Looking at a used car in Köln? Before you hand over the money, check what the VIN says. Cars sold in Germany are routinely bought damaged at US and Canadian auctions, shipped over and repaired — and the auction photos show the state that car was really in, whatever the seller in Köln is telling you.
Reported accidents, odometer rollbacks, title brands and past owners — get the full history report for any VIN.
See a sample report first →
5NPE34AF3FH105778 Copart 69509216
248,811 mi · Rear end · Salvage title
1GNKRGED0CJ143328 Copart 69412096
235,139 mi · Side · Salvage title
JN1CA21D3VT210916 Copart 69397456
182,260 mi · Front end · Salvage title
1N4AL3AP7DN571573 Copart 69370076
55,061 mi · Front end · Salvage title
JTDKDTB3XF1576333 Copart 69303296
180,699 mi · Front end · Salvage title
JN8AZ2NFXH9645334 Copart 69208336
106,822 mi · Rollover · Salvage title
Population data: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)
On the windscreen at the base of the glass, on the driver-side door pillar, and on the registration document. Check that all three match before anything else — a mismatch ends the viewing.
Especially there. A dealer may hold some paperwork; a private seller usually offers only their word. The VIN record does not depend on either.
Searching the auction archive for a VIN is free. The full history report — accidents, ownership, odometer readings and title brands — is a one-off paid report, no subscription.