VIN Check – Look Up that Vehicle’s History

 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it’s a special unique code used to provide a vehicles history report. This is a way to check the track record of any used car or vehicle for defects during prior usage. VIN consist of alphanumeric characters which may range from 16 to 18 characters. The location of VIN vary from vehicle to vehicle. In some cars, they are located on the dashboard or the drivers front sit.


A VIN check is a very important step to take before spending your hard earned money on any used car, no  matter how good it may look. There are some websites you can go to carry out your VIN check. However, it is pertinent for consumers to research vehicles carefully and wisely, as these reporting services are restricted to only information they have access to.

Checking VIN with AutolookUp

Autolookup seems to be the most legit at the time of writing this.
Here is how to do a quick VIN Check there.

Step 1: Head over to the website by clicking here
Step 2: Enter your VIN in the space provided and hit the Search Button

Step 3: A result should pop up — confirming the valdidty of the given VIN.
Step 4: Use the purchase exactly below the Vehicle specification to order for a comprehensive History of the Vehicle.(The price is about N2,700)
The benefit of doing a VIN check in Nigeria before car purchase, cannot be over emphasized. It will help save your hard earned money and most importantly your time in making the wrong decision of acquiring a liability . VIN check is a welcome development however, there are some drawbacks.
One of the major problems is, the vehicle report history obtained form VIN only verifies cars with a history from the US. If such vehicle was bought in Europe, Asia or other parts of Africa, it is not going to give any information whatsoever. If the vehicle is imported to Nigeria, this remains the case.Also, importation of cars from the US and Canada as at 2011 was a bit cheap and less stressful compared to recent times with the hike in dollar exchange rate. This has lead most car dealers to settle for “tokunbo” or Nigerian used vehicles.
While using a VIN check, it is important to go with a mechanic or a car expert when going to purchase a used car. A good mechanic have a very sharp are to spot a dysfunctional car. You know why? Because its their job and they face this everyday. So consider taking one along on your next Used car purchase.