How to Check Which Model a Car Is?

[Kaleb]

Methods to check which model a car is: You can look at the vehicle's nameplate, which contains relevant information; you can also check the vehicle's factory certificate or your purchase contract, as these usually indicate the model of the car you purchased. The vehicle nameplate is a label that indicates the basic characteristics of the vehicle, including the manufacturer, model, engine power, total weight, passenger capacity or number of passengers, factory serial number, manufacturing date, and manufacturer name. The certificate is another important document for the car and is required for vehicle registration. Only cars with a certificate meet the national requirements for motor vehicle equipment quality and related standards. The purchase contract is a sales contract, a formal agreement signed between the car owner and the dealer, serving as a basis to protect the rights and interests of both the dealer and the consumer.

[MirandaLee]

To identify which car model it is, mainly look at a few key spots. The nameplate on the door frame is a great reference—it clearly shows the model and production date. You must also check the 'Brand Model' column on the second page of the vehicle license, like for a Toyota Corolla, where letters such as S-CVT indicate the specific year model. The VIN is located at the bottom left corner of the windshield, and you can easily check it using a WeChat mini-program to display detailed configurations and the manufacturing date. Additionally, the full model number with a year suffix is also found near the headlights on the vehicle conformity certificate. When buying a car, remember to ask the salesperson for a copy of the compliance certificate, as the model designation is most standardized there. If you can't distinguish the year model yourself, take a few photos of the front bumper and wheels and ask on an automotive forum—fellow car enthusiasts can tell you the details at a glance.

[LeAshley]

The most practical way to check a car's model is by looking at the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The 17-digit code at the bottom left of the windshield indicates the year with the 10th letter—for example, P stands for 2023 and R for 2024. Then, open the front left door to check the B-pillar stamp; the four-digit suffix in the model number represents the configuration version. Don't just focus on the license plate number on the vehicle registration certificate—the 'Vehicle Model' field on the second page is key, such as 'Volkswagen Magotan 330TSI,' where the letters indicate the specific variant. Experts also check the vehicle's nameplate, located on the top of the right front shock tower under the hood. For used cars, it's best to ask the owner for the green registration certificate, as the engine model listed corresponds to the year. If still unsure, take a photo and check at a 4S dealership—they have the manufacturer's system for identification.

[DeArthur]

Identifying the model year has its tricks. The dashboard design shows obvious differences: new models feature LCD screens while older ones have analog dials. The layout of center console buttons also varies, making it easy to spot touchscreen versus physical buttons. Front and rear bumpers undergo the most frequent redesigns—for example, the 10th-gen Civic’s switch from a honeycomb grille to horizontal bars distinguishes new from old. Comparing wheel designs against official website galleries is the most accurate method. The vehicle manual’s cover prints the full model number and year code. The glovebox contains an onboard environmental sheet with the model and year noted. The production date is labeled on the windshield’s bottom-right sticker; cross-referencing it with the model’s update timeline pinpoints the year. For clarity, check the brand’s official website for historical redesign images and match your car’s lighting details.

[LeReese]

To check the model year, I follow a three-step approach. First, look at the 'Brand and Model' section on the vehicle license - the combination of letters and numbers is the code, such as 'B9' after Audi A4L indicating the generation. Then check the VIN on the windshield; input it into apps like 'VIN Decoder' for instant results showing exact production date and trim level. Finally, examine details: older models lack turn signals on mirrors while newer ones have TPMS as standard. The model label on the first page of the maintenance manual is most straightforward. For used cars, cross-verify with both the nameplate and registration certificate - the 8th digit of the engine number indicates the year code. When unsure, photograph the rear model badge; numbers like 'Focus 180' represent year-specific editions.