In an ideal world, everyone would be honest, and everything would be exactly as it seems. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world. That’s why it’s so important to do a free VIN number check on any used vehicle you’re thinking of buying.
After all, a car is a huge purchase, and making the wrong choice can cost you thousands of dollars. The world is full of unscrupulous car sellers who may be dishonest about any vehicle they’re trying to sell you. And even if the seller is honest themselves, there may be issues with the car they are unaware of.
A comprehensive VIN check can make you aware of any existing issues with the car and anything you should be aware of before making a purchase decision. Here’s how to do it.
What Is a VIN Number?
A VIN number is a 17-digit code that uniquely identifies a vehicle. It’s usually located on the dashboard on the driver’s side, or on the driver’s side doorjamb. Here’s how to find the VIN on any car you might want to check.
The first three digits of the VIN make up the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code. This code tells you what country the car was made in, as well as which company manufactured it.
The next five digits are the vehicle descriptor section (VDS). This section provides information on the vehicle type, body style, and safety features.
The ninth digit is the check digit, used to verify that the VIN number is legitimate.
The last eight digits make up the vehicle identification number (VIS). This is the unique identifier for each individual vehicle.
Does Canada Use VIN Numbers?
Yes, Canada uses VINs, along with most other countries. Every car in Canada is required to have a unique VIN that cannot be changed or modified to make sure that the vehicle can always be identified.
In fact, the Government of Canada offers its own VIN check service so that you can look up the details on any vehicle you’re thinking of buying. The service is free to use, but does not provide as much information as our free VIN check service does.
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Why It’s So Important to Check a VIN
Checking a VIN number can tell you so much about any vehicle you’re planning to buy. Here are some of the things you should look out for.
Vehicle History
One of the most important things a VIN number can tell you is the vehicle’s history. This includes information on any accidents or major damage the car has been in, as well as any other significant events in its past.
Recalls
A VIN number can also tell you if there have been any recalls issued for the vehicle you’re interested in. This is important because it can alert you to any potential safety issues with the car.
Odometer rollback
An odometer rollback is when someone intentionally changes the odometer reading to make it look like the car has gone fewer kilometers than it actually has. This is done in an attempt to make the car seem like it’s in better condition than it really is and therefore increase its value.
VIN number checks can reveal if there have been any attempts made to roll back the odometer, so you can be sure you’re getting an accurate reading.
Owner history
A VIN number can tell you how many owners a vehicle has had in the past. This information can be important because it can be an indicator of how well the car has been cared for.
If a car has had a large number of owners, it may not have been maintained as well as one that has only had one or two owners.
Service History
A VIN number can also tell you if the car you’re interested in has been properly serviced and maintained. This is important because it can give you an idea of how reliable the car is likely to be.
If a car has a history of being well-maintained, it’s more likely to be a reliable vehicle.
Warranty information
A VIN number can tell you if the car you’re interested in is still under warranty. This is important because it can give you some peace of mind in knowing that any repairs that need to be made will be covered by the manufacturer.
If a car is no longer under warranty, you may want to consider getting an extended warranty.
How Do I Check a VIN Number For Free in Canada?
There are several services you can use to get a free VIN number check for any car you might wish to buy. As mentioned above, the Government of Canada, in conjunction with the RCMP, offers a free service that will let you know if there are any legal issues with any car you’re thinking of buying.
Another popular option is to get a Carfax report. Carfax is a company that specializes in vehicle history reports. While they do offer a free VIN number check, the report itself is not free. Currently, a vehicle history report from Carfax costs $44, and it’s $60 if you also want them to check for any liens on the car. Additionally, a Carfax report still leaves some information out.
Finally, our free VIN number check can provide you with comprehensive information on any car you might be considering buying. Our reports are specific to Canadian vehicles and provide more information than a Carfax report does, such as odometer rollbacks, airbag deployments, owner history, and other useful information to know. We also provide information on car recalls, liens, warranty information, and just about everything else you could possibly need to make an informed decision about buying a car.
A Free VIN Number Check Can Save You Thousands
A VIN check is not an optional extra, but an important and necessary part of buying a car. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t buy a car without taking a look at it first, would you? But physically seeing a car tells you far less about it than a detailed car history report. A VIN check can tell you things about a car you would never know otherwise, and can help you make an informed decision about this major purchase.
And given that it’s both free and easy to perform a comprehensive VIN check with our online tool, there’s really no reason not to take this crucial step in purchasing a car. After all, it could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches down the road. So why not do a free VIN check right now? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
DECODE YOUR VIN INSTANTLY
CHECK THE VIN OF YOUR SELECTED CAR RIGHT HERE
NEW!
CHECK YOUR LICENCE PLATE INSTANTLY
CHECK THE LICENCE PLATE OF YOUR CAR HERE
FAQs
Why should I get a VIN check?
A VIN number check is the best way to protect yourself when buying a used car. It can tell you if the car has been in any accidents, if it has any outstanding recalls or liens against it, and more. This information can help you make a decision about whether or not to buy the car.
Can I get a VIN check without the VIN number?
Yes, you can still get a VIN check even if you don’t have the VIN number. Just enter the license plate number of the car into our online tool and we’ll do the rest. However, please note that license plate numbers can be changed, so a VIN number is always preferable.
How much does a VIN check cost?
A VIN check is free with us! Just enter the VIN number into our online tool and we’ll provide you with all the information you need about the car. This can save you a lot of money versus the $60 it takes to get a Carfax report.
How long does a VIN check take?
A VIN check is instant! Just enter the VIN number into our online tool and you’ll get all the information you need about the car in seconds. This is much faster than ordering a Carfax report, which can take up to 10 days.
What does a VIN check tell you?
A VIN check can tell you a lot about a car, including its accident history, recall information, previous owners, and more. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy the car.