The vehicle identification number (VIN) is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car's unique features, specifications and manufacturer.
The VIN can be found in a couple of places including on the car's registration label (1), on the compliance plate in the engine bay (2) or on the passenger side windshield (3), or on one of the door posts (where the door latches when it is closed) (4). See the image below:
Easy to read
We know how hard it can be to understand all the jargon around buying a used car, so we only provide you with an easy to read and understand report, made for people who are not familiar with the industry.
First Sale Information
CarHistory's comprehensive report includes details about when the car was first sold, the postcode of the first sale and for what purpose it was purchased (Private and Non Private).
Official & Secure
CarHistory reports are compiled using information from the PPSR as well as data which is held in the National Vehicle Information System, operated and maintained by Equifax. The NVIS is a comprehensive collection of information on motor vehicles that have been registered in Australia. It is contributed to and updated by major Australian motor vehicle Insurers as well as other proprietary companies with interests in the Australian automotive industry.
In-depth information
We were Australia’s first online automotive bureau, and today we’re the leading provider of a comprehensive used car history report regardless of how many states and territories a vehicle’s previously been registered in. Through our access to extensive data sources we can provide you with in-depth information so you can make an informed decision about the used car you are about to purchase.
National view of the vehicle's history
We’re the leading provider of a comprehensive report on a used vehicle's reported history, regardless of how many states and territories it has previously been registered in. Based on the VIN or Rego number of the vehicle, the CarHistory Report provides you with a national view of the vehicle's history.
| Report Features |
CarHistory |
Carfacts |
PPSR (Government) |
CheckVIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each CarHistory report includes a PPSR Certificate from the Australian Government.PPSR Certificate | ||||
| Find out if the car has ever been reported stolen.Stolen check~# | ||||
| Check if the car has been reported to be written-off or is a repairable write-off.Written off check~# | ||||
| Find out if there is finance owing on the car.Finance check | ||||
| Checks the validity and accuracy of the registration number, including State/Territory & plate.Registration details | ||||
| Check for possible odometers rollbacks or discrepancies.Odometer check | ||||
| Compare similar cars in the market based on odometer reading and sales price.Price/odometer comparison* | ||||
| Get an estimate of the price of your car based on the year of retail and odometer readings of similar cars on the market.Vehicle valuation* | ||||
| Our VIN check will display the car make and model, to help you ensure you have entered the correct VIN.VIN check | ||||
| Find out when the car was first sold, the postcode of the first sale and for what purpose it was purchased.First sale information | ||||
| A registration check (rego check) can be done on any car to confirm details of its registration history.Rego lookup |
Disclaimer: Information in this comparison chart is correct based on the website survey conducted by Car History on 28th June 2023