropriate documentation to support such claims.
4. VIN Looks Altered or Tampered With
Check the VIN itself. It should be clear and not scratched, worn out, or stamped over. Any sign indicative of tampering, mismatched fonts, blurry numbers, or signs of scratching may indicate that the VIN has been altered. This is an immediate red flag that something might be wrong with the car’s history.
How to Safeguard Yourself from VIN Fraud
1. Always Check the VIN Report
The most efficient way to investigate the validity and authenticity of VIN for any vehicle, however, includes pulling a VIN Report from among the trusted circles. It gets you the actual history of the automobile, including such details as what accidents it faced, title imperfections, recollections sent out, and even.
2. Compare VIN on Multiple Locations
Check that the VIN number is the same in all different locations of the car: on the dashboard, in the door frame, and under the hood. If they don’t match, it’s time to walk away.
3. Be Wary of Deals that Seem Too Good to Be True
If a seller is offering a vehicle to you at very low prices or maybe without providing a full history, then mostly it is too good to be true. Trust your instincts and research the item before purchasing it.
Conclusion
It can save you by having the ability to find red flags in a VIN number, sparing you from that costly mistake. While the VIN Report is a major tool in finding the history of the car, you, yourself, should be diligent when inspecting a VIN. Always be on your guard, be smart, and don’t rush until you have scrutinized for every single problem in a purchase. This way, you most probably will drive off in a car that is as honest as its VIN.
