Where Is the VIN Number On a Car?

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May 1, 2024

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2024 Ford Bronco Raptor Black Appearance Package — Do you know where to find your car’s VIN Number? (Image above: Ford)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code that serves as a vehicle’s fingerprint, providing crucial information about its manufacturer, model, and year of production. Knowing where the VIN number is on a car is essential for various purposes, including vehicle history checks, registration, and identification.

Understanding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is an exclusive code designated to each vehicle, acting as its distinct identifier. Understanding the VIN, where to find car VIN number, is crucial for various purposes, including vehicle history checks, registration, and identification. The VIN acts as a vehicle’s DNA, containing essential information about its origin, specifications, and history, enabling individuals to make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle. Carcheckvin simplifies the process of verifying a vehicle’s theft status by offering convenient access to VIN decoding services. This allows buyers to thoroughly examine the car’s history and make more informed purchasing decisions.

Significance of the VIN

The VIN is a vital identifier that provides detailed information about a vehicle’s manufacturer, model, year of production, and more. It serves as a comprehensive record keeper, allowing for the tracking of recalls, thefts, registrations, and maintenance records. This unique code not only ensures the authenticity and integrity of a vehicle but also acts as a safeguard against potential risks and fraudulent activities in the automotive market. Buyers and sellers rely on the VIN to establish trust, verify vehicle details, and protect themselves from legal and financial liabilities associated with misrepresented or stolen vehicles.

Typical Places to Find the VIN

Location 1: Dashboard on the Driver’s Side

The first and foremost question is where is my VIN number? One common location for the VIN is on a small metal plate visible through the windshield on the driver’s side dashboard. This easily accessible spot is convenient for quick identification.

Location 2: Door Jamb on the Driver’s Side

Another common location is on a sticker or metal plate inside the driver’s side door jamb. This spot is easily visible when the door is open and provides a convenient location for VIN verification.

Location 3: Under the Hood in the Engine Bay

In some vehicles, the VIN can be found on various components under the hood, such as the firewall or the radiator support. This location may require some searching.

Location 4: Listed on Vehicle Registration Papers

The VIN is typically listed on vehicle registration documents, making it easy to locate for reference. This is especially useful when other physical locations are inaccessible or unclear.

Location 5: Located on the Rear Frame or Chassis

In certain vehicles, the VIN may be stamped on the rear frame or chassis, usually near the driver’s side wheel well. This location is more common in older vehicles or specific models.

Pointers for Locating the VIN

Use a flashlight or mirror to aid in locating hard-to-see VINs.
Check multiple locations if you are unable to find the VIN in the usual spots.
Ensure the VIN is accurately recorded to avoid any discrepancies in documentation.

Accessing Your Vehicle’s Details via VIN Number

Once you have located the VIN, you can access a wealth of information about your vehicle. Various online services and government databases allow you to decode the VIN to reveal details about the vehicle’s history, specifications, and more. This information can be invaluable for making informed decisions regarding your vehicle.

By understanding where to find the VIN number on your car and how to utilize it effectively, you can harness the power of this unique identifier for various purposes, ensuring a smoother and more informed vehicle ownership experience.

VIN Smarts

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a crucial piece of information that provides a wealth of details about a vehicle. By understanding where to locate the VIN on a car and how to effectively utilize it, you can unlock valuable insights about your vehicle’s history, specifications, and more.

Whether you’re buying a used car, verifying a vehicle’s theft status, or needing to access your car’s details, knowing how to find the VIN on the vehicle and use the VIN is essential. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate the process of locating the VIN and leveraging it to make informed decisions.

Remember, the VIN serves as a vehicle’s unique identifier, acting as a safeguard against potential risks and fraudulent activities in the automotive market. By taking the time to properly inspect and verify the VIN, you can protect yourself and ensure a smooth and secure vehicle ownership experience.

FAQ:

How does the VIN appear?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a distinctive 17-character alphanumeric code that acts as a vehicle’s unique fingerprint. It is typically displayed on a metal plate or sticker in various locations on the vehicle, such as the dashboard, door jamb, or engine bay. The VIN is crucial for identifying a vehicle accurately and accessing its detailed history and specifications.

Are the VIN and Chassis Number identical for a car?

No, the VIN and Chassis Number are not identical for a car. While the VIN is a unique 17-character code that serves as the primary identifier for a vehicle, the Chassis Number is a separate identifier that may have a different format and length. The VIN provides comprehensive information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, and production details, while the Chassis Number may focus more on the physical structure of the vehicle.

Does the VIN consistently maintain the same format and length?

Yes, the VIN consistently maintains the same format and length across all vehicles. The VIN is standardized to be 17 characters long and follows a specific format established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standardization ensures uniformity and accuracy in identifying vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer or model. The consistent format of the VIN allows for easy decoding and access to essential information about a vehicle’s history and specifications.

What’s This “Downsizing” You Speak Of? Aston Martin Just Revealed a New V12 Engine

By

Zach Butler

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May 1, 2024

Aston Martin made a surprising move Wednesday by announcing a redesigned V12 engine.

On the whole, the industry has been spending the past several years pivoting away from high-displacement V12 engines in favor of smaller, more power-dense units. And if you’re a fan of Astons with a big-old V12 under the hood — and I am definitely in that camp — today’s news is a welcome sigh of relief. Even as the new DB12 dropped its twelve-cylinder offering in favor of a ubiquitous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, Aston Martin says this is “the dawn of a new V12 era” as it teases us with numbers on its new flagship powerplant.

To that end, engineers reworked pretty much every major piece of hardware from their existing 5.2-liter AE31 engine in the DBS 770 Ultimate. The redesigned V12 has a strengthened cylinder block and connecting rods, new cylinder heads with reprofiled camshafts, new intake and exhaust ports, repositioned spark plugs and higher flow rate fuel injectors. And, to add that little bit more punch, Aston Martin says there are new higher speed, reduced inertia turbochargers as well.

The result of the overhaul is a mighty 824 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque (or 835 PS and 1,000 N-m, if you prefer metric numbers). For reference, the DBS 770 Ultimate manages 759 horsepower and 664 lb-ft, which is already impressive performance in its own right.

With the DBS on its way out, Aston Martin announced this new engine would indeed make its way into a new flagship model, set to debut later this year. Most likely, the company will revive the Vanquish name for this car (after the last AM29 Vanquish S went out of production in 2018), as the statement concludes with this sentense: “All will be vanquished”.

Bring it on!

2025 Toyota Crown Offers Darker Option With the Nightshade Trim

By

Zach Butler

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April 30, 2024

You can configure a 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade right now.

Fundamentally, the high-riding Crown sedan rolls into the 2025 model year without any radical changes. However, as is Toyota’s way over the past several years, there is a new “Nightshade” trim for those who are going for a stealthier look. Pricing for the Crown Nightshade starts at $49,860 including destination, which slots the model in right between the mid-range Limited and the top-end Platinum.

Opting for the Nightshade trim gets you a familiar set of styling elements that set this Crown apart from the rest of the lineup. Gloss black 21-inch wheels kick things off, while you also get black door handles, mirror caps and badging. To that, you can only get this trim with Black paint (naturally) or Storm Cloud gray, so we are talking about an under-the-radar sort of approach here.

The 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade follows the standard Crown models on powertrain, offering up a hybrid setup with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine, putting out a total of 236 horsepower. The more potent, turbocharged “Hybrid Max” packing 340 horsepower still only comes with the top-dog Platinum. All-wheel drive is standard across the entire Crown range, though, regardless of which model you choose.

Every Crown model now gets standard heated and ventilated seats, while the Platinum gets a head-up display.

Pricing for the 2025 Toyota Crown lineup starts at $42,535 for the base XLE trim, then increases to $47,045 for the Limited. Past the $49,860 Nightshade, the only remaining trim is the substantially more expensive $56,085 Platinum. Not only do you get the full range of features with that model, but you also get the beefier powertrain. The Hybrid Max also uses a 6-speed automatic transmission paired to the 2.4-liter turbo engine, rather than the three electric motors and continuously variable transmission (CVT) you get with the standard Crown Hybrid models.

You can configure your 2025 Toyota Crown of choice right now.

Tesla Cuts Another 500 Employees and Two Executives, And More Could Follow

By

Zach Butler

-

April 30, 2024

Tesla needs to be “hardcore” about reducing headcount, Elon Musk emailed senior managers.

While it’s not as major a the company’s announcement to cut 10% of its global staff earlier this month, Tesla commenced another wave of layoffs this week, including two executives, according to a report by The Information.

This time around, the 500 employees losing their jobs are largely within the EV firm’s Supercharger division. Among the key departures is senior director Rebecca Tinucci, who joined Tesla in 2018 and directed its charging infrastructure efforts since 2020. Daniel Ho, who headed the new vehicles program, has also departed the company. Ho joined the company back in 2013 and was a program manager for the Model S as well as the Model 3 and Model Y, before heading up all new vehicle developments.

After former executive Rohan Patel left among the major wave of layoffs in mid-April, Tesla will reportedly now dissolve the public policy team he lead since January 2017. Development manager Drew Baglino also announced his departure at that time.

In an email to other senior staff, CEO Elon Musk said the company needs to remain “absolutely hard core” about reducing headcount and curbing costs in the wake of weakening sales, both within Tesla and the electric car market as a whole, as the industry faces headwinds courting a new wave of mainstream buyers away from internal combustion vehicles. The email, and that statement in particular, could be a warning shot to Tesla’s management to more aggressively drop staff, meaning we could see more and larger layoffs in the near future.

According to its quarterly earnings statement to shareholders, Tesla posted a 9% year-over-year drop in revenue and a 55% decreased operating income of $1.13 billion in Q1 2024. Quarterly production fell 2% overall from the first quarter of 2023, while deliveries dropped 9%, largely precipitated by a 10% decrease in Model 3/Y sales.

Nissan Ariya vs. Toyota bZ4X Video Review: Which EV Is Best If You Don’t Want a Tesla?

By

Zach Butler

-

April 30, 2024

Nissan Ariya vs. Toyota bZ4X — (Image: TFLStudios)

While the Tesla Model Y has been explosively popular, it isn’t the only EV option in the game.

As part of the EV shopping process, or any new car for that matter, we’re often fixated on which model is the out-and-out best of any given segment. That’s an entirely understandable thought process, especially in the EV world where you’re expected to drop upward of $50,000 at the top end on a compact SUV like a Tesla Model Y.

For hundreds of thousands of people, Tesla’s offering has been (and in several metrics, still is) the best option in terms of range, performance or general lack of charging anxiety thanks to the Supercharger network. Nevertheless, there are plenty of others out there who don’t want a Model Y for whatever reason. That’s where cars like these two come in: the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited and the Nissan Ariya Platinum+. Both offer dual motor, all-wheel drive alternatives to the Tesla, and both command high price tags in their top-end trims. The Toyota, for its part, costs $53,883, while the Nissan comes in at $56,490. In the video below, Tommy takes a closer look at these two EVs to decide which of the two is the best alternative.

Taking a closer look at the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X

The 2024 Nissan Ariya comes in five general trims (Engage, Venture+, Evolve+, Empower+ and Platinum+), with two different battery pack options. Base Engage models get a smaller 63-kWh unit, while all other “plus” trims get a larger 87-kWh pack. Prices across the board actually dropped by up to $6,000 for the new model year, with the new base price now coming in at $40,980 including Nissan’s $1,390 destination charge.

Even at the lower end of the trim walk, the Ariya comes fairly well equipped. You get heated front and rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, two 12.3-inch displays and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus a host of standard driver assistance technology including automatic front and rear emergency braking, lane-keep assist, bling-spot monitoring and lane change collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert and a driver attention monitor. ProPilot 2.0 doesn’t come standard on the lower trims, but you do get it on the Empower+ and Platinum+, the latter of which we’re testing here.

With the 87-kWh pack, the 2024 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e4ORCE AWD gets an EPA-rated 267 miles on a charge. That said, it’s also fairly slow when you do have to charge it, topping out at 130 kW (fairly weak by today’s standards). Power ranges between 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque at the low end, and 389 horsepower with 442 lb-ft of torque at the top of the range (with a 0-60 time between 7.2 seconds and 4.8 seconds, depending on the model).

As for the Toyota bZ4X, you only have two trim options: XLE and Limited. That does mean even your “base” version comes well equipped, while either can be had with either a single motor front-wheel drive configuration or dual motor all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, Safe Exit Assist and rear cross-traffic alert. You have to upgrade to the Limited to get “Softex” leatherette upholstery, as well as heated seats and heated steering wheel. So, on balance, the Ariya may be a more appealing package for some, to say nothing of the styling differences between the two.

On the performance front, the front-wheel drive version gets 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD is only slightly more power. Opt for the dual motor, and you get 214 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. That makes it far less potent than either the 389-hp Ariya or the Tesla Model Y in either Long Range or Performance flavors. Range is also a limiting factor, as Toyota’s offering gets just 222 miles on a charge of its 72.8-kWh battery pack (the FWD unit is slightly smaller, at 71.4-kWh). The bZ4X’s DC fast-charging capability also tops out on the lower side, at 150 kW.

What does Tommy think of both EVs?

Against Tesla’s folkloric reputation as the electric car to buy, any automaker wading into the fight is going to have a tough time conquesting Tesla buyers. For those who are looking around the entire field, though, both the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X can be compelling alternatives depending on your budget and use case.

Both cars offer practical alternatives, and neither the range nor the DC fast-charging capability (or lack thereof) may affect everyday buyers who generally charge their cars overnight at home. Depending on where you’re shopping in the market, too, each car offers pretty good value in terms of features and usability, even if neither is currently eligible for the federal $7,500 EV tax credit, as Tesla is.

Check out the video below to get a better look and impression of both the 2024 Nissan Ariya Platinum+ and Toyota bZ4X Limited:

Polestar 5 Inches Closer to Gas-Like Recharging Times, Going from 10-80% in 10 Minutes

By

Zach Butler

-

April 29, 2024

We’re getting closer to EVs reaching parity with gasoline vehicles on “fill-up” time.

Part of the general reluctance surrounding electric car adoption is how long they take to charge. Virtually every automaker and market suppliers are tackling the issue, though Polestar and battery manufacturer StoreDot announced their progress using a prototype Polestar 5 sedan: a 10-80% recharge in just 10 minutes.

This particular prototype uses a special 77.0-kWh battery that incorporates StoreDot’s “Extreme Fast Charging” or XFC technology. Even though that’s not a huge pack, Polestar says it can be increased up to at least 100-kWh (in other words, the same battery capacity as a Tesla Model S), though charging rates between 310 kW and 370 kW enable the smaller pack to replenish 200 miles of range in that 10-minute time span.

“Time is one of life’s greatest luxuries,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath of today’s announcement, “With this new technology, on longer journeys when drivers do stop they’ll be able to spend less time charging and be back on the road faster than before. In fact, that stop time will be more akin to what they experience with a petrol (gasoline) car today.”

And that last bit is the key. To wit, our cross-country road trip with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 comprised 9 hours of charging time, while this sort of charge rate would chop several hours off a similar journey. Even better, Polestar said it didn’t need to modify the cooling system (and thus add weight) to handle the higher charge rates. The pack uses “silicon-dominant cells” in its design, in part to even out the spiky nature of charging today’s commercially available battery chemistries, where charging rate heavily depends on when the driver decides to charge. Usually, the “meat” of the charge curve — where you actually can charge at 350 kW-plus — is between about 30% and 60%, before and after which speeds will drop off dramatically.

StoreDot’s pack as it exists in this prototype Polestar 5 is a fully drivable rig, and it’s compatible with existing DC fast-charging infrastructure without the need for special accommodations in a CCS or NACS charging station.

Of course, the charge rate is only one facet of the EV ownership experience. While some models currently on sale can feasibly charge up toa around 350 kW, it’s only within a limited part of the charging curve, and depends on charging infrastructure that can actually push all those electrons at the desired rate. Apart from the battery itself, there’s still a wide amount of variability between charging stations in different areas, unlike pumping gasoline, where the experience is roughly the same anywhere you go.

For the moment, Polestar says this is just a proof-of-concept. The technology “could be applied to future Polestar vehicles”, the company says, but it hasn’t outright committed to putting such packs into its production vehicles. If it does happen, it certainly won’t be in the immediate future, while the company’s recent financial troubles could further delay XFC’s rollout. (In late February, Polestar secured a nearly $1 billion lifeline from banks to keep going, while Chinese parent company Geely pledged to financially support its efforts as Volvo turns toward developing its own EVs.)

Feds Investigate Ford BlueCruise Following Two Fatal Crashes

By

Zach Butler

-

April 29, 2024

A new NHTSA probe focuses on more than 130,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles.

This week, a new preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is underway to determine whether Ford Motor Company should launch a recall to address two fatal accidents where the system was engaged. The probe specifically homes in on 2021-2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0, which includes the company’s semi-autonomous driver assistance system, though BlueCruise is available on a growing range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles at the moment.

Both incidents in question occurred in nighttime conditions.

The agency’s initial resume opening the investigation states that it will “evaluate the [BlueCruise] system’s performance of the dynamic driving task and driver monitoring.” It also notes that drivers can only engage Ford’s system on certain roads and uses a camera system to determine whether the person behind the wheel is paying attention to the road. Ideally, the system is meant to work on high-speed, limited access highways, and does not engage in typical urban driving or if the system detects the driver isn’t looking forward.

This probe by the ODI focuses on an estimated 130,050 Mustang Mach-E models, though it’s reasonable to interpret any escalation of this probe to a full-blown recall would impact other models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Lincoln Navigator.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also took aim not just at Ford’s BlueCruise, but similar Level 2 systems as well. Evaluators rated BlueCruise “Poor” — the worst level in its safety scoring system — alongside 10 other systems including Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, Mercedes’ Distronic system (its upcoming Drive Pilot setup has not been tested yet) and Volvo’s Pilot Assist. Nissan’s ProPilot Assist 2.0 system and GM’s Super Cruise managed “Marginal” ratings, while Lexus’ Teammate was the only system out of 14 the IIHS tested to earn an “Acceptable” rating. However, even that is not an accolade in itself, as the IIHS says the whole industry has work to do, but it also expects rapid advancements in the coming years.

Even taking into account the tragic fatalities that led to the investigation, Ford is hardly alone in facing scrutiny from federal regulators. Tesla is also under the microscope, as the agency announced last week it was opening a probe into some 2 million vehicles to improve the safety of its Autopilot system. Several accidents have been reported over the years, including some that occurred after Tesla vehicles received a recent over-the-air update after a voluntary recall.

While we are still talking about the preliminary stages of this investigation, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is not yet under recall. However, owners should pay close attention to the outcome of this probe, and keep in mind that these Level 2 semi-autonomous systems are not designed to completely remove the driver from the equation. These systems work on the basis that the driver should be paying attention and ready/able to take over at any given moment, and that’s especially true in challenging driving conditions.

Ask Nathan: Ram 1500 RHO vs TRX, Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter vs TRD Pro and Hybrid Longevity?

By

Nathan Adlen

-

April 28, 2024

In this week’s post:

Which is better: Ram 1500 RHO vs TRX?
Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter vs TRD Pro;
How long will a hybrid last?

The first question comes from a fan who wants a Ram 1500 RHO vs TRX episode on TFLtruck.

Q (via asknathan@TFLcar.com): Which would you or Andre choose, with the Ram 1500 RHO vs TRX?

On the outside it looks like Ram simply pulled the old Hellcat and added the Hurricane. I am sure there is more to it. If it were up to you guys. Which one would you buy?

– NetCarbs_67

A: That’s a tough question, as we have yet to drive an RHO.

After consulting with Andre, who knows a lot more about the truck than I do, it’s almost a draw. The TRX has a lot more personality, just from having that massive V8. That I know for sure. It’s still the most powerful Ram 1500 too. On the pother hand, the RHO is lighter, (probably) more maneuverable, less expensive to own and more frugal.

I guarantee it isn’t as thirsty as the outgoing TRX.

Keep this in mind: Ram never said that the RHO is replacing the TRX. There’s a lot of talk about the Ram TRX returning in a form that will directly take on the Raptor R. As it stands, the Ram 1500 RHO outguns the regular Raptor in terms of horsepower and torque.

I think it’s best if we let the video below explain.

– N

The next question is about the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter vs TRD Pro.

Q (via: Twitter/X @NathanAdlen) RE: TRD Pro vs Trailhunter!

Second question and thank you for answering the last one. One thing I like about you is that you find the good and bad in every truck and car. I’ve watched TF L for 10 years and I like the fact that you look at the real financial burden cars put on people. Sad to say that I can’t afford anything more than a basic truck. Your purchase of the Santa Cruz for 32 thousand was right in my market.

I dream of getting a Tacoma or a Ranger one day. I can’t spend 45 thousand on a small truck! That’s the cheapest I can get the configurators to go on a basic truck I want. I have a family of four and need a crew cab that can hold my kids or its no go!

All of you have done a amazing job covering the new Tacoma and you’re not afraid to tell us the good and bad. Thank you! So I was wondering from a fan boy perspective about which new Tacoma is better. Is it the TRD Pro or Trailhunter?

Honestly you guys are the best!

– Randy_Ranger99

A: At first, I thought the differences between the TRD vs Trailhunter would just be cosmetic, but I was wrong.

Sure, they look a bit different, and both have enough garnish to tell them apart. The main differences come from the two completely different suspensions. Also, the interior of the two trucks are very different; especially the front seats.

The simple way it was explained to me was: the Tacoma TRD Pro is built to be a serious desert runner. Sure, it can be a daily driver, but if can run Baja trails at serious speeds. It’s not built for overlanding like the Trailhunter is. If you want similar running gear, but have no intention to shoot the dunes often – and camp a lot – the Trailhunter is your jam.

If you head to TFLtruck.com, you’ll get the inside differences between the two. Both the above and below videos give you an inside look at the differences between the two.

As for your comment about pricing: I totally get it. The least expensive crew-cab I could find was a $34,000 Nissan Frontier. While it’s a bummer that it’s a base model 2WD, I still think the Frontier is a great truck. Sadly, the aforementioned Nissan is priced about 1/2 of these Tacomas.

Crazy, right?

– N

The last question is from a friend who wants to know about the longevity of hybrids, being that they are having a bit of a resurgence.

Q: (summarized from a conversation with a friend) Now that hybrids are becoming popular again, I wonder how they do with longevity?

With so many extra parts, it must be a pain to service and fix them. What happens when the battery completely dies? Does the car just die as well?

– M.M Cat

A: I have personally witnessed many hybrids lasting in excess of 200,000 miles – and still going strong.

In addition, many of those hybrids are Toyotas. Regardless of how you feel about the automaker, they are the biggest producers of hybrids, and they are their biggest champions. As much as I dislike the earlier Toyota Prius, I fully admit that it is a technical marvel that proves hybrids can last as long, if not longer than a conventional internal combustion vehicle.

Given that most hybrids use an electric motor to move them, AND to slow them down (regenerative braking) it usually means less wear and tear on the gas engine. Electric motors rarely fail, and battery tech has a long shelf life in most hybrids.

While hybrid powertrains are a proven, reliable motivator – they are not “bullet-proof.” There have been cases of ECUs, and other technical components failing, completely disabling the vehicle. Sure, that can happen to an internal combustion powertrain as well, hybrids can be more challenging to repair.

Now – IF – a battery completely dies, the hybrid will not run. The car will have a few fail-safe systems lined up to prevent sending charge to a battery that won’t accept it. That means that your hybrid will not run – period. I have seen a few cases where this happens; mostly to hybrids with extremely high miles, owned by abusive drivers.

Recently, a former colleague of mine replaced the battery on his mother’s RAV4 hybrid. It cost him over $1,200 to do it, but the vehicle began to run like new – which is cheaper than buying another used hybrid. His odometer is past the 210,000 mark. This is just one example of how these things can run a long time, and they could have a second life – if the owner is so inclined.

— N

Understanding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Significance of the VIN

Typical Places to Find the VIN

Location 1: Dashboard on the Driver’s Side

Location 2: Door Jamb on the Driver’s Side

Location 3: Under the Hood in the Engine Bay

Location 4: Listed on Vehicle Registration Papers

Location 5: Located on the Rear Frame or Chassis

Pointers for Locating the VIN

Accessing Your Vehicle’s Details via VIN Number

VIN Smarts

FAQ:

How does the VIN appear?

Are the VIN and Chassis Number identical for a car?

Does the VIN consistently maintain the same format and length?

Aston Martin made a surprising move Wednesday by announcing a redesigned V12 engine.

You can configure a 2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade right now.

Tesla needs to be “hardcore” about reducing headcount, Elon Musk emailed senior managers.

While the Tesla Model Y has been explosively popular, it isn’t the only EV option in the game.

Taking a closer look at the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X

What does Tommy think of both EVs?

We’re getting closer to EVs reaching parity with gasoline vehicles on “fill-up” time.

A new NHTSA probe focuses on more than 130,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles.

In this week’s post:

Q (via asknathan@TFLcar.com): Which would you or Andre choose, with the Ram 1500 RHO vs TRX?

A: That’s a tough question, as we have yet to drive an RHO.

Q (via: Twitter/X @NathanAdlen) RE: TRD Pro vs Trailhunter!

A: At first, I thought the differences between the TRD vs Trailhunter would just be cosmetic, but I was wrong.

Q: (summarized from a conversation with a friend) Now that hybrids are becoming popular again, I wonder how they do with longevity?

A: I have personally witnessed many hybrids lasting in excess of 200,000 miles – and still going strong.

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