How to Find the Value of a Car by VIN Number
Since the early 1980s, automakers stamp each vehicle they manufacture with a unique, 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) that identifies the features, specifications and manufacture location of that vehicle. It's possible to assess the value of a vehicle by researching the VIN in online vehicle databases, through state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices, or by decoding the VIN and researching the value of the vehicle through an online auto value website.
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Instructions
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Locate the vehicle identification number. Many manufacturers stamp the VIN on the corner of the dashboard against the windshield (where it can be seen from outside the vehicle). Another common location is inside the driver's door (where it latches when closed). You can also check for the number on the vehicle title and registration or in the insurance policy. You can also contact the car manufacturer (call directory assistance or look for contact information on its main web page), or look up VIN locations for older cars at Classiccardatabase.com (follow the search instructions in the center of the web page).
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Conduct a VIN database search. There are numerous online vehicle sites that specialize in VIN history reports. Their results will help you assess the value of a vehicle. These reports include such information as past fire damage, odometer readings, insurance loss, service history, DMV transactions, stolen vehicle information and more. There are varying charges for these reports, which are offered through such websites as Checkmycar.com, Carfax.com and Cardetective.com
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Run the VIN through the DMV. If you own the vehicle, you can request a VIN report through a state DMV office for a minimal charge. The results provide, among other information, the state taxable value of the vehicle. To find the location of a state DMV office near you, go to DMV.org and click the "Continue" button. In the top left of the web page, click the "Find Your Local DMV Office" link and follow the instructions. Note: State DMV offices have varying policies on who, outside of the vehicle owner, can legally request a VIN report (contact your local DMV office and ask for their policies).
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Decode the VIN. You can decode the VIN for free at various online sites, such as Autocheck.com, whose results provide the year, make and model of the vehicle, which you can then check through an auto value guide such as the Kelley Blue Book (or through its website KBB.com). For example, if the VIN decodes the vehicle to be a 1990 Buick Skylark, go to KBB.com and in the "Used Cars" box at the top of the web page, click the "Go" button. In the "Used Car Values" box, select the year, make and model (for this example: 1990, Buick, Skylark), press the "Go" button, and follow the instructions for trade-in, private party and suggested retail values in your region.
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References
Resources
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