VIN and Car History Explained - What You Should Know

Thinking of buying a used car ?

Know why it is essential to first check the car history by VIN. Consider some unsavory statistics.

• 1 in every 5 cars is a salvaged car.

• 1 in every 15 cars is rebuilt.

• 1 in every 50 cars has a tampered odometer

• 1 in every 100 cars has been damaged by flood.

Hence, if you are buying a used car, it should be clean and without any past incidents. The only way to know is finding out the car history by VIN.

VIN represents the unique features of a car including the manufacturer and the specifications. It is very useful to track registrations, recalls, thefts, warranty claims, and insurance coverage.

The VIN is located at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield or on the doorpost on the driver’s side where the door latches when it is closed.

Before checking car history by VIN know what information can be had from the 17 characters of VIN.

• 1st character – where the car was built

• 2nd and 3rd characters – the manufacturer

• 4th to 8th characters – Brand, engine size, and type of vehicle

• 9th character - the security code that denotes that the car has been authorized by the manufacturer

• 10th character – model year of the vehicle

• 11th character – which plant manufactured the car

• 12th to 17th characters – serial number of the vehicle.

Getting a PPSR Certificate :

Getting a PPSR certificate is the best confirmation to know car history by VIN. Obtaining a free VIN check is an easy process.

Browse a website that specializes in obtaining car history by VIN. Download a form and enter the VIN in the designated space and click the specified button. You will get the full history of the vehicle including the year, make, model, country of assembly, and style. If this is insufficient and you want to delve deeper, choose a suitable report option that gives more details of the history of the car. Your PPSR certificate will be in your hands instantly.

What is a PPSR Certificate :

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) is a national online register administered by the AFSA (Australian Financial Security Authority). The PPSR allows organizations and individuals to register and search security interests in personal property like artworks, boats, cars, trucks, caravans, and more. On the PPSR, you can verify if someone else has registered an interest in the property that you intend to buy. Hence, when you get car history by VIN, you also get to know through the PPSR whether you have clear title over the property.