Buyer's guide

Why check the VIN before buying a used vehicle

Every year, many buyers discover too late that a vehicle hid an accident, a tampered odometer, or a problematic administrative status. Checking the VIN before signing greatly reduces this risk.

The risks

What an unchecked purchase can hide

01

Detecting odometer fraud

Odometer tampering remains a common practice in the used-vehicle market. Comparing historical mileage readings tied to the VIN makes it possible to spot an inconsistency before the purchase rather than after.

What the report shows

  • History of mileage readings
  • Detection of inconsistencies
  • Date and source of each reading
02

Spotting an undisclosed accident

A vehicle that has suffered significant damage can be resold without the buyer being informed. Cross-referencing known accident reports helps establish the vehicle's real condition.

What the report shows

  • Reported damage and its date
  • Damaged areas when known
  • Estimated cost when available
03

Checking administrative status

A vehicle under lien, reported stolen, or subject to a driving restriction should never be bought unknowingly. This information, where available, appears in the Auto-Passeport report.

What the report shows

  • Theft report
  • Lien or driving restriction
  • Registration history

Comparison

Buying blind or buying informed

Without a check

  • Mileage cannot be verified
  • Past accidents unknown
  • Risk of lien or theft
  • Negotiating on gut feeling
  • Nasty surprises after purchase
Recommended

With Auto-Passeport

  • Mileage readings compared
  • Reported damage identified
  • Administrative status checked
  • Negotiating on facts
  • A fully informed decision
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The benefits

A check that helps both sides

Negotiating on objective grounds

Having a documented history allows price negotiations to be based on facts, both from the buyer's and the seller's perspective.

A check that also protects the seller

By providing a transparent report from the listing stage, a private seller reassures potential buyers and shortens the time to sale.

Before you sign

The buyer's checklist

A few simple habits complement the report and secure your purchase. Tick them off as you go.

Frequently asked questions

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle by its manufacturer. It allows the vehicle's specifications and history to be traced.

The VIN appears on the vehicle's registration document. It is also stamped on the vehicle itself: at the base of the windscreen on the driver's side, on the front door frame, or on the manufacturer's plate under the bonnet.

Auto-Passeport can analyse any vehicle with a valid 17-character VIN, regardless of the country of original registration, subject to data availability for that vehicle.

Ready to discover a vehicle's history?

Grab the VIN and start your check in a few seconds.