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Illustrative vehicle inspection in a workshop

Understand the VIN

17 characters that must match the vehicle.

The vehicle identification number links the car and its documents. It supports plausibility checks but does not replace a technical inspection.

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.

  1. 01

    Identify the vehicle

    The VIN identifies the specific vehicle and contains manufacturer-defined structure information.

  2. 02

    Compare the numbers

    The VIN on the car, registration document and available records should match.

  3. 03

    Assess the information

    Service and listing claims can be checked for contradictions but depend on available sources.

  4. 04

    Inspect the car separately

    Defects, sounds, paint irregularities and functions can only be assessed at the vehicle.

Important limit

A VIN lookup does not prove accident-free history, true mileage or faultless technical condition.

Documents plus vehicle

Check the claims, then the car.

Use the online listing check to prepare or book the inspection at the vehicle location.

Request listing check