With over two decades of experience as an auto mechanic, repairing, buying and selling used cars, I’ve seen the dark side of purchasing pre-owned vehicles firsthand. Far too often, sellers hide or downplay key details about a car’s history that can leave buyers stranded with an overpriced lemon.
That’s why I always recommend performing a thorough Vermont VIN check before signing any paperwork. Decoding a vehicle’s unique VIN reveals its complete backstory and helps avoid expensive regrets down the road.
Hi, I’m Robby, and with this insider’s guide, I’ll explain how to easily find a car’s VIN, what red flags to look for when you decode it digit-by-digit, and where Vermonters can access free and paid VIN reports to get the full history. Having this information eliminates risk and ensures your next used car purchase in Vermont is a wise investment rather than a money pit. So let’s get started!
What is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. This is a unique 17-character code that is assigned to every vehicle at the time of manufacture. No two VINs are alike, even among vehicles of the same make and model.
The VIN serves as the car’s fingerprint, following it through changes of ownership, location, and condition. It allows access to the vehicle’s complete history when doing a VIN lookup.
How To Find The VIN
Locating the VIN is the first step to running a VIN check. Here are some of the most common places to find it:
- Printed on vehicle registration and title documents
- VIN plate inside the driver’s side door jamb
- Dashboard/lower windshield label
- Front of engine block
- Rear wheel wells
- Vehicle history reports
What a VIN Report Shows
A VIN lookup report provides a wealth of details on a vehicle’s background, including:
- Accident History
- Title brands like “salvage” or “flood damage”
- Ownership history and number of previous owners
- Odometer readings to check for fraud
- Total loss history
- Theft records
- Open safety recalls
- Service and maintenance history
Free vs Paid VIN Reports
There are both free and paid but cheap VIN check services available with our service. Free reports provide basic details but paid services offer in-depth information from more sources. Comprehensive paid reports are typically inexpensive and can help avoid buying a lemon.
Why We’re the Best VIN Lookup Service
At Mechanic Answer, we offer thorough VIN checks tapping into over 3.5 billion records across thousands of data sources. Our team of skilled writers compiles this data into easy-to-understand, human-written reports.
We are dedicated to helping customers make informed used car purchase decisions. Our fully searchable reports are priced affordably at just $14.99. Backed by responsive customer support, Mechanic Answer provides the most complete vehicle history information available online.
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check allows you to uncover critical details about a vehicle’s past that could impact your buying decision and help prevent purchasing a lemon. By spending a few minutes performing a VIN lookup, you can gain peace of mind knowing you have the full story on a vehicle before making a major purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about performing a Vermont VIN check, including:
- What a VIN check reveals about a vehicle’s history
- Why a VIN check is especially important in Vermont
- How to locate a vehicle’s VIN
- Where to obtain a Vermont VIN report
- Additional resources for Vermont car buyers
Armed with the insights from this guide, you’ll be fully prepared to conduct a thorough VIN search and make an informed decision next time you’re shopping for a used vehicle.
Why is a VIN Check Especially Important in Vermont?
While a VIN check is always a smart idea before purchasing any used vehicle, there are a few reasons it’s especially important for cars with a Vermont title:
- Out-of-state purchases – Many used cars for sale in Vermont are brought in from other states. A VIN check provides full visibility into a vehicle’s true history versus what a seller may claim.
- Road salt damage – Vermont’s winters take a toll on vehicles, with road salt potentially causing rapid corrosion. Look for signs of rust or flood damage marked on the title.
- Odometer rollbacks – Some sellers illegally manipulate odometer readings to show inflated low mileage. A VIN report can detect anomalous mileage.
- Salvage vehicles – Cars badly damaged by collisions, floods or other incidents may have a salvage title. This substantially lowers value, so it’s key to identify.
- Stolen vehicles – Vermont has higher rates of auto theft compared to other states. Look for red flags like VIN swaps that could indicate a stolen vehicle.
Where to Obtain a Vermont VIN Report
Once you have the 17-digit VIN in hand, there are a few options for obtaining a Vermont VIN lookup report:
Vermont DMV Records Request – You can submit a records request to the Vermont DMV for vehicle registration details and title brands.
National Databases – Paid services like Carfax and AutoCheck comb through records from Vermont and other states plus additional sources. Reports cost $25-$40.
Free VIN Check Tools – Many websites like EpicVIN and VehicleHistory.com offer free basic VIN checks pulling data from select databases. These provide a snapshot of info.
Paid Comprehensive Reports – For a small paid fee you can purchase a comprehensive with Mechanic Answer, VIN check report combining new and historical data from thousands of sources nationwide. This is the most thorough option.
When choosing a VIN check provider, make sure to verify what databases they access and that they compile an easy-to-understand report. Reliable services clearly list their data sources and offer customer service support.
Conclusion
Buying a used car always involves some degree of risk, but arming yourself with comprehensive insights from a Vermont VIN check can significantly tip the odds in your favor. Taking the time to locate the VIN, decode it, and obtain a vehicle history report gives you the power to make an informed decision and avoid purchasing a lemon. While no pre-owned vehicle is guaranteed to be problem-free, the peace of mind and protection gained from vetting the VIN first is well worth the small time investment. Use the guidance provided in this guide to have the confidence of knowing a car’s full backstory before your next Vermont used vehicle purchase.
Vermont VIN Check Frequently Asked Questions
How to do a VIN verification in Vermont?
To verify a VIN in Vermont, locate the 17-character VIN number printed on the vehicle's registration, title, inside the driver's door jamb, or other locations on the car. Then use this VIN to purchase a vehicle history report from a provider like Mechanic Answer or submit a records request to the Vermont DMV. Comparing the VIN details across these reports will verify the accuracy and legitimacy of the identification number.
Do you need a VIN check in Vermont?
Yes, performing a VIN check in Vermont is highly recommended when purchasing a used vehicle. A VIN lookup helps uncover hidden details about the car's past, like major accidents, title brands, odometer rollbacks, theft history and more. Vermont sees many out-of-state used cars, so a local VIN inspection is key to avoiding fraud and buying a lemon. The one-time cost is worth the peace of mind and financial protection.
Can I look up my VIN online?
Yes, you can lookup any vehicle's VIN number online instantly. First locate the 17-digit VIN printed on the car's documents or components. Then use this VIN on sites like Mechanic Answer or CARFAX to purchase an on-demand vehicle history report. Some sites also offer free basic VIN lookups with limited details. Checking your VIN online provides quick access to critical information about that specific vehicle.
What is a VIN inspection Vermont?
A VIN inspection in Vermont is when a trained professional like a law enforcement officer or DMV agent physically examines the VIN plates and labels on your vehicle. They verify that the VIN has not been tampered with or illegally modified. Some used car dealers also offer free VIN inspections. This on-site VIN verification protects against VIN cloning fraud when purchasing a used car in Vermont.
How do I run a VIN number for information?
The easiest way to run a VIN check for information is to purchase an instant online vehicle history report from a provider like Mechanic Answer. After locating your vehicle's unique 17-digit VIN number, visit their website, enter the VIN, and obtain a comprehensive report within seconds. This detailed VIN lookup will provide key details about that specific vehicle's ownership, accident history, title brands, mileage and more to inform your buying decision.
