A VIN stands for vehicle identification number. It is sort of like a car's fingerprint, a code belonging only to a particular vehicle. When buying a used car, you should always run a VIN check, since you can learn a car's history through the number. Information such as whether a car has been stolen, branded as totaled or suffered flood damage---all accessible through the VIN---is vital for the used car buyer. A car manufactured after 1981 has a VIN of 17 digits and letters, these serving as code for information such as the country of manufacture. Cars made before 1981 will have a shorter VIN.
Find the vehicle's VIN. It will be located on the driver's side dashboard or in the driver's side door frame. If you're in a remote location, ask the dealer or owner of the car for the VIN. Have them check their insurance cards or registration.
Find an online site that lets you run a VIN check. Many sites offer free checks that give you very basic information on a car, such as whether it's stolen or salvaged. For detailed reports, you will need to pay a fee. Shop around.
Input the VIN number into the field provided on the website and press "Enter" or "Okay." The site will reveal the information. It will also likely give you a chance to buy a more detailed report.
