Keep in mind that the vehicle’s make and model significantly impact the value of your vehicle, so it’s important that you know these details before you sell or buy a car. There are situations in which you will want to check a vehicle’s VIN, since many data registries use it to record details of the vehicle’s history. If you’re interested in buying a used car, you can do a VIN lookup to get the vehicle history report and find records of its previous owners, accidents, and repairs. You can also find out if the manufacturer had ever issued a recall of the vehicle and whether those repairs were made. Finally, law enforcement agencies do a VIN check to identify vehicles that have been stolen. A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it’s manufactured.
You will need the car’s title, VIN, and proof of identification to obtain the report. The plant of manufacture for a vehicle can be identified by looking at the 11th character of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This character is the manufacturer’s plant code, and it can help identify the year and model of a vehicle. Each manufacturer has their own plant codes to identify the plant in which the vehicle was assembled. To find the plant of manufacture for a vehicle, you can use the VIN decoder provided by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
Vehicle Descriptor Digits
- By decoding the VIN code and using the information, you can identify the year and model of a vehicle.
- A simple way to remember the make of your car or truck is to name the business that manufactured your vehicle.
- Keep in mind that some vehicle manufacturers offer two brands of vehicles – one for regular cars and the other for luxury cars, so the brand may not always be the same as the manufacturer.
- For example on the Goodyear Assurance® WeatherReady® tire, the make of the tires is Goodyear, and the model is the Assurance WeatherReady.
Checking the VIN of the car is the best way to verify the true identity of the car. If the car has had problems in the past, checking the VIN will indicate the irregularities. This is especially important if you are buying a used car since you have no way of knowing how the car was maintained. You can also find the car’s make and model by checking the VIN or vehicle identification number (also known as chassis number in Ireland).
Understanding VIN Decoding and Check Digit
For example, a VIN containing the characters “1G6DW5477XJ908765” would indicate that the vehicle is a 1999 Cadillac DeVille. If all else fails, you can research the information online using the VIN (vehicle identification number). It’s found on the driver’s side door jamb placard or where the dashboard and windshield meet on the driver’s side. It contains valuable information about the make and model of the vehicle, along with the engine type, where it was made and more.
There are numerous automakers globally, each offering a diverse range of models. Major automakers include Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, Honda, BMW, and many more. These manufacturers produce various models, covering segments such as sedans, SUVs, trucks, electric vehicles, and luxury cars. “BMW” stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works in English.
Car History ReportIf your car was preowned, you can get its make and model by requesting a vehicle history report from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They fund the service through advertisements, ensuring users can access comprehensive vehicle history reports without any cost. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of a vehicle’s history and condition, you need to supplement vehicle specs with additional information and reports. Vehicle history reports, and mechanical inspections can provide a more complete story about the car. These sources can offer insights into the vehicle’s past, any potential issues, and help you make a more informed decision when buying or selling a car. The ability to accurately identify the make and model of a car not only satisfies curiosity but holds practical significance for vehicle owners, buyers, and enthusiasts alike.
How Make and Model Affect Car Insurance
Very often, these are not the same as the year they are manufactured in, with many makes sending out vehicles a year before the actual model year suggests. As an example, you can get a 2023 vehicle even though it’s still 2022. Thus, you should be aware that a vehicle’s trim is the specific version of its model. You should keep in mind, though, that if your vehicle was made before 1981, the VIN might have less than 17 digits, which can make it challenging to look up on a decoder website. The easiest way to determine the make and model of your car through the VIN is to use a website such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) VIN decoder. Practically every new vehicle you buy should come with an owner’s manual.
It’ll come in handy for many purposes throughout your car’s life. You’ll need the information to register it, insure it, identify it, or sell it. Owner’s ManualThe make and model of the vehicle is usually located on the cover of the owner’s manual. Outside of Your VehicleThe back of your car should have the manufacturer’s name on one side and the model on the other side.
- You can do this online, through an agent, or by calling an insurance company directly.
- With any car, the base model is the trim level with the least equipment and features.
- Common examples of car makers include Toyota, Ford, BMW, Honda, and Chevrolet.
- To find the character that denotes the year model of a vehicle, start at the end of the VIN and count left 8 characters.
- These characters ensure that each vehicle, even those with the same make and model, is uniquely identifiable.
- Online automotive forums, enthusiast communities, and professional automotive websites often provide discussions and explanations about various vehicle features and specifications.
Keep in mind that some older or rare models might require more extensive research, and online communities of car enthusiasts can also be valuable resources for identification. By using one or more of these methods, you should be able to determine the make year of a car. The VIN is often the most reliable how to find make and model of a car source for this information, and it provides additional details about the vehicle’s origin and specifications.
Importance of Make and Model for Car Insurance
They can look up your VIN and tell you the make and model of your vehicle. As you customize the new car you want, it’s important to look over the available options. Each one is going to add to the price or you can bundle them in what is known as a package.
Vehicle specifications outline the available trim levels, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their preferences. Trim levels can determine features such as interior amenities, technology integration, audio systems, upholstery, and more. When it comes to understanding a vehicle or how it works, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a key to a wealth of information.
In this guide, we cover the differences between the make and the model. We also look at differences you might notice between various models and show you how to find the information when you need to find it. According to the NHTSA 450,000 vehicles sold each year with false odometer readings, costing Americans more than one billion dollars annually. I’ll provide you with practical tips, reliable advice to help you tackle your car-related challenges with confidence.
It can also be used to check on safety recalls or obtain a vehicle history report. The first three characters of the VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier, which identifies the manufacture of the vehicle. The middle characters refer to the vehicle attributes, such as body style, engine type, model, etc. The last six characters are the unique serial number for the vehicle. This information can be used by dealerships, insurance companies, parts suppliers, authorities, and potential buyers to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.