| An Auto VIN Decoder breaks down the unique | | | | 1YV/JM1 = Mazda, WDB = Mercedes-Benz, VF3 = |
| alphanumeric sequence known as a Vehicle | | | | Peugeot, WP0 = Porsche, YK1/YS3 = Saab, |
| Identification Number, which is a car's fingerprint. Each | | | | YV1=Volvo) |
| and every automobile on the road has its own | | | | The fourth character is the type of restraint system. |
| 17-character VIN, and it is this identification number that | | | | In the above example, "R" represents hydraulic breaks |
| is used to generate a Vehicle History Report, also | | | | using the VIN Decoder. |
| known as a VIN check. | | | | The fifth, sixth & seventh characters are the vehicle |
| The VIN check taps into millions of DMV records and | | | | line, series and body style. This will obviously be |
| reveals all of the available history for a particular | | | | different across makes and models. |
| vehicle, including any hidden problems, odometer | | | | In the above example, characters 5, 6 & 7 are X18: |
| readings, ownership transfers and more. It is an | | | | X18 is a Ford F150 Pickup 4WD Super Cab |
| absolute must for used car buyers, as it tells you | | | | The eighth character is the engine type. |
| everything you need to know about the vehicle. | | | | With the Auto VIN Decoder, W represents a 4.6 liter |
| The Auto VIN Decoder can help you understand what | | | | V-8 engine. |
| these letters and numbers mean, which is the first step | | | | The tenth character represents the year of the car. |
| towards ensuring that a vehicle you are considering is | | | | Pay close attention to this one: |
| right for you. | | | | B = 1981 F = 1985 K = 1989 P = 1993 V = 1997 1 = |
| Let's break down the Vehicle Identification Number, | | | | 2001 |
| starting with the first character. (Please note the letter | | | | C = 1982 G = 1986 L = 1990 R = 1994 W = 1998 2 = |
| "I" as in indigo, the letter "O" as in orange, and the letter | | | | 2002 |
| "Q" as in queen are NOT found in any VIN Numbers.) | | | | D = 1983 H = 1987 M = 1991 S = 1995 X = 1999 3 = |
| (We will use the following VIN as an example: | | | | 2003 |
| 2FTRX18W1XCA01212) | | | | E = 1984 J = 1988 N = 1992 T = 1996 Y = 2000 4 = |
| The first character represents the country of | | | | 2004 |
| manufacture, and can be a letter or a number, each | | | | For the most recent used model year, 5 = 2005 |
| signifying a different country. The most common ones | | | | In the above example, the "X" indicates that this car |
| are as follows: | | | | was made in 1999. |
| (1 = USA, 2 = Canada, 3 = Mexico, J = Japan, K = | | | | The eleventh character indicates the assembly plant. |
| Korea, W = Germany, Y = Finland, Sweden) | | | | In the above example, the C indicates Ontario, Canada |
| So using the Auto VIN Decoder in the above example, | | | | Characters 12-17 represent the vehicle's unique |
| this particular car was made in Canada. | | | | fingerprint. It is these six digits which make every single |
| The second/third characters represent the | | | | vehicle in the world different. |
| manufacturer, also known as the make. The most | | | | So using the Auto VIN Decoder one last time, the |
| common are: | | | | Vehicle Identification Number: 2FTRX18W1XCA01212 |
| (A = Alfa Romeo, B = Dodge, C = Chrysler, D = | | | | represents a 1999 Ford F150 Pickup 4WD Super Cab |
| Daihatsu, E = Eagle, F= Ford/Eagle, G = All General | | | | manufactured in Ontario, Canada with hydraulic brakes |
| Motors vehicles (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, | | | | and a 4.6-liter V-8 engine. |
| Pontiac, Saturn) H = Honda/Acura, J= Jeep, L = Lincoln, | | | | So there you have it, the Auto VIN Decoder. If you are |
| M = Mitsubishi, N = Nissan/Infiniti, P = Plymouth, S = | | | | in the market for a used vehicle, use this decoder to |
| Subaru, T = Toyota/Lexus, V = Volkswagen) | | | | make sure that it is indeed the exact model that the |
| So using the Auto VIN Decoder in the above example, | | | | seller is claiming it is. Once you have verified the |
| this car is a Ford or an Eagle..since Eagle is no longer | | | | Vehicle Identification Number is accurate, you can |
| made, it is most likely a Ford. | | | | proceed with your VIN check and learn everything you |
| Other popular makes use a 3-character initial | | | | need to know about that particular car. |
| sequence: | | | | To learn more about the VIN Decoder, visit Car |
| (TRU/WAU = Audi, 4US/WBA/WBS = BMW, 2HM | | | | Detective VIN Decoder and Auto Advice VIN Number |
| KMH = Hyundai, SAJ = Jaguar, SAL = Land Rover, | | | | check. |