My friend Tuan, who lives in Cau Giay district, recently bought a 2018 Dongfeng truck from Thanh Cong used car market. He got a seemingly great deal, and the truck looked shiny and “like new,” as he described it. Excited, he called me immediately to share the news. I was happy for him, but also a bit concerned. Buying a used vehicle, especially a truck, can be risky. To be safe, I advised Tuan to check the vehicle history before officially sealing the deal.
Why Should You Check Vehicle History?
Just like researching a person’s background, checking a vehicle’s history helps you understand its “past.” This is especially crucial when buying a used car, allowing you to:
- Verify the vehicle’s origin: Confirm the source and origin of the vehicle, avoiding the purchase of vehicles with unclear origins, stolen vehicles, or vehicles under lien or collateral.
- Understand the vehicle’s usage: Review the history of maintenance, repairs, and part replacements, thereby assessing the current technical condition of the vehicle.
- Negotiate a fair price: Information about the vehicle’s history provides a basis for you to negotiate a reasonable price with the seller.
2018 Dongfeng Truck
How to Check Vehicle History
Currently, there are several ways to check a vehicle’s history:
- Online check on the Vietnam Register website: This is the simplest and most common method. You just need to visit the Vietnam Register website, enter the vehicle’s license plate number and verification code to retrieve basic information such as chassis number, engine number, brand, year of manufacture, paint color, number of seats, engine displacement, etc.
- Use VIN decoder software: Each vehicle has a unique identification number called the VIN. By looking up this VIN on specialized software, you can find detailed information about the vehicle’s manufacturing, assembly, repair, and maintenance history. (See more: Car VIN Decoder Software)
- Visit the Vietnam Register office or vehicle registration points directly: Here, you can request a complete and accurate vehicle history check.