VIN check

[cliffrdavis]

Have a general question about VINs. I just put a deposit down on an FJ40, 1981, incredibly original with minimal rust. Guy wanted cash, but I wanted to have a mechanic look at it first. Since its older than 1981 I couldn't get a carfax report on the VIN, is there any other way to check that the vehicle is not stolen or has a history of salvage when they are this old? The owner was a little suspicious and trying to get rid of it as fast as possible. The serial number on the VIN matched the year and it all looks consistent other than his body language.

Thanks in advance.

Cliff... hopefully, a new 40 owner soon.

 

[jaxonm]

If he has the reg and pink and all the numbers and information match (and in his name) it should be legit. If your spidey senses are still tingling, take the VIN and plate number and call your local PD and have them run it.

If the reg and pink are unavailable, or don't match up, skip it.

Hope this helps.

 

[KY Longhunter]

I bought an '81 last year and was perfectly able to run a CARFAX on it with the VIN. Not sure you are not able to unless it has never been titled in U.S.???

WARNING though, even though mine had a title, it was not titled to the person I bought it from and to make matters worse he signed the back of the title making it worthless.

One year later I had to register the vehicle in Maine as a title is not neccessary to register, then bring registration back to my home state to title it. Big Mess cost me approx. $350.

Google: Maine-ly Titles

If it is truely rust free I would buy it anyway. Good Luck.

 

[60fj25]

You may already know this but there are two places for VIN on a 40 and they should both match the title/reg. 1st is stamped on the outside of the passenger front frame rail just behind the bumper and in front of the shock tower. The second is probably on a metal tag pop riveted to the driver side door opening. (my 77 had it there, my 60 is on the firewall). If the frame rail doesn't match and the door tag is missing or has been tampered with (screwed on, new pop rivets etc.) you may want to look at it more carefully.