ATV, all-terrain vehicle, in short, is popular for the speed, strength, and adventurous experience it offers. Although owning an ATV adds spice to your life, you can’t ignore that buying a brand new ATV is costly, which may not be an optimum choice especially when you’re on a tight budget. In this situation, you would like to turn to a used one. However, you still can’t rest assured as purchasing a pre-owned ATV can be a scary undertaking that will require due diligence.

Something that needs your attention is that stolen ATVs are occasionally offered for sale online or in local classifieds. One of the unfortunate realities is that they are easy targets for thieves due to their small size and relatively few factory-installed anti-theft features.

According to statistics reported by NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau), a total of 61,196 ATVs were stolen from 2016 to 2018, though the number has been declining. In a nutshell, it’s always better to be safe than sorry: to prevent yourself from being scammed into buying a stolen ATV.

To avoid falling victim to unknowingly paying for a stolen ATV, you should run an ATV VIN check and get a comprehensive vehicle history report. This search can reveal much about a vehicle, including:

• Specifications
• All major events of the vehicle including accidents, salvages, thefts, and sales listings
• The ownership history
• And much more…

Now you’ve had a better understanding of how a VIN check can help you make an informed decision, you should get ready for it by checking out the sections below.

What is an ATV VIN

Every on- and off-road vehicle has a unique 17-character VIN or Vehicle Identification Number. Excluding letters ‘O’, ‘I’, and ‘Q’, this mix of digits and capital letters encodes vital information about the vehicle’s origins, technical specifications, model year, and more.

How to decode an ATV VIN number

A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-digit unique identifier assigned to a vehicle, excluding the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q), which can be confused with numerals 0, 1, and 9. It contains valuable information about the basics of the vehicle, including the year, make, model, country of origin, details of the style, and much more.

The location of an ATV VIN varies by manufacturer. But in most cases, it can be found on the left-hand side of the frame rail. Or you can request it from the seller or dealership. Once you get this number, you can decode it. The image below will show you how to read an ATV VIN. The standard applies to vehicles built in or after 1980. Whether you’re trying to understand a Honda ATV VIN, Yamaha ATV VIN, or Polaris ATV VIN, you should be able to find the important information.

How to tell the year of an ATV by VIN

As noted above, if you wish to know the vehicle model year, simply examine the letter or number in the 10th position from the left in the VIN, which represents the year code. The following information is to help you determine the year of an ATV.

How to run a VIN check and see if it’s stolen

The most effective way to run an ATV VIN lookup is through reputable online tools. Platforms like EpicVIN and Bumper, both approved by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), offer legitimate vehicle history reports. This ensures that you have access to accurate and up-to-date information about the ATV’s history, even if you don’t have the VIN, as some tools allow research using the license plate.

Are EpicVIN and Bumper legit

Before delving into VIN lookups, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of the service providers. The answer is “Definitely YES!”. Both EpicVIN and Bumper are NMVTIS-approved providers, instilling confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the information they provide.

How to perform an ATV VIN lookup on EpicVIN and Bumper

Below are the brief introductions of EpicVIN and Bumper, plus the simple step-by-step guides to doing a VIN check. Both of them have mobile apps that you can use to access vehicle history reports at your fingertips!

These services empower buyers with essential information, including:

Below is the step-by-step guide for you, ensuring a seamless process. 

Option 1: Bumper ATV VIN Lookup

With over 10 years of data expertise and a track record of over 100 million searches, Bumper is a comprehensive source for public records on vehicles. Running a VIN lookup on Bumper involves straightforward steps, providing users with confidence in their purchasing decisions.

Bumper – before your buy

Bumper is committed to building a better product and providing a game-changer for vehicle searches.

Try VIN Lookup Today

To run a VIN lookup on Bumper, take the steps as follows.

1. Visit Bumper’s search page.
2. Enter the VIN into the search box and click SEARCH.
   
   
3. Wait for the system to find the VIN in the database. Then you should receive a report that may reveal theft records if there are any.
   
   

Option 2: EpicVIN ATV VIN Lookup

When it comes to VIN lookups, EpicVIN should be your go-to option. As its name suggests, it allows you to learn a vehicle’s history by the Vehicle Identification Number. With its user-friendly interface, you’ll find it easy to run your searches.

EpicVIN – before you buy

EpicVIN’s aim is to reduce uncertainty and fraud in the automotive sector by empowering prospective buyers with an informed insight into a vehicle’s history.

Try VIN Lookup Today

To run a VIN check on EpicVIN, follow the steps below.

1. Navigate to EpicVIN’s search page.
2. Feed in the VIN and click Check VIN.
   
   
3. Wait for it to scan the database for the most up-to-date vehicle information. Then you should get a detailed report with which you can decide whether you should buy this ATV.
   
   

For users who want to have quick access to ATV VIN lookup by make, simply locate the one that you need and run your search now.

• Honda ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

• Yamaha ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

• Polaris ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

• Can-Am ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

• Kawasaki ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

• Suzuki ATV VIN Lookup
  
  

FAQs

Q: Should you buy a used ATV?
A: Buying a used ATV can be a cost-effective option, but due diligence is crucial. Conducting an ATV VIN check using reputable services is recommended to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle.

Q: What questions should I ask when buying a used ATV?
A: When purchasing a used ATV, inquire about its maintenance history, any modifications made, and previous accidents, and request a comprehensive ATV VIN check to ensure its legitimacy.