What does each character in a VIN mean?

Characters 1-3 = Manufacturer (WMI), 4-9 = Vehicle attributes (VDS), 10 = Model year, 11 = Plant code, 12-17 = Serial number.

How do I check if a VIN is valid?

A valid VIN is exactly 17 characters, doesn't contain I, O, or Q, and passes the check digit verification at position 9.

Can I check for open recalls with a VIN?

Yes, our decoder checks US NHTSA recall data. Canadian buyers should also check Transport Canada.

What information can I get from a VIN?

Manufacturer, make, model year, country of origin, engine type, body style, plant code, and recall history.

Is VIN decoding free?

Yes, our VIN decoder is completely free. No sign-up, no limits, no hidden fees.

Can I decode a 16-character VIN?

No, vehicles manufactured after 1981 use 17-character VINs. Older vehicles may have shorter VINs.

usecos decision engine

Used Car Cost Calculator Canada

Estimate payment, tax, fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, resale value and cost per kilometre before buying a used vehicle.

Payment and tax Fuel cost Cost per km

Compare the real monthly cost

Change the assumptions to match the listing. The tax rate is editable because dealer, private-sale and provincial vehicle-tax rules can differ.

Purchase price$Down payment$Trade-in credit$Province defaultEstimated tax rate%Dealer, registration and inspection fees$Auto-loan rate%Loan termmoPlanned ownershipyrAnnual kilometresFuel consumptionL/100kmFuel price$Monthly insurance$Annual maintenance and repairs$Annual depreciation estimate%

Monthly cash flow

$1,014

Loan payment plus fuel, insurance and maintenance.

Ownership cost

$899/mo

Depreciation, tax, fees, interest and running costs.

Cost per km

$0.60

Estimated cost over your planned ownership period.

Resale estimate

$15,592

After 4 years at 12% per year.

Purchase and loan

Taxable amount$26,000

Estimated sales tax$3,380

Total purchase cost$30,280

Amount financed$26,280

Monthly loan payment$526

Loan interest over full term$5,308

Loan balance after ownership period$6,069

Running and ownership cost

Monthly fuel$203

Monthly insurance$185

Monthly maintenance$100

Monthly running cost$488

Depreciation over ownership period$10,408

Interest during ownership period$5,059

Total ownership cost$43,169

Used-car VIN checklist

Worked Canadian example

A $26,000 used vehicle in Ontario with $4,000 down, 13% estimated tax, $900 in fees, a 7.49% 60-month loan, 18,000 km per year, 8.2 L/100 km, $1.65/L fuel, $185 monthly insurance and $1,200 annual maintenance is about $1,014 of monthly cash flow. The broader ownership estimate is about $899 per month once depreciation, tax, fees and interest during the planned ownership period are included.

Formula

Monthly cash flow = loan payment + fuel + insurance + maintenance. Ownership cost adds depreciation, sales tax, fees and interest paid during the ownership period.

Fuel assumption

Fuel cost uses annual kilometres x L/100 km x fuel price, divided by 100. NRCan explains that lower L/100 km means better fuel consumption.

Limitations

This estimate does not prove condition, title status, lien status, accident history, warranty coverage, provincial private-sale tax treatment or future repair bills.

Sources and next checks

NRCan fuel consumption ratings NRCan Fuel Consumption Guide CRA GST/HST rates Transport Canada recalls NHTSA recall lookup Decode the VIN before you price the car

Verified July 30, 2026. Use lender quotes, insurance quotes, province rules and mechanic findings before signing.

Related Resources

Mortgage Calculator Mortgage Renewal Offer Analyzer Paycheck Calculator GST/HST Calculator Rental Property ROI Calculator VIN Decoder Guide Get Embed Code

Was this tool helpful?