Providing VIN number when selling a car

[Telvis]

I have my Mustang posted for sale on the forum. A member asked for the VIN number via PM. Is this safe to do? I can’t imagine an issue but I don’t want to do something stupid and regret it later.

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[aidanmeade]

Most people want to know the VIN when buying a used car, you can use it to check history reports etc. There should be no issue with giving it to them, especially if they are interested in buying the car.

 

[LxMike]

They're asking for it to run a carfax most likely...

 

[Telvis]

They're asking for it to run a carfax most likely...

Thanks for the reassurance!

 

[ORRadtech]

FWIW, I sometimes see VINs posted in for sale ads. I also see Carfax reports that have the VIN listed in some ads.

 

[Zooks527]

I always felt that if you could do something nefarious with a VIN number, they wouldn't have it readily visible through the windshield.

 

[TexasRebel]

The VIN is public information. No risk.
They likely want to look at a title & repair history and track down an original window sticker.

 

[Telvis]

Thank you all for the input. I feel much better about sharing now.

 

[WD Pro]

I always felt that if you could do something nefarious with a VIN number, they wouldn't have it readily visible through the windshield.

I agree, but for some strange reason I still feel a little uneasy about it ?

Same as showing the reg plate on an internet photo, yet we quite happily drive down the street with it clearly visible on the car ?

I can’t explain it, perhaps I’m just wired up wrong ?

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[TexasRebel]

Same as showing the reg plate on an internet photo, yet we quite happily drive down the street with it clearly visible on the car ?

I can’t explain it, perhaps I’m just wired up wrong ?

That is to prevent linking your username to your identity. With a visible tag, somebody could look up a name & address. I wouldn't post VINs here either, but if I was trying to sell a vehicle, the person ought to know who I am.

 

[Zooks527]

Same as showing the reg plate on an internet photo, yet we quite happily drive down

Worse is if you park in your driveway. That way, they have the plate, the VIN, and the address! ;)

 

[Shifting_Gears]

VIN and tag numbers can others lead you to the owner, but your information isn’t public. Someone would have to have access, or know someone that has access to a DMV or insurance database essentially to get that info.

If you search a VIN online you’ll just get a bunch of hits for VIN check websites that want to make money off of selling you a report.

I’d feel more comfortable giving out the VIN than the tag number.

 

[Vlad Soare]

I wouldn't buy a car from someone who refused to give me the VIN. I'd figure he's got something to hide.
Besides, anyone who's interested in buying the car will ultimately want to see it in the flesh, in which case they'll see the VIN anyway.

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