A used Mazda vehicle can be a beneficial purchase. But before making your mind up to buy a used Mazda car, it is important to check for basic vehicle data and history via a Mazda VIN Decoder.
What Can You Tell from a Mazda VIN Number?
Each character or set of characters within a Mazda VIN number indicates specific vehicle information. Here's a breakdown of the Mazda VIN.
| World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) | Position 1 | Country of Origin (e.g. 1&4 for U.S., J for Japan) |
| Position 2 | Car Manufacturer | |
| Position 3 | Vehicle Type (1 for cars, 2 for trucks, 3 for MPVs, etc.) | |
| Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) | Position 4 | Drivetrain (automatic or manual) |
| Position 5-7 | Model and Trim Level | |
| Position 8 | Engine Type | |
| Position 9 | Check Digit / Security Code | |
| Vehicle Identifier Section
(VIS) |
Position 10 | Model Year |
| Position 11 | Manufacturing Plant | |
| Position 12-17 | Production Number |
As you can see, Mazda's VIN number can tell us information related to the vehicle's make, year of manufacture, engine, and the Mazda manufacturing plant.
However, a VIN check service like VinPit can immediately provide much more information than these vehicle specifications. You can expect to receive a free vehicle history report with detailed information about the vehicle.
What Information Can You Get from a Mazda VIN Decoder?
As we mentioned above, Mazda VIN decoding services provide users with a free vehicle history report. The report pulls various records together in a single document. It tells you almost everything you need to know about a vehicle's past. Below is some important information you will get from a Mazda vehicle history report.
Accident & Damage History
VIN checkers gather data from state motor vehicle departments (DMVs), Mazda service centers, and insurance companies, providing information on accidents and damage that has occurred to the vehicle.
You need to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected to make sure it is safe enough to drive before purchasing. If the vehicle is in satisfactory condition, you can also negotiate a lower price with the seller with this information.
Title History
A vehicle history report or a VIN check from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) will show whether the vehicle's title is branded.
The title brand can indicate some problems with the vehicle, like if it was completely destroyed and rebuilt. In some states, such as Washington, it is illegal to drive a vehicle with a salvage title.
Also, you can find out if there is a lien on the vehicle. If you buy a used Mazda with a lien on it, the vehicle is at risk of being repossessed by the lender. In addition to the vehicle history report, you can also get this information by checking the VIN at your state's DMV.
Ownership Records
The report can also show how many owners the vehicle has had and how they used the vehicle. While it's not necessarily a deal-breaker if a vehicle has had many owners or was used as a rental vehicle, you may be able to use that information to negotiate the price.
In addition, you will also see a theft claim on the vehicle report if the true owner reports the vehicle theft. If you accidentally buy a stolen Mazda vehicle that is not recovered, you may face punishment for possession of stolen property.
Odometer Readings
The vehicle history report should include the true odometer reading for the vehicle. It can help confirm or question the odometer reading you see on the vehicle's dashboard.
If the number you see on the dashboard is lower than the number you find on the history report, the seller may have rolled back the odometer, which is a red flag when buying a used car.
If, unfortunately, you have fallen victim to odometer fraud, contact your state's odometer fraud enforcement agency to file an individual odometer fraud case.
Recall Notices
From the report, you will know what recalls Mazda has issued and whether the recalls have been addressed. This information is also available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recall lookup.
In 2022, Mazda filed a defect notice with NHTSA for a safety recall on certain vehicles with headlamp horizontal aiming problems. For the latest updates on Mazda recalls, check Mazda Recall Information Center.
Where Can You Find the VIN on a Mazda?
No matter what model your Mazda is, you can find its VIN number on the vehicle registration or title, in the vehicle maintenance records, and under the driver's side windshield.
Other VIN locations on a Mazda may vary from model to model. If you would like to find out other VIN locations for a specific Mazda model, read the vehicle specifications section of the Mazda Owner's Manual.
How Can You Run a Mazda VIN Decoder at VinPit?
As one of the best free VIN service providers, VinPit offers you a quick and easy way to decode your Mazda VIN. Follow the 3 steps below and you will get a free report on your vehicle.
- Enter the 17-digit VIN number in the search box and click "Start Search".
- Wait one second and VinPit will scan the database for vehicle information.
- Receive a free vehicle report, which can also be downloaded.
What You Should Do Before Buying a Used Mazda Vehicle?
Thinking about buying a used Mazda vehicle? With so many things to consider, it can be confusing to know where to start. Worry no more, VinPit has got you covered! We have gathered some useful information for buying a used car, simply check it below.
- Know your budget.
- Check the reviews of Mazda vehicles to learn which one suits your needs.
- Browse the used car listings to locate the ones that meet both your needs and budget.
- Take a test drive. Check out the tips for test-driving a used car.
- Perform a VIN check and get a vehicle history report.
- Get the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic.
- Check the paperwork.
FAQs
Can two vehicles have the same VIN?
Of course not. A VIN is a unique identifier for the entire life cycle of a particular vehicle. If you find the same VIN on two different vehicles, one of the VINs should be a clone by car thieves.
Will a Mazda VIN decoder tell me who owns the car?
No. A VIN decoder can only tell information regarding the vehicle. It is illegal to look up the personal information of the previous owner.
Is VinPit free to use?
You can use VinPit to get a free vehicle history report with detailed information. However, if you want to unlock certain info, you will need to pay a fee.
How fast can I get the vehicle history report at VinPit?
Once you enter your vehicle's 17-digit code VIN or license plate number, we will generate a vehicle history report within minutes.
Where Does VinPit Collect the Information on the Vehicles?
VinPit gathers information on the vehicles from a variety of trusted sources such as NHTSA, DMVs, NMVTIS, insurance companies, auto recyclers, junkyards, etc.