What Does VIN Mean - Basic Information

VIN, or vehicle identification number, is a sequence of 17 numbers and letters that appears on every vehicle made. Since 1981, manufacturers have followed a standarized VIN system. Each VIN is unique.

Before standardization, automakers had their own individual VIN systems. So, it is possible for different vehicles to share VINs. Both the EU and the U.S. adopted the VIN systems that the ISO created in 1979 and 1980.

Anyone looking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle is encouraged to use VINs to make certain the vehicle they are interested in does not have any unwanted surprises--damage or issues. Our free VIN verification tool is a great asset in these instances.

VINs have three main sections:

WMI -- Made up of the first three characters, this identifies the manufacturer

VDS -- Made up of the fourh through ninth characters, this identifies features such as the vehicle’s body style, model, and platform. The ninth character is actually used to make certain the VIN is error-free.

VIS -- Made up of the tenth through seventeenth characters, this identifies the individual vehicle and can offer data regarding the engine/transmission choices and the options that are actually in the vehicle.

Use our VIN verification tool to find out just abouat all the information needed to make an informed buying decision. Just enter it into the search feature. VINs can be located on a vehicle in several places, including:

· Often times the driver side door, but possibly the front passenger side

· The bottom of the dashboard, close to the windshield on the driver’s side

· The engine

· The vehicle’s firewall

· The wheel arch on the driver’s side

· The steering wheel or steering column

· In the vehicle’s documentation

We encourage you to use our easy tool to verify your VIN and make certain you know exactly what you’re buying before you make a commitment.