car history by VIN
                     VIN and Car History Explained - What You Should 
Know
Thinking of buying a used car? 
Know why it is essential to first check the car 
history by VIN. Consider some unsavory statistics. 
1 in every 5 cars is a salvaged car.
1 in every 15 cars is rebuilt.
1 in every 50 cars has a tampered odometer
1 in every 100 cars has been damaged by 
flood.
Hence, if you are buying a used car, it should be 
clean and without any past incidents. The only 
way to know is finding out the 
car history by VIN.
What is VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a car is the 
identifying code of one particular vehicle. It is the 
fingerprint of a car and no two will be the same. It 
has 17 characters comprising of digits and capital 
letters. Incidentally, pre-1981 cars had 11 characters. 
VIN represents the unique features of a car including 
the manufacturer and the specifications. It is very 
useful to track registrations, recalls, thefts, warranty 
claims, and insurance coverage.
The VIN is located at the corner of the dashboard 
where it meets the windshield or on the doorpost on 
the driver’s side where the door latches when it is 
closed.  
Before checking car history by VIN know what 
information can be had from the 17 characters of VIN. 
 1st character – where the car was built
 2nd and 3rd characters – the manufacturer
 4th to 8th characters – Brand, engine size, and 
type of vehicle
 9th character - the security code that denotes 
that the car has been authorized by the 
manufacturer
 10th character – model year of the vehicle
 11th character – which plant manufactured the 
car
 12th to 17th characters – serial number of the 
vehicle.
 Getting a PPSR Certificate
Getting a PPSR certificate is the best 
confirmation to know car history by VIN. 
Obtaining a free VIN check is an easy process. 
 Browse a website that specializes in obtaining 
car history by VIN. Download a form and enter 
the VIN in the designated space and click the 
specified button.
You will get the full history of the vehicle 
including the year, make, model, country of 
assembly, and style. If this is insufficient and 
you want to delve deeper, choose a suitable 
report option that gives more details of the 
history of the car. Your PPSR certificate will be in 
your hands instantly. 
 What is a PPSR Certificate
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) 
is a national online register administered by the 
AFSA (Australian Financial Security Authority ).
 The PPSR allows organizations and 
individuals to register and search security 
interests in personal property like artworks, 
boats, cars, trucks, caravans, and more. On 
the PPSR, you can verify if someone else 
has registered an interest in the property 
that you intend to buy. Hence, when you 
get car history by VIN, you also get to know 
through the PPSR whether you have clear 
title over the property.