How to Use a Vehicle Identification Number to Get a Car's Value

Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, that you can use to look up details of the car. The VIN identifies some of the specifics of the car, such as the type of engine, and it can also tell you the car's history. A car that's been in a serious accident is worth less than a car that has not been in an accident. You can use the VIN number to find the value of a used car to make sure that you are getting a good deal or selling your car for the right price.

Instructions

1

Get a car history report using the VIN. The sites listed in resources will print you a car history report using just the car's VIN. They offer a free version, but you will not find the details you want on the free version. You'll have to pay for a full car history.

2

Learn details about the make and model with a VIN decoder. The numbers in a VIN may seem random, but they are not. For example, the first letter describes where the car is made and the second describes the manufacturer. Each number or letter in a VIN has meaning and you can learn about what type of engine you have, for example, which affects the car's value.

3

Look up the value of the car in the Kelley Blue Book. Knowing the details of the car, you can use the Kelley Blue Book to determine the car's value. Simply enter the year, make and model, then select any features of your car that may improve the value, such as better speakers. It will tell you how much you should pay for it, how much it's worth if you're selling on the private market and how much you should expect to receive if you trade it in to buy a new car.