Land Rover VIN decoder UK

What is a Land Rover VIN decoder UK?

A Land Rover VIN decoder is a useful online tool that allows you to access detailed information about a vehicle using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It’s an essential resource for anyone looking to verify a car’s identity or learn more about its specifications.

While some might rely on a car's license plate for information about the vehicle’s history, it doesn’t reveal some important facts. For example, severely damaged vehicles may have mismatched VINs in different locations, and stolen cars could have had their VIN plates swapped. Using a VIN decoder helps you uncover crucial details, such as the vehicle’s make, model, engine type, country of origin, and more. It’s one of the best ways to get accurate and trustworthy information when buying a used Land Rover.

How to use the Land Rover VIN decoder to do a Land Rover VIN check in the UK?

Performing a Land Rover VIN check takes just a minute and gives you instant access to the vehicle’s key specs. Here’s how it works:

1. 1.Visit our Land Rover VIN decoder page.

2. 2.Enter the Land Rover VIN number in the “Enter VIN” field.

3. 3.Click the “Decode VIN” button.

This quick and easy Land Rover VIN lookup will reveal important vehicle details, helping you confirm whether the specifications match the Land Rover you’re inspecting.

Land Rover VIN number breakdown

All modern Land Rover vehicles use a 17-character VIN number that can be separated into three sections for easier understanding. These sections are:

• World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). Characters 1-3. This section reveals the region, country, and manufacturer of the vehicle. All 17-character Land Rover VINs start with SAL.
• Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). Characters 4-9. Here, you'll find details specific to the vehicle, such as the model series, engine type, and body type.
• Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). Characters 10-17. This section includes information like the model year and the assembly plant where the car was built. The final six digits represent the vehicle's unique serial number.

Such Land Rover VIN breakdown helps to perform a quicker visual check of a VIN number, meaning that you can only focus on the first three characters (the World Manufacturer Identifier). If you're more interested in the vehicle's specifications, you can skip ahead to the second section. It’s a quick way to reveal details that matter the most.

Land Rover VIN number meaning

While VIN number sections ensure easier identification, you’ll only benefit from them if you know the meaning of specific characters. Here are a few Land Rover VIN numbers explained to help you identify some information about the vehicle at a glance:

• Characters 4 and 5 reveal the model. A few common combinations are LA – Discovery III, LM – Range Rover III, LS – Range Rover Sport, WA – Range Rover IV, VA – Range Rover Evoque 4x4, DH – Defender 110, DX – Defender 90.
• Character 6 shows the chassis type because different models are often built on different chassis. Some of them are marked as A – Defender 90, Range Rover Classic, and Freelander; B – Defender 110 and Freelander Commercial; D – Series III, 1 – Range Rover Evoque Coupe, 2 – Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover IV.
• Character 7 reveals the body type. A – 5-door, soft top, pickup; B – 2-door, 3-door, 5-door; C – 3-door; M – 5-door; F – Defender double cab; H – Defender high cab; R – Range Rover Monteverdi.
• Character 8 reveals the engine type. A few common ones are 1 – 2.7-liter turbo diesel or 4.0-liter petrol V8, 3 – 4.0-liter petrol V8 or 4.2-liter petrol V8, 5 – 4.4-liter petrol or 2.5-liter diesel, 8 – 2.5-liter diesel (TD5), C – 2.2-liter diesel or 2.5-liter diesel, G – 2.5-liter petrol V6 or 2.0-liter petrol.
• Character 10 shows the model year. You can find all the meanings here.
• Character 11 indicates the vehicle’s assembly plant. A few common ones are A – Solihull, C – Castle Bromwich, H – Halewood, S – Oxford Road.

Remember that the meaning of these characters in a Land Rover chassis can vary by year and model, so it’s worth checking the owner’s manual for precise information.

Land Rover VIN number location

There’s more than one Land Rover VIN number location, including:

• On the dashboard. Look through the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle – you should see the VIN on the dashboard.
• Driver’s side door pillar. Open the driver's side door and inspect the inner edge of the door frame. Look for a small metal plate or sticker containing the VIN.
• Front of the wheel well. There should be a VIN number stamped into the frame, but it’s mostly an old Land Rover VIN number location.
• The right threshold. This is mainly a Land Rover Discovery VIN number location.
• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C). The vehicle’s VIN should be listed in Land Rover’s registration certificate (V5C).
• Service history book. If a car is at least five years old, it should have an original service book where you can find regular maintenance records and, of course, the VIN number.

Look for a 17-character combination that looks something like SALWA2BN0JA123456.

All car manufacturers place the VIN in multiple locations on a vehicle to make it easier to verify its identity and prevent fraud. Since replacing VIN plates is illegal, several plates help identify cars with replaced or damaged structural parts. Always double-check that the VIN matches in all locations to ensure the vehicle’s authenticity.

What Land Rover models work with our free VIN decoder?

Our VIN decoder only works with 17-character VIN numbers, which can be found in all Land Rover models made after 1980, including:

• Land Rover Defender
• Land Rover Discovery
• Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Land Rover Freelander
• Range Rover
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Land Rover Series I
• Land Rover Series II

Any of the VINs in these models can be decoded using our VIN decoder, whether they were sold in the UK or imported from another country.

Land Rover VIN number decoder: what can you learn with the Land Rover VIN number?

A Land Rover's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can reveal a lot about the car, but you’ll have to use our Land Rover VIN decoder to reveal that information. In just a few minutes, you'll access essential information to verify the car's identity. However, a VIN decoder only scratches the surface of the full story.

Once you decode the VIN, you’ll have the option to unlock a comprehensive history report with much more detailed insights, such as:

• Theft records. We collect data from police and other registries to check if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen.
• Accident history. See if the car has been involved in an accident, along with dates, repair costs, and other key details.
• Mileage rollbacks. Verify whether the car’s mileage is accurate, which is a crucial indicator of the vehicle's wear and tear.
• Vehicle photos. View photos of the car taken from insurance companies, auctions, and online listings, helping you assess its condition.
• Ownership history. Find out how many previous owners the car had, along with details from past MOTs and any periods of inactivity.
• Emissions data. Check the car’s emission levels and tax band, which can influence ongoing costs.

Did you know? In the UK, cars with altered odometers have an average price increase of 29%, and nearly 18% of checked cars have been damaged. Considering potential expenses, the price of a carVertical history report is only a small investment. It helps you avoid unexpected maintenance costs and ensures you the best value when buying a used Land Rover.

Before making a purchase, always use our Land Rover VIN checker to avoid surprises and make an informed decision.

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