What's in a VIN?

[Plipton]

Here's one for the boffins on here.

I understand a lot of the data held in a VIN but, say I was looking at a Tamora that was for sale for instance, and the owner wasn't sure of the spec as he bought it 2nd hand (originally from HL Gorner who went bust) can anyone tell me what these digits in the VIN mean in terms of spec?

???FA17A?????????

Ta
Rick

[Pixi]

I got this ages ago - hope it helps.

http://www.cerbera.co.uk/cerbera/deciphering.htm

[Hexhamhc]

The vin means nothing in terms of the individual spec of a particular car. The last part is a sequential build number and in the good old days you could have checked this with the factory and they could have told you exactly what the build spec of the car was. Usually there is some information relative to the spec contained within the handbook... colour, colours of trim, carpets, key numbers etc. What is it that you particularly want to know??
Hope that this helps!

[Plipton]

Thanks lads. The owner isn't sure if the car has AC or not. It has the button (uuurrgh - but they all have) and the original handbook is missing.

It's a long trip to see the car and I'm not really after one without AC unless it's VERY cheap. I suspect it hasn't as there is no 'clunk' from under the bonnet when the button is pressed.

I was hoping there was something in the VIN saying what the spec was. Ho hum

[Whitey]

If the owner is not sure if it has AC...what else is he not sure about on the car? Not the sort of person I would want to buy a tiv off, unless cheap of course.

[Plipton]

Yep, very good point.

It's his wife's car and has no history other than a receipt for the 1000 mile service. Was bought new from HL Gorner so no chance to get the info

It is cheap, though!

[need4power]

How can you lose the service history? If the individua in question loved their car/s surely they would at least keep the log book if not the reciepts

I don't mean to put words in you mouth, but they don't seem like the owners are enthusiast

If it were my hard earned money I would find someone who is passionate about their cars, that way you know they have been spoilt and had money spent on them when its needed.

You may have to sell it again and the same issues your experiencing will arise!!! Where is the service history??

Edited by need4power on Wednesday 10th December 23:39

[triac]

Tell him to open the bonnet and have a look - can't miss the silver reciever and pipes up the NS !

And I agree be very wary if he doesn't know/have any history.

[VARLEYHYD]

This is it!
Space if no aircon




G

[Plipton]

Thanks for the help fellas