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:
Parking is a constant thorn in the side for many drivers, particularly the city dwellers amongst us. Whether you're in the market for a car for a young driver or you just never managed to get the hang of it, you may want to consider buying one of these famously easy-to-park cars.
Volkswagen Golf
Both stylish and affordable, this car is hugely popular. Its shape, combined with its enormous windows, make it extremely easy to park. CarWow.co.uk points out that its boxy, near-vertical exterior means you don't have to guess to figure out where your car ends1. Despite being tall, the Golf is relatively compact. Its windows offer a clear view of everything surrounding the car, meaning it can back into spaces with ease.
Furthermore, Volkswagen's Park Assist will be a huge help for any novice driver attempting to navigate their way into a small parking spot. Park Assist works through ultrasonic sensors that scan your intended space and determine whether or not it's big enough. The driver will have their foot on the pedal and brake at all times, but the technology will do the steering.
Ford Fiesta
Small, sleek and speedy, the Ford Fiesta is a great car for younger people as it is very easy to drive, maintaining great amounts of control - especially important when you're trying to coax your car into, or out of, a tricky spot.
As a smaller car with a "near-vertical rear window that gives you a good idea of where the back of the car ends" according to the Telegraph, the Ford Fiesta is perfect for inexperienced or easily frustrated parkers2. This applies doubly for models with rear cameras, which will take the guesswork out of backing up.
Additionally, the Ford Fiesta is a great learner's vehicle. Offering a driver plenty of space despite its status as a small car, the Fiesta's excellent speed and handling make it a great car for getting first-time drivers used to the road.
Mini
As the name suggests and as anyone who's ever watched an episode of Mr. Bean knows, the Mini is incredibly compact and so can perfectly fit into the tight little parking spaces of the city. With this in mind, it's not surprising that the record for the world's fastest parallel park is currently held by a mini.
As its name suggests, Minis are small and compact making them extremely easy to park. Like the Golf, these cars have large windows so drivers have a full view of their surroundings as they steer into a small parking spot. Rich Tabor of Boston.com emphasises that the mini's sophisticated engine allows for greater driver control3.
Similar to the Volkswagen Golf, you can buy park assist software for your mini, an invaluable bit of tech for anyone who regularly drives in the city.
Hyundai i20
Like the other cars on this list, the i20's small size makes it great for manoeuvring into tiny parks. It also means that it's much cheaper to run than its bulkier counterparts, ideal for the budget-conscious teenager.
Kitted out with several safety features including dual head restraints and a high-functioning brake system, the Hyundai i20 allows drivers excellent control, especially when used in conjunction with park sensors and other parking-related tech add-ons.
Any of these cars will make good options for learners or people who dislike parking. While these models are easy to park by nature, a full CarHistory report will give you a better idea of a used car's background, including any odometer tampering and its ANCAP safety ratings, letting you know if there's anything in its history that could hinder your perfect park.
1CarWow, Top Ten Easiest Cars to Park. Accessed October 2015.
2The Telegraph, Ford Fiesta Review. Accessed October 2015.
3Boston, For MINI Cooper, No Parking Space Is Too Small. Accessed October 2015.
4Research Gate, Parking and manoeuvring among older drivers: A survey investigating special needs and difficulties. Accessed October 2015.