The Importance of Running a VIN Check Before Purchasing a Pre-owned Car in Arizona

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A vehicle identification number, or VIN, is a unique sequence of digits stamped on every car’s chassis. The VIN is also known as the “body number” and a “car’s DNA.”

The VIN provides information about a car’s exact model and various other details.

When buying a pre-owned car in Arizona, running a VIN check before making the transaction should go without saying.

What’s the point of a VIN?

Buying a pre-owned car and not caring about its rightful owner isn’t very wise. If a person buys a vehicle from someone who has, for instance, stolen it, that vehicle will likely be returned to the original owner.

A quick and straightforward VIN check tells the potential buyer about the car’s current ownership, allowing them to see if the seller is legitimate. Free online VIN check tools exist, and working with a professional is the safest option when looking to buy a used car.

More than a serial number

A VIN check is a source of important information. However, there is more to a VIN than this. The 17 digits aren’t random.

The first three digits in a VIN are called “WMI.” This number or letter sequence represents the car’s country of origin. For instance, a VIN starting with the number 1 means that the vehicle originates from the USA. The letter J at the beginning of the sequence, on the other hand, indicates that the model’s origin country is Japan.

The next part of the sequence is the vehicle’s identification number. Every manufacturer codes this part in its own unique way. Within the ID sequence, you can find the information regarding airbags, seat belts, components, materials, etc.

The following few digits represent the validation VIN character. These numbers are indicative of potential illegal modification.

Digits 10 through 17 deal with information regarding the car’s type, transmission, engine model, accessories, etc.

Some of the VIN information isn’t apparent to an average person. This is why contacting a professional before buying a pre-owned vehicle in Arizona is so important.

Finding the VIN

Although running the VIN by the experts is the right way to go, there’s nothing wrong with knowing where to find it.

Most commonly, the number can be found on the chassis in the engine. Alternatively, the number might be on the right shock absorber or the nameplate.

Some vehicles feature these numbers in entirely different locations.

Do not underestimate the VIN

The VIN is probably the most critical sequence of digits on a vehicle. Although the local dealership isn’t likely to sell stolen cars, the VIN becomes immensely important when buying from private individuals. 

If you are in the Phoenix Metro area and want a no-hassle cash offer on an old, wrecked, unwanted, salvage or burned car, SUV, van or truck, give us a call at I Buy Junk Cars. 480-771-8290.