July 17, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Korean Car VINs: Decoding Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis VINs
Hyundai Motor Group assembles vehicles in South Korea, Alabama, and Georgia. Here is how to decode VINs from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
VIN & Vehicle Reference Articles
Authoritative guides on Vehicle Identification Numbers, car buying, auto insurance, vehicle history reports, manufacturers, and more.
July 10, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Volkswagen and Audi VIN Numbers: How to Decode VW Group VINs
Volkswagen Group uses WMI codes starting with WVW for VW and WAU for Audi. Here is how to decode any VW, Audi, Porsche, or SEAT VIN.
July 3, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
VIN Lookup for Recalls: How to Check Open Safety Recalls by VIN
NHTSA maintains a free recall database searchable by VIN. Open recalls must be fixed by the dealer at no charge. Here is how to check and wh...
June 26, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Used: What the VIN Tells You About CPO Eligibility
CPO programs have strict VIN-based eligibility requirements. Here is how manufacturers use the VIN to determine CPO qualification and what i...
June 19, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Buying a Car From Another State: VIN Checks and Title Transfer Tips
Purchasing a vehicle from out of state adds complexity to title transfer and requires extra VIN diligence. Here is the complete process.
June 12, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Mercedes-Benz VIN Numbers: Decoding Every Mercedes VIN
Mercedes-Benz uses WMI codes beginning with WD for German-assembled vehicles and 4JG for Alabama-built SUVs. Here is the complete Mercedes V...
June 5, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Odometer Fraud: How VIN History Reports Can Expose Rollbacks
Odometer fraud costs American consumers over $1 billion annually. VIN-linked history reports track odometer readings at every recorded event...
May 29, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
What Is a Salvage Title and How to Spot One in a VIN Report
A salvage title means the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurer. Here is what that means, how it appears in VIN history reports, a...
May 22, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Understanding VINs on Electric Vehicles: What Changes and What Stays the Same
Electric vehicles use the same 17-character VIN standard as conventional cars. But the vehicle descriptor section encodes EV-specific detail...
May 15, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
BMW VIN Numbers: How to Decode Any BMW or Mini VIN
BMW AG uses WMI codes starting with WBA and WBS for vehicles assembled in Germany, plus US codes for its Spartanburg plant. Here is the full...
May 8, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
GM VIN Numbers: Decoding Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac VINs
General Motors uses dozens of WMI codes across its brands and global plants. This guide covers the GM VIN structure for all major brands.
May 1, 2026 · Long Pattern Editorial
Ford VIN Numbers: How to Decode Any Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury VIN
Ford Motor Company uses a consistent VIN structure across its brands. This guide covers every Ford WMI code, plant code, and how to interpre...