Buying a used car is like going on a blind date – you hope for the best but risk a potential disaster. Without running a vehicle history report beforehand, you enter the situation blindly, unsure of what surprises might pop up.
Much like checking your date’s profile online, performing an Arkansas VIN check lets you uncover your potential ride’s past before committing. It provides transparency into any baggage or issues that could turn your expected romance into a nightmare.
While you can’t predict in-person chemistry from an online profile, you can gauge a car’s reliability using its unique VIN number. So before you say “yes” to that used motor vehicle purchase, empower yourself with the details. Just enter the 17-digit VIN into our website to unlock the car’s history and make the right choice.
Now let’s look at why an Arkansas VIN check is so important for identifying potential issues before they leave you stranded…
What is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to every car, truck and SUV. It acts as a vehicle’s fingerprint, distinguishing one from another.
Manufacturers assign each VIN individually at the point of production. This number then stays with the vehicle for its lifespan.
VINs contain digits and capital letters. Every character in the VIN relays specific information about the vehicle, including where it was built, its unique features, and when it was manufactured. Every vehicle in Arkansas & the United States comes with a VIN, if there is a number on the vehicle then proceed with caution.
How to Decode a VIN Number
Understanding how to read a VIN number helps you better analyze the vehicle history report. Here is what each character means:
Positions 1-3: Manufacturer and Country
The first three digits identify where and by whom the vehicle was made.
Positions 4-8: Vehicle Attributes
Digits 4-8 describe the car’s body style, engine size, model and restraint systems.
Position 9: Check Digit
This acts as a verification that the VIN conforms to standards.
Position 10: Model Year
The 10th digit indicates the vehicle’s model year.
Position 11: Manufacturing Plant
This identifies the specific plant that assembled the car.
Positions 12-17: Production Number
The final digits represent the production sequence of the vehicle.
How To Find The VIN
You can locate the VIN in several places on the vehicle:
- Printed on a small placard visible through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side
- On the driver’s side door jamb
- On the firewall under the hood
- Engraved on the engine block
- On the vehicle title
- On the registration card
Make sure the VIN is consistent across all these locations to ensure it is original. When buying a used car in Arkansas make sure you can locate the VIN in at least 2 of these locations before proceeding further. If the person is the true car owner they will allow you to inspect these areas.
What a VIN Report Shows
A VIN inspection report provides vital details on a vehicle’s background using its unique identifier. A VIN check can help reveal:
- Manufacturer, make and model
- Year, assembly plant and production number
- Engine type and size
- Accident history
- Title brands
- Odometer discrepancies
- Open recalls
- Service History
- Previous owners
- Rental vehicle history
These insights help assess the car’s condition and determine if it’s worth purchasing.
Free vs Paid VIN Online Service Reports
Free VIN checks provide basic identifying information, including specifications, recall status, and theft records. However, paid VIN reports offer more comprehensive data from additional sources. They include detailed accident histories, title issues, ownership changes, odometer readings, maintenance records and damage assessments. A small fee is worthwhile for the peace of mind before spending thousands on a used car.
Why You Should Run an Arkansas VIN Check Before Purchasing a Used Car
Here are some top reasons to use our VIN lookup service:
Check for Accidents and Damage
Verifying a vehicle’s accident history is crucial. Our free VIN check searches official crash data to check for related damage but the data is limited, upgrade to a paid report to get a more detailed report. This helps you avoid vehicles prone to mechanical issues.
Confirm Ownership History
Ensure you are purchasing from the legal owner by reviewing the car’s ownership records. Our VIN search checks state data to verify ownership changes over the years.
Check for Theft Records
Thousands of vehicles get stolen every year in Arkansas. Our VIN check searches state and national databases to check if the car has been stolen or flagged. Make sure you aren’t buying a stolen car or end up being a victim of vehicle theft.
Identify Title Brands
Title brands like salvage, rebuilt or junk can seriously impact resale value. Our VIN decoder search checks official state data for hidden title problems.
Review Safety Ratings
Researching safety ratings helps avoid vehicles prone to life-threatening mechanical flaws. Our VIN lookup provides key safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and IIHS.
Check Open Recalls
Over 3 million vehicles are recalled annually in the U.S. Our VIN check identifies outstanding recalls that still require repair for safety.
How Our Arkansas VIN Search Works
Our online VIN check is fast, accurate and easy:
- Visit our website – No download is required, so you can access it from any device
- Enter the VIN – Locate the 17-digit VIN and input it into our search bar
- Get your report – Your detailed vehicle history overview is generated in seconds, providing important information
- Make an informed decision – Use online VIN check data to negotiate prices or walk away from risky vehicles
Uncover Key Details on Arkansas Vehicles
Our VIN reports uncover over 200 data points that help you make that important decision, including detailed information such as:
Ownership History
- Previous owners
- Locations where registered
- Ownership changes
Vehicle Specifications
- Engine type
- Fuel efficiency
- Dimensions
Title Information
- Past salvage, rebuilt or junk titles
- Title status in other states
Accident History
- Date, location and type of accidents
- Accidents with structural damage
- Deployment of airbags
Open Recalls
- Details of outstanding safety recalls
- Repair urgency and steps
- Recall issue and manufacturer
Odometer Readings
- Total mileage
- Inconsistencies and rollbacks
- Last reported mileage
Red Flags to Watch Out For in Arkansas
When reviewing your VIN check, keep an eye out for these potential red flags:
Salvage Title
A salvage title means the car sustained considerable damage. This can create safety issues and hurt value.
Flood Damage
Flooding can cause electrical issues, mold, and ruined interiors. Arkansas’s climate increases flood risks.
High Accident Count
Multiple accidents, especially with recent airbag deployment, can indicate ongoing issues.
Odometer Discrepancies
A lower odometer reading compared to records suggests tampering or mileage fraud.
Unable to Verify Records
Gaps where records couldn’t be verified may hint at title washing or other scams.
Conclusion
Don’t get stuck with a vehicular nightmare. Empower yourself with transparency using our free VIN search before you commit. Invest a few moments up front doing a quick check, just like you would Google a new date. A free VIN check will show basic information, but to unlock the full history and know everything a full VIN report is available for a small paid fee, a paid report could save you thousands of dollars and stop you from buying a lemon. Don’t be left wondering what you don’t know.
Make sure your new ride has a clean history beforehand, no regrets after. Using us as your VIN assist buddy, performing a VIN lookup has never been easier, access vehicle history reports quickly and cheaply. Drive off confidently into the sunset in your ideal match.
Arkansas VIN Checks Frequently Asked Questions
Can you look up license plate Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas license plate numbers can be looked up to retrieve vehicle information. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration offers an online service for searching license plate numbers registered in the state. While a plate search doesn't provide the comprehensive details of a VIN check, it can be used to connect to a vehicle's VIN for further history reporting.
How do I get a VIN inspection in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, VIN inspections are only required on out-of-state vehicles with a branded title before registration. Inspections must be performed by a certified law enforcement officer. Vehicle owners can schedule an inspection at a local police station or sheriff's office by providing registration paperwork. The completed VIN inspection form can then be submitted to the DMV when registering the vehicle.
Who can do a VIN verification in Arkansas?
VIN verifications in Arkansas must be carried out by an authorized law enforcement officer. This includes state police, sheriff's deputies, and local police officers. Some auto shops and dealerships can also perform VIN verifications if they have an officer who is licensed. Vehicle owners will need to bring the car and its paperwork to have the VIN inspected and verified.
How do I check the status of a title in Arkansas?
To check the status of a vehicle's title in Arkansas, vehicle owners can use the online services of the Department of Finance and Administration. A title search can be done by inputting details like VIN, license plate number, or vehicle details. This searches the DMV database for the current title status and brand.
Does Arkansas require a VIN inspection?
Arkansas does not require routine VIN inspections on in-state vehicles. The only mandatory inspections are for out-of-state vehicles with a branded title being registered in Arkansas for the first time. These must undergo a VIN inspection by law enforcement to verify the vehicle information before getting an Arkansas title.
