The last 6 digits of your car’s VIN are a production sequence number, or serial number. This number is usually assigned by the manufacturer in the increasing order starting from “000001” and up as cars go off the assembly line.
I have heard from somewhere that lower number often means that the car has better quality and will last longer. The assumption is that the manufacturer has an incentive to pimp up the quality of the first shipment of cars of a particular model which often goes to companies/individuals writing auto reviews, car enthusiasts or other persons of interest who can impact the acceptance of the model by the broader consumer.
Although there is probably no way to prove this rumor, it makes a perfect sense to me and my own car is a living example that this rule works. With 135K on the odometer I have not had a single (not accident related) repair, nor any rust on the body. The VIN ends with “000929” which means it is one of the first Accords made by Honda in 1997.
What does your VIN number end with? Have you been lucky with your car?
hmm… my gut feeling tells me this could be true for newly released models that no one has any experience with (Ford Edge?). Honda Accord is a well known, reliable, widely acclaimed car and I don’t think this rule would work in this case.
Honda introduced a major Accord redesign in 1997 (model year 1998) so I believe it does apply in this particular case. Overall I agree though. It might be not as significant for subsequent years.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
I’m checking my VIN tonight.
That’s cool. I will check that out. Thanks!
011069…….darn, my Honda Element was not one of the first babies to be born in 2004 (if this number is an indication of production number).
I have bought a new Honda Accord 07′ that I have verified was produced in July of 2007. I have had this vehicle in the shop now for 3 major repairs already. I know Honda’s are supposed to be great cars and that is why I bought my first one. However, I do believe that this one of those. I am already 1/2 way to the lemon law requirements for my State. I was also told that July 07′ was probably one of the last cars to role off the line because that is usually when they switch to the new year. In this case Honda has a new style for 08′.
Seems to me the higer the # the more chance to work out bugs.
The assumption is that the manufacturer has an incentive to pimp up the quality of the first shipment of cars of a particular model which often goes to companies/individuals writing auto reviews, car enthusiasts or other persons of interest who can impact the acceptance of the model by the broader consumer.
I don’t agree with this. I heard another rumor that the the quality of first bunch of cars are bad, which normally require some recalls to fix. Later versions will be improved from those mistakes.
That’s cool. Thanks!