Buying A Car

VIN Number Check Explained: What It Tells You About A Car’s Past

May 31, 2025June 4, 2025By Today's Digital
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VIN Number Check Explained: What It Tells You About A Car’s Past

Searching for an affordable, safe, honest and reliable used car dealership can feel overwhelming. You’re likely asking: Which car-buying platform is trustworthy? What is the accident history of this vehicle? Am I paying a fair price? In South Africa’s second-hand market, where hidden issues and buried histories are common, finding a reputable seller is key.

That’s why doing a VIN number check before buying a second-hand car is one of the crucial first checks before signing a sale agreement. 

Whether browsing dealerships or using a reliable online car-buying platform, you need to understand what a VIN number is and how to check it to avoid a red flag.

What Is a VIN Number?

A VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character manufacturing code assigned to every vehicle. Think of it as your car’s DNA—it never changes and holds vital information about its origin and journey.

Where can you find the car’s VIN number?

  • On the dashboard near the windscreen
  • Inside the driver-side door frame
  • On the engine block or registration certificate

A VIN number check reveals the vehicle’s make, model, year of manufacture, engine type, and more. It also helps confirm if the car’s history matches its paperwork.

Why Does a VIN Number Check Matter?

A VIN number check can protect you in several ways:

✅ Confirm Vehicle Identity

It ensures the vehicle isn’t cloned, stolen, or tampered with.

✅ Reveal Accident and Damage History

A simple, quick VIN number check in South Africa reveals previous accidents or insurance claims.

✅ Spot Odometer Fraud

VIN records can show mileage trends and help detect if the odometer has been rolled back. 

Pro tip: It is illegal to change a VIN number. If the VIN has been scratched off or looks suspicious, walk away and report it to the authorities.

✅ Verify Legal and Ownership Status

A VIN number check will flag if the car is financed, written off, or under dispute.

✅ Determine Fair Value

Everyone wants a fair deal when buying a used car. Knowing the car’s full history helps ensure you’re paying a market-related price, not overpaying.

Woman makes phonecall while stepping out of a vehicle

Top 5 VIN Number FAQs

  1.  Is a chassis number the same as a VIN number?
    Not always. A chassis number usually refers to the portion of the VIN that identifies the vehicle’s frame or body. In older cars, it may be shorter or formatted differently. On modern vehicles, the VIN number includes the chassis number as part of its 17-character structure.
  2. Is there a free online VIN number check in South Africa?
    Yes! While comprehensive reports may come at a cost, read this blog to discover 3 free options for receiving a basic report on the vehicle in question. However, a more comprehensive report can be very affordable for under R100.
  3. Can I check a VIN number myself?
    Absolutely. You just need the 17-digit VIN and an online checker. Many services in South Africa are mobile-friendly and easy to use.
  4. What if I can’t find the VIN on the car?
    That’s a major red flag. Walk away immediately. It could indicate tampering or an illegal vehicle. 
  5. Can a VIN tell me if a car has been in an accident?
    Yes. Comprehensive VIN checks access insurance databases to flag previous accidents or write-offs.

5 Features of a Reliable Online Car Buying Platform

  1. Independent Condition Reports
     A reliable platform provides comprehensive, transparent inspection reports, giving buyers complete confidence in the car’s mechanical and cosmetic condition.
  2. A Proven Reputation
    Look for sellers with solid, honest reviews. For example, Weelee has a 4.62 rating on HelloPeter based on over 5,000 genuine reviews, revealing consistent customer satisfaction.
  3. Transparent Sales Process
    From the VIN number check to service history and documentation, nothing should be hidden. Trustworthy online buying platforms and brick-and-mortar dealerships are upfront about everything, leaving you in safe hands.
  4. Negotiable, Wholesale Prices
    In today’s tough times, every rand counts. Top platforms offer wholesale prices to the public, allowing room for negotiation on quality used cars.
  5. Hundreds of Roadworthy Cars on the Floor
    Variety matters. Choose a platform with over 700 roadworthy, ready-to-go vehicles in stock. You should be able to find any car you desire there.

A Dealership You Can Trust

Understanding what a VIN number is and running a VIN check before you buy can save you time, money, and stress. 

And when you pair that with a transparent platform (like Weelee) offering verified reports and market-related pricing, you’re one step closer to finding a car you can trust.