The 7 VIN Report Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are seven key things to watch out for in a car VIN decoder report, so you don’t end up with a faulty car
Multiple Owners in a Short Time
If a VIN check shows that a car has had 4 to 5 owners in just 2 to 3 years, that’s a big red flag. Cars don’t keep moving from one person to another unless something is wrong.
Think about it, if you bought a good car, would you sell it after just 6 months? Of course not. But if it kept breaking down or draining money, you’d rush to sell it off. That’s why frequent ownership changes are a red flag.
Odometer Rollback or Mileage Issues
Mileage fraud is like the "fake age" of the car world. Some sellers do this by rolling back the odometer to make the car look younger and more valuable. Sadly, this is a trick that’s common with tokunbo cars coming into Nigeria.
To spot inconsistent mileage readings, you'll have to pay attention to what the report says. However, here's an easy way to spot an odometer rollback:
- The mileage doesn't match the car's age (for example, a 10-year-old car with only 20,000 miles is suspicious)
- Previous records show a higher mileage than the current reading
- The car has wear and tear that doesn't match the displayed mileage
- The service records contradict the odometer reading
Even with all this, it's still important to know that high mileage isn't always bad if the car was well-maintained.
Accident History with Major Damage
Not all accidents are the same. Some accidents can cause a small scratch or minor fender bender, which isn't a big deal. But if your vehicle history report shows major collision damage, that’s when you need to take it seriously.
This kind of damage can mean frame or structural issues, engine or transmission problems, or even a total loss claim (even if the car was later fixed).
Truth is, even if the car was repaired, it may not be fully restored to its original condition. A bent frame can make the car drive unevenly, and safety features might not work properly in future crashes.
Over time, you could run into issues like poor alignment, unusual tire wear, or parts wearing out faster than expected.
Title Washing
Title washing is one of the sneakiest scams in the used car business. It happens when someone takes a car with a bad title (like salvage, flood, or lemon) and re-registers it in another state or country to hide its troubled past.
Here's how it usually works:A car gets totaled in a flood in the U.S. and is given a "flood title." Instead of selling it as a damaged car, the seller takes it to another state with weaker title laws, registers it there, and suddenly it comes out with a "clean" title.
Then it gets shipped to Nigeria as a seemingly perfect tokunbo car. Because of this trick, it’s important to check the car’s VIN records carefully. If you notice inconsistent details or sudden changes in the title history, you might be looking at a washed title.
Flood Damage History
Nigeria receives thousands of flood-damaged cars from overseas every year, and many buyers don’t know what they’re getting into. Flood damage is especially risky because the problems caused by water don’t always show immediately; they can take months or even years to appear.
When you verify a vehicle’s history and see signs of flood damage, it could mean hidden rust in places that weaken the car’s structure, mold and mildew that cause health issues, or costly engine and transmission failures.
Lien or Financial Records
A lien or financial record shows whether a car has any unpaid loans or legal claims attached to it. If a car still has a lien, the bank or financial company can legally repossess it, even after you’ve bought it.
This is a major red flag because it signals a hidden legal and financial risk. That means you could lose both the car and your money,
So, before you buy any car, always run a proper VIN decoder check to confirm the car is free from financial obligations. Don't rely on the seller's word alone; ask for documented proof that the title is clean.
Inconsistent Vehicle Information
Sometimes the most obvious red flags are the ones we overlook. When basic details about a car don't match up, that's a serious warning sign. For example:
- The VIN on the body doesn't match the title or registration
- The engine number doesn't correspond to the reported model
- The year or make differs from official records
- The car's color has changed without proper documentation
Stolen cars often have these inconsistencies because thieves try to change identifying information. They might swap parts from different cars, alter documents, or even attach fake VIN plates.
If anything doesn't add up when you check the car's VIN against official records, don't take chances. A legitimate seller should be able to explain any discrepancies with proper documentation.
How to Spot VIN Report Red Flags
Knowing the risks is one thing; actually spotting them is another. Here’s how to spot red flags in a VIN report before they cost you:
Start with the Basics: Before meeting any seller, ask for the vehicle number (VIN) and run it through a trusted VIN decoder service.
Look at the Timeline: Check the report dates carefully. When did accidents happen? How long did each owner keep the car? When were major repairs made? The timing often reveals the car’s real condition.
Check Service Records: If they’re available, compare them with the VIN report. Do the mileage readings match? Are there repairs for problems the seller hasn’t mentioned?
Inspect the Car itself: Use the VIN report as a guide for what to look for during physical inspection. If the report shows flood damage, look for water stains or musty smells. If it notes accidents, examine panel alignment and paint consistency.
Tips for Safe Car Buying
Never Rush: Don't let anyone pressure you into buying immediately. A good car will still be good tomorrow, but a bad decision can haunt you for years. Always take time to run proper VIN checks.
Meet in Safe Places: If you’re buying from platforms like Jiji or Facebook, insist on meeting in public locations or at reputable dealerships. Scammers prefer secluded locations where they can pressure you.
Bring a Knowledgeable Friend: If you're a first-time buyer, bring someone who knows about cars. They might spot issues you miss, even after checking the VIN report.
Keep Your Records: Save all chats with sellers, copies of documents, and VIN reports. You’ll be glad you did if problems come up later.
Budget for Inspection: Set aside money for a professional mechanical inspection. A ₦20,000-50,000 inspection can save you from much bigger problems.
Get Everything in Writing: Don't rely on verbal promises. Any agreements or seller guarantees should be documented and signed.
Remember: Don't rush because of a sweet deal. A few minutes spent checking the VIN can save you years of regret.