The magic VIN number

[Goshawk]

Was wondering what folks have for experiences using the VIN number to gather more information online.

Yes know that CARFAX will get you some information for $30 a number. But there must be other ways to look up information.

Yes know CARFAX is not correct about 20% of the time. So don't trust it. They are being sued for inaccuracies by about 50 dealers. But still, you need some information to make a decision. And knowing a salvage title or flood or major accident happened in the last year, might say something about the vehicle.

CARFAX can be free if you just shop dealerships who give you it, as a part of their sales process. Not the best way to find a bargain. But might help.

Final comment. Always still get an independent mechanic to review the potential vehicle you want to buy. Unless you are that mechanic.

 

[Goshawk]

looking at one of these. prices for VIN checks range from $3 to $6 per VIN. seems like a better bargain. and all are linked to the national NMVTIS. http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/nmvtis_vehiclehistory.html

look for recalls using this web site. https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ recalls that have not been completed on your vehicle are not a sign of being taken care of. Personally had four recalls on my car in the last five years, and all subtle things that would have made a new owner go nuts with the problems.

Everyone should check your own recalls, and keep a printed PDF in storage, to prove you are on top of that. a potential new owner in five years might be appreciative of that history. I registered my tree vehicles on the CARFAX website, so I can report the service history, and keep building it their. A good history might counter any false data errors from other history, maybe.

 

[Goshawk]

did not need the VIN to get an insurance quote. for my estimate RV insurance was looking at $41 a month.

 

[DreadHeadDrifter]

PM me I have a secret on how to get free carfax reports but can't let it be exposed cause I'm scared they will fix the glitch

 

[Goshawk]

Was thinking of how to get an insurance company to admit what the TOTALED replacement cost would be on a vehicle that is insured for collision. Would think that's a pretty good way to get a bottom line estimation on a vehicle value.

 

[highdesertranger]

I have posted this many, many times. most shops do not report to Car Fax. so what you are getting more than likely is an incomplete report. now if it's a salvaged title, it will state it on the deed(pink slip). highdesertranger

 

[idn88]

I have no skin in the game for either, but I did notice this a little while back. At least there is some competition.

I think either service is questionable. but I think they still sell an unlimited monthly service for a reasonable rate, so if your actively shopping it can help rule out some vehicles - although as mentioned, considering it as accurate is not a good idea. If something is there it probably was correct. If nothing is there it doesn't mean there never was an issues - it just wasn't reported.

Last month, after an extensive comparison of nearly 6,000 VINs, BMW of North America concluded that AutoCheck’s Vehicle History Reports were just as reliable as CARFAX reports. Finally, after years of only supporting CARFAX, BMW’s mandate for Dealers to use CarFax for Certified BMWs was over. This meant, that as a BMW Dealer, I could now choose either CarFax or Experian’s Service (AutoCheck) as my vehicle history report provider. == credit http://www.drivingsales.com/blogs/jeremy/2012/12/05/opinion-carfax-is-extorting-my-dealership

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

Depends on what info you want to know. I sell used cars. Being a small lot we do not offer car fax reports but as HDR said, most body shops do not report it anyway. Either way, do your own research.

When I buy a used car (personally) I look for : #1) Is it stolen? You are responsible in most (if not all) states for buying a stolen vehicle. Ask me how I know this first hand. Not fun. #2 Is it a Salvage Title? I can check both of those here: https://www.nicb.org/

I also look for specific recalls. Let's say I find a 2002 Chrysler Sebring (I know that year had recalls on this vehicle so using it as example). I would go here and type in VIN to see if this car had a recall https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ or go to Chrysler (or whoever made car) and check there. Then you need to find out if it was fixed by a dealer or not and if you can take it in for repairs should you buy it. Make sure price reflects these needed repairs.

I also will call the County tag office and get info. Most of the time they will tell you # of previous owners etc or let you look it up in person. All free.

Most insurance companies will also tell you what you need to know if you tell them you are considering buying it and adding to your policy.

Not sure if that helps. Good luck.