How to Read a VIN Number Like a Pro
From understanding the VIN number breakdown to uncovering a vehicle’s history,...
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Looking for the VIN?
Here is there you’ll find it:
A Datsun VIN serves as your Datsun vehicle's unique fingerprint, standardized by the ISO Institute in 1981. Every car manufactured since then carries this 17-character sequence containing detailed information about manufacturing specs, safety features, and production history that our VIN decoder can instantly reveal for accurate vehicle identification.
Our streamlined VIN lookup process makes vehicle history verification simple:
Several locations on your Datsun vehicle display this crucial information for easy access through our online service. Find your VIN number located in the following places:
| Key Risk | Impact on Buyers | Mitigation Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Theft Risk | Classic-import thefts rose 12% for 1970–1985 models even as the overall rate fell 17% in 2024 (NICB). | Store indoors, use a visible wheel lock and a hidden kill switch; run an EpicVIN theft check before buying. |
| Unrepaired Safety Recalls | NHTSA lookups show 57% of open campaigns on pre-1986 Datsuns remain unfixed. | Check recalls via NHTSA and EpicVIN; book the free dealer repair before regular driving. |
| Depreciation Over Time | Z-car prices rose 28% (2020–2024) but dipped ~4% in 2025 when rust is present. | Get a lift inspection for frame/floor rust; document service history; favor cars with matching VIN tags and original Datsun parts. |
| Odometer Rollback Fraud | NICB flags ≈4% of 1970–1983 VINs with mileage anomalies and odometer fraud. | Compare NMVTIS/EpicVIN mileage with service records and auction photos; check wear on pedals, wheel, and seats. |
| Hidden Flood or Salvage History | 18% of Datsuns on Copart show flood or total-loss brands. | Pull EpicVIN + NMVTIS title history; inspect under-carpet and seat tracks for silt/corrosion; avoid branded titles unless priced accordingly. |
Risk Reduction: Minimize risk by performing a Datsun VIN check in EpicVIN plus NMVTIS, preserving archival photos, comparing odometer readings, and conducting lift inspections for corrosion detection.
| Issue | Affected Models, Symptoms, Avg. Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural rust in frame rails & floor pans | 240Z/260Z/280Z (1970–1978), 75k–150k mi; soft jack points, bubbling paint; ≈ $3,000 Datsun parts + labor |
| Timing-chain stretch & rattle | 510, Z-series L-engine cars (1968–1983), 90k–160k mi; metallic clatter at cold start; ≈ $2,300 replacement |
| Fuel-injector clog/leak | 280Z/280ZX (1975–1983 EFI), 85k+ mi; hard hot-start, raw-fuel smell; ≈ $600 for full injector kit |
Each character in your Datsun vehicle's unique production number tells a specific story:
Here's how our Datsun VIN decoder interprets a sample sequence (1N4AB42D3TC504010):
| Symbols | Sample | What It Reveals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | J | Japan as the country of origin |
| 2 | N | Nissan as a manufacturer |
| 3 | 1 | Passenger car vehicle type |
| 4-8 | AB42D | Body style, engine type, restraint system, model line, and trim level |
| 9 | 3 | Check digit for validation |
| 10 | T | 1996 model year |
| 11 | C | Assembly plant location |
| 12-17 | 504010 | Individual vehicle serial number |
Year 1983
Make Datsun
Model 280ZX
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine
Made in JAPAN
Our comprehensive Datsun VIN check reveals extensive Datsun vehicle details:
Only 1 in 5 Copart-listed Datsuns shows a clean history. EpicVIN layers NMVTIS, auction photos, and insurer data so you see the other four.— Alex Black, CMO, EpicVIN
Position 8 reveals engine type: L20B, L24, L28E appear in Z-cars and 510 Datsun models. Check your VIN lookup results to decode specific engine specifications.
Position 11 shows the assembly plant: Oppama (O), Kyushu (K), or other Japanese facilities for imported models. Our VIN decoder instantly identifies the exact manufacturing location.
No, pre-1981 Datsuns used shorter VIN formats; complete towing specifications appear in our detailed Datsun vehicle history report. Modern Nissan-era VIN number formats provide more comprehensive equipment sequences.
Compare title mileage progression in EpicVIN reports; check pedal wear against recorded readings. Our system flags inconsistent mileage patterns and provides historical verification.
Yes, major structural repairs appear in insurance claims and auction records within our damage history section. These repairs often indicate previous accident involvement requiring assessment.
Position 8 sometimes indicates emissions equipment; complete CARB compliance details appear in our full decode. California-specific emission sequences help identify Datsun vehicles meeting stricter standards.
Previous insurance total-loss claims create permanent title brands; EpicVIN shows complete title history. These designations remain permanently attached to the VIN regardless of repairs.
Yes, our system cross-references NHTSA databases and notifies users of open safety campaigns affecting their VIN. Automated alerts ensure you stay informed about crucial recalls.
You can perform a Datsun VIN lookup to retrieve the vehicle engine type, size, and configuration, along with some other vehicle information:
– Power seating, window, windshield, and sunroof details.
– Entertainment center.
– Trim color.
– Any other specifications unique to the car.
Enter the VIN of any Datsun vehicle into the Datsun VIN decoder. Then, check the vehicle history, including its production year. A Datsun VIN lookup also uncovers data on all Datsun or Nissan cars (Nissan previously owned Datsun). Enter the VIN into the online service tool to retrieve the vehicle's history and Datsun manufacturing details.
Yes. The VIN decoder is an online service that allows you to:
– Use a VIN number to look up the vehicle history of a Datsun.
– Check on the Datsun accident, damage, and repair histories.
This information ensures the vehicle's safety and helps you plan for possible future repair costs involving Datsun parts. It is important to check on this information for any Datsun model to ensure the vehicle is worth the price listed before making a used car purchase.
A Datsun VIN decoder or Datsun VIN lookup uses a VIN to retrieve important data on a Datsun or Nissan that can prevent used car buyers from falling for scams and make the best car buying decision. We provide Datsun odometer readings to prevent odometer fraud, previous ownership history, damage accidents and recall histories photos, title information, and more. Boasting an absolutely massive amount of data, we have records on a vast selection of more than 500 million VIN records, which covers the majority of the used vehicles in the US and Canada.
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