How to Get a Florida VIN Check for Used Car
Due Diligence Florida’s year-round sunshine and coastal air brings out used car buyers seeking exciting rides. But navigating Florida’s unique VIN check requirements needs special attention to ensure your next used car absorbs sun rather than your wallet. Follow this guide to uncover a Florida ride’s past using the Vehicle Identification Number.
Locate the VIN on Florida Cars
Before unearthing a car’s history, first find its unique 17-character VIN. Florida titles have included VINs since 1941. Search these locations:
- Dashboard – Visible through lower windshield corner
- Door jamb – Check driver-side plaque
- Engine block – Passenger front corner by accessories
- Registration docs – Match to door sticker
Copy the full VIN accurately to pull records. Without every character, you risk missing key details.
Understand Florida’s Branded Title Designations
Florida DMV “brands” titles conveying different past conditions. Common ones include:
- Rebuilt – Previously declared totaled insurance loss then repaired
- Odometer Exempt – Mileage legitimacy can’t be confirmed
- Certificate of Destruction – Deemed only useful for parts/scrap
Such brands scream caution. Have a mechanic assess issues addressed in rebuild. Consider an odometer statement from prior owner(s). And never buy a Destroyed vehicle uncertified to drive legally.
Request a Florida VIN Check Report
Florida offers access to vehicle history through private data trackers. Autocheck and Carfax charge around $25 each for single VIN reports. Pay a little more for unlimited looks within 60 days. Each provides details like:
- Title brand events
- Accidents and related repairs
- Mileage irregularities
- Water and storm damage history tied to the VIN
- Registration locales and dates
Cross-check findings from both companies for best insights. For basic free checks, VehicleHistory.com offers owners, specs, and title data.
Research Safety Recalls Issued for the VIN
The federal database at NHTSA.gov displays safety and non-compliance recalls not fixed. Enter the full 17-digit VIN under Quick Search then open number-linked documents about:
- Affected components
- Faulty parts/conditions
- Repair instructions and procedures
Print recall evidence as bargaining leverage with the seller to get current fixes done first.
Uncover Price for Florida VINs Determine realistic deal pricing using:
- KBB.org – Select used pricing with filters for location, specs and condition
- NADAGuides.com – Cross-reference their local market range for your VIN
Price disparities point to data requiring clarification from the seller on mismatched equipment, conditions etc. before finalizing purchase terms.
Watch for Red Flags in VIN Reports Avoid future headaches by identifying upfront:
- Visits to multiple repair shops after accidents
- Odometer miles decreasing over time
- Recent arrival from out-of-state after long Florida registration
- Signs of submersion if housed along flood zones
Such Above items warrant vehicle inspection by a trusted mechanic to determine deeper issues before purchase.
In Summary – Vet the Vin to Not Get Taken for a Ride
Like sunken pirate treasure, a thorough VIN check in Florida uncovers bounties of useful information from a used car’s past. So don’t get bamboozled by sweet talk and joy rides. Investing $50 to verify histories, specifications and value will prevent much deeper sunken costs down the road. Use your VIN decoder checklist to avoid turning your new ride into a true Florida lemon.