Free Buick VIN decoder: lookup windows sticker / build sheet options

Example: 1G4PT5SV8D4135426

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A unique 17-digit number, known as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is assigned to each Buick car. This code, comprised of letters and digits, is used by various entities, such as Buick manufacturers, dealerships, and insurance agencies, to identify and track a specific car.

A Buick VIN decoder is a tool that allows you to input your Buick's VIN and uncover more about the encoded data, including details on the car's type, model, production history, and other features. By using this tool, you can gain a better understanding of your one-of-a-kind Buick. Fun fact: Buick is an American luxury car brand, currently a division of the multinational corporation General Motors.

Where to find Buick VIN number

The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, serves as a unique identifier for a specific car and can be found in various places, such as:

On the driver's side of the dashboard, near the base of the windshield, visible from the outside through the glass.
At the point where the driver-side door jamb connects to the vehicle's frame when closed.
In automobile-related literature, like the owner's manual.
On documents such as the title, registration, and insurance policies, which can be stored at home, in the glove compartment, or in the trunk.
Embossed on the engine block, often located near the front of the engine.
On the frame or chassis of the vehicle.
On the transmission. It's worth noting that if a vehicle history report is available for the car, the VIN might also be listed on it. This report provides information about the vehicle's ownership, maintenance, and accident history.

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a code used to identify the maker of a Buick vehicle. It is typically the first three characters in a VIN and helps determine the country of origin, manufacturer, and type of vehicle. Examples of WMI codes for Buick vehicles include:

WMI code	Company	Location	Vehicle Type	Date
1G4	Buick	USA	Buick	2007-03-19
2G4	Buick	Canada	Buick	2007-03-19
3G4	Buick	Mexico	Buick	2007-03-19
5GA	Buick	USA	Buick Enclave	2009-06-04
KL4	Buick	South Korea	Buick	2010-08-03
LRB	Buick Envision	China	Buick Envision	2020-10-12
LSG	Buick	China	Buick	2015-09-06
W04	Buick Cascada	Poland	Buick Cascada	2015-10-30

The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) is a part of the VIN that offers detailed information about the vehicle model, body style, engine type, and transmission. It usually consists of six to seven characters, which can be used to determine the vehicle's original configuration and detect any modifications.

The Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) is another portion of the VIN, providing specific information about the vehicle, such as model, body style, engine type, and transmission. The VIS typically consists of six to eight characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's features, place of manufacture, build sequence, and production year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A VIN decoder tool can reveal the following vehicle-related information:

The make, model, and year of manufacture;
The engine specifications, including size and type;
The type and details of the transmission;
The trim level, options, and packages installed;
The body style and number of doors;
The location of manufacture;
The safety features and equipment;
The production date and sequence number;
The exterior and interior colors and trim;
The fuel efficiency and emissions rating;
The manufacturer's warranty information;
The registration and title information.

Example of free VIN decoding

The VIN number "1G4AH11NXKG406404" belongs to a 1989 Buick Century (Custom Coupe).

1st character (1): Indicates the country of origin, in this case, it is the USA
2nd character (G): Indicates the manufacturer, in this case, it is General Motors (GM)
3rd-8th characters (4AH11N): Identifies the model, in this case, it is a Buick Century (Custom Coupe)
9th character (X): Check digit, used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN
10th character (K): Identifies the model year, in this case, it is 1989
11th character (G): Identifies the manufacturer's plant code, in this case, it is Framingham, Massachusetts
12th-17th characters (406404): Identifies the production number, used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run.

Using this breakdown of the VIN, we can determine that this is a 1989 Buick Century (Custom Coupe) manufactured in Framingham, Massachusetts by General Motors LLC.

What you can know from VIN history

You can find additional details about a car's past in a vehicle history report, or VHR. These details include:

Former ownership and registration;
Accident and repair records;
Service and maintenance logs;
Safety recalls and defects;
Mileage readings and rollback history;
Salvage or scrap classification;
Flood or fire damage records;
Lemon history;
Total loss records;
Emissions test results;
Title and registration information;
Plate numbers;
Insurance claims and reports.

This possibility exists for a variety of reasons, including:

The plate may have been obscured using paint or another method, or the VIN may have been misplaced.
The owner of the vehicle or someone trying to conceal the vehicle's identity may have deliberately removed the VIN.

Contact the vehicle's manufacturer. They may have records of the VIN or be able to provide information on how to obtain it.
If known, get in touch with the dealership where the car was purchased. They may be able to assist you in obtaining the VIN or may already have records of it.