VINScope
Used car buyer guides
Short, practical guides: how to read a VIN, where to find it, how to spot rolled-back mileage and what to check when buying a car from abroad.
- How to check a car by VIN before buyingThe VIN is the car’s ID. It tells you what the car really is, whether it is reported stolen and whether its history matches what the seller says.4 min read
- VIN decoder: what each of the 17 characters meansA VIN has 17 letters and digits. Each group means something, so you can “read” the car before you see it.4 min read
- Where to find the VIN on a carThe VIN is repeated in several places. They must all match: a mismatch is a reason to walk away.3 min read
- Car recalls: what they are and how to check by VINA recall is an official action by the manufacturer when a safety defect is found in a model run. The fix is usually free, but the owner has to find out about it.3 min read
- Rolled-back mileage: how to spot itOdometer fraud is the most common trick in used-car sales. Nothing is a guarantee, but a combination of signs usually gives it away.4 min read
- Buying a car from the US: what to checkCars from US auctions are often cheap but carry risks: serious damage, flood history and rebuilt bodies.5 min read
- Used car inspection checklist before buyingA short plan for the buyer, from paperwork to the test drive. Use the interactive checklist and tick items as you go.4 min read