I'm thinking about getting a classic car—an old 1970s Chevy Impala. The seller doesn’t have much documentation on it, so I want to make sure I know its full history before diving in. I’ve read that a VIN check can reveal a lot about a car’s past, but I don’t know where to begin. Should I use a website, or is there a way to do it through a government service? And how reliable are these online tools anyway? Any tips would be appreciated!

I’ve had my share of experiences with these old classics, and I can tell you that a VIN check is a must. The thing with older cars is that they can have a long history—sometimes even spanning multiple states and owners. I used Vindecoderz for a similar check when I was looking at an old Mustang, and it really helped. They’ve got a good reputation for pulling up comprehensive records, even for older vehicles. They can show you if the car’s been reported as stolen, been in accidents, or has had title issues like salvage or rebuilt status. And trust me, it’s not just the big stuff you should look for. Sometimes you’ll find out things like whether the car was used as a rental or a fleet vehicle, which can affect how it’s been treated over the years. The government sites like the DMV are useful for cross-checking info, but they might not be as detailed. And don’t forget, a VIN search might reveal if there’s an open recall on your classic, which could be a pain if parts are hard to find. Overall, doing a thorough check is worth every penny, especially if you’re planning to put serious money into the car.