When the time comes to purchase used cars, car buyers feel the need to discover hidden information and learn more about the vehicle they are interested in. One really valuable tool in such situations is the window sticker. This article closely highlights the importance of a window sticker, what information can be found in a window sticker, and how to get a window sticker from a VIN number.
What is a window sticker?
A window sticker, also known as a Monroney label, is a label usually placed on the window of a vehicle that contains important and specific information about that vehicle. This information comes in really handy when consumers go out in search of new or used vehicles. With just one glance at the information a window sticker provides, you will be able to view the vehicle specifications and other features the vehicle was designed with.
Some of the details and information that can be found on a window sticker are
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
- Model and trim level.
- Engine and transmission.
- Fuel economy.
- Optional features.
- Safety features.
- Dimensions and weight.
- Emissions and compliance information.
- Warranty information.
- Destination charge.
Why do I need a window sticker?
If you want to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership or a private seller, this valuable information on a window sticker comes in handy. These are some reasons why you may want to get a window sticker for your vehicle:
Determining the fair market value of a vehicle
On every window sticker or Monroney label, you will find the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), which stands as the fair market value of that particular vehicle. This value may not represent the current cost of used vehicles, but it gives an idea of how much the vehicle was worth originally.
Verifying the accuracy of information
With a window sticker generated from a VIN number, you have direct access to the vehicle’s specifications and equipment, and you can confirm and verify the accuracy of the information provided by the dealer on the vehicle you are interested in. A window sticker provides a detailed list of options and features, such as engine type, fuel economy, safety ratings, and so on, and it is easy to identify incorrect information.
READ ALSO: What Is The Window Sticker API? Everything You Need To Know
Resale Value
The window sticker shows the MSRP of the vehicle and can be used to determine the resale value of the vehicle after a few years, especially if the vehicle is in really good condition.
Are you wondering how to get a window sticker from a VIN number? If you are, the next section is for you.
How to Get a Window Sticker From a VIN Number?
The information a consumer finds on a window sticker is actually accessed with the VIN number of a car. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character string of letters and numbers usually found on the car. This 17-digit VIN number can be found on the dashboard of a vehicle or other vehicle parts, such as the driver’s side door jamb, and could also be found on the vehicle’s papers.
In antique and classic cars, the length of a VIN number varies. The standard 17-digit VIN was introduced in 1980. Vehicles that were made before 1980 had anything from 5 to 17 characters.
For dealers, gaining access to the original window sticker of classic vehicles poses a huge difficulty for several vehicle history report companies, but with Vehicle Databases, that is not the case. Dealers can now generate window stickers for all vehicles in their dealerships and inventories; classic window stickers and regular window stickers.
To get the window sticker from a VIN number, the consumer can choose to follow two routes: either they visit the manufacturer or dealership and ask for the window sticker of their vehicle, or they get it from the comfort of their homes using a window sticker lookup tool.
Get a Monroney sticker by VIN from an online window sticker lookup tool
The second option seems to be easier for consumers, and it is the recommended option. This is because, at the end of the day, consumers can get their window stickers without leaving their houses. How can you get a window sticker from a VIN number?
Step 1: Locate your vehicle identification number
To get a window sticker from a VIN number, the first step is to actually get the VIN. The vehicle identification number (VIN) can be found on several parts of the vehicle. Such as
- The dashboard.
- The driver’s side door jamb.
- Front of the car frame.
- Under the spare tire.
You may also find the VIN number on the vehicle’s papers. You could look through the
- Certificate of title.
- Registration card.
- Insurance documents.
The VIN number is most often a 17-digit code, but it could be less in classic cars.
Step 2: Visit a Vehicle History Report Company
Vehicle history report companies have window sticker lookup tools that you can utilize to get a window sticker for your vehicle using the VIN number acquired in the first step. Simply visit the website of the reporting company of your choice and follow the instructions below.
- Navigate to the company’s window sticker lookup tool.
- Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Provide all other necessary information, such as your contact information and other necessary details.
- Click on “Get Access” or “Get window sticker now” to view your window sticker.
On some websites, such as Detailed Vehicle History, Instant VIN Reports, Vehicles Report, and PremiumVIN, you will be offered your window sticker as a downloadable file and will get it sent to your mail.
READ ALSO: Get Access To Thousands Of Vehicle Images With Vehicle Media API
Get a dealer sticker by VIN from the dealership
Looking for a window sticker for a used car? Visit the dealership where you bought your used car. You can simply visit a dealership with your VIN number and request your vehicle’s window sticker. Most dealerships and manufacturers keep records of their sales, and, in this case, they may have a copy of your vehicle’s window sticker and would search for it.
It may not be provided for you that same day, and you may be asked to come to pick it up some other time.
That’s all you need to do if you’re looking for a window sticker with a VIN number. Getting window stickers from VIN numbers is really easy; just follow the steps mentioned here and your window sticker will be provided for you.
If you are a dealer looking for a window sticker API for your business, Vehicles Databases provides high-accuracy and concise information for dealers and dealerships. With the Vehicle Databases window sticker API, dealers are able to sell vehicles faster and at the best price.
