How to Check the Age of a Motor Vehicle?
2 Answers
You can check the production date from the VIN code on the engine, and then determine the vehicle's age based on that date. The VIN consists of three parts: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI, positions 1-3), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS, positions 4-9), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS, positions 10-17). It includes information such as the manufacturer, model year, vehicle type, body style and code, engine code, and assembly location. Additional relevant information is as follows: 1. The vehicle's nameplate usually displays the manufacturing date, and many parts on the vehicle also have production dates. However, all parts' production dates should generally be earlier than the vehicle's manufacturing date. 2. Many parts on the vehicle are produced by suppliers. After production, these parts are delivered to the automaker, where assembly line workers put them together. Therefore, the vehicle's manufacturing date must be later than the production dates of its parts.
When it comes to judging a vehicle's age, I've driven for over a decade and have the most say. The key is checking the vehicle's registration date, which is the official starting point listed on the registration certificate. Just look at the registration section on your vehicle license and you'll see it clearly. Additionally, the manufacturing date is crucial—it can be found on the nameplate in the engine compartment or the vehicle conformity certificate. I always combine this with the mileage to assess—a 10-year-old car with 200,000 km may have more wear and tear than a 5-year-old car with low mileage. As a car ages, the risk of component deterioration increases, so pay extra attention to brakes and suspension during inspections. Keep records during routine maintenance to avoid future issues. When buying a car, opt for younger models—they're more fuel-efficient, safer, and save on repair costs. For unfamiliar vehicles, never rely solely on age; always test-drive to evaluate performance.
