Run a VIN Check Before You Buy

Before you hand over money for a used car, check the vehicle history and make sure the seller’s story matches what is on record.

A VIN check can help you look for title problems, accident records, mileage issues, theft records, liens, recalls, and other warning signs that may not be obvious during a quick test drive.

Choose the country where you want to run your VIN check:

 

Each country may use different vehicle history sources, so choose the country where the vehicle is registered or where you are running the check.

Why Run a VIN Check First?

A used car can look clean in photos and still have problems hidden in its history. A VIN check gives you a starting point before you negotiate, meet the seller, or send any money.

It is not a replacement for a mechanic’s inspection, but it can help you spot major red flags early and decide whether the vehicle is worth looking at in person.