Buying a Used Car? Verify the Spec by VIN First

Listings exaggerate. A factory build sheet proves what a used car really has — before you pay.

Why listings can't be trusted on spec

Used-car adverts are written from memory or guesswork. 'Full options', 'tech pack', 'upgraded wheels' — easy to claim, hard to verify on the day. A factory build sheet replaces the claims with the car's real, original specification.

What to check before you buy

• Does the advertised trim and package list match the factory record?
• Are the expensive options (sound system, assistance packs, premium interior) actually there?
• Do the wheels and paint match the original build?

Verify the spec in minutes

Ask the seller for the VIN, run it through BuildVIN, and you'll have the decoded factory equipment list before you view the car. It's a few dollars of protection on a purchase worth thousands — handy for BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover buys in particular.