Understand the VIN
17 characters that must match the vehicle.
The VIN connects the car with its documents. The Plus inspection includes a VIN query alongside the mobile inspection; the query does not replace a physical check.
Before viewing
What a VIN can help you check
A comparison can reveal contradictions, but it cannot prove condition or a complete history by itself.
- 01
Identify the vehicle
The VIN identifies the specific vehicle and contains manufacturer-defined structure information.
- 02
Compare the numbers
The VIN on the car, registration document and available records should match.
- 03
Assess the information
Service and listing claims can be checked for contradictions but depend on available sources.
- 04
Inspect the car separately
Defects, sounds, paint irregularities and functions can only be assessed at the vehicle.
Compare the records and note open questions
Ask the seller for the available records. Note dates, mileage entries and which car they refer to; keep documents separate from verbal statements.
| Document | What you can compare | Next question |
|---|---|---|
| Registration documents and VIN | Compare the VIN on the car with the documents provided and the listing. | Which detail differs, and how can it be clarified? |
| Complete HU inspection report | Review the vehicle details, inspection date, mileage entry and recorded notes. | Are there records of later work on the points mentioned? |
| Service book or digital service printout | Compare dated maintenance entries and mileage with the corresponding workshop invoices. | Can the seller provide a complete printout and the available supporting records? |
| Invoices and missing records | Note which work is documented, which has only been described and which records are missing. | Which open question needs an answer before you decide to buy? |
A gap or mismatch needs clarification and does not by itself prove fraud. A VIN query does not confirm that all documents are authentic, the history is complete or the mileage is genuine.
Vehicle recall: what does the evidence show?
For recall information, note the named campaign, whether the information concerns the car on offer, and which records support a stated completion.
Identify the campaign
Record the source, date and recall or campaign code. A recall notice may apply to particular variants of a model.
Which campaign is meant, and which vehicle variant does the notice describe?
Link the information to the car
Ask the manufacturer or a manufacturer-authorised workshop using the VIN. Record which campaign and scope the information covers.
What does the information say about this VIN, who provided it and when?
Ask for records of the stated completion
Ask the seller for available records of the work they say was completed. Check whether the records identify the campaign, vehicle and date. Take unresolved questions to the manufacturer or a manufacturer-authorised workshop.
Which available record supports the statement that this campaign was carried out on this car?
Important limit
A VIN query is not a complete vehicle history or proof of accident-free condition, genuine mileage or a fault-free technical state.
Documents plus vehicle
Check the claims, then the car.
Plus includes a VIN query and personal buying advice alongside the mobile inspection. The query alone does not establish a car's technical condition.