I’m car shopping. Some of the cars I’m interested in having some extra that are important to me, like rear sensing (beeps as you get closer and closer to something behind you), stop and go adaptive cruise control, upgraded stereo over base model, keyless entry/ignition. Now, some of these features are attached to trim - like a certain trim level comes standard with some features - but sometimes these are available options on a lower trim. And since I’d guess that 80%+ of cars are of the base trim, finding these features can be very hit or miss.
I’ve been looking through listings on listing sites and dealer sites, and while they tend to list a lot of the major features, they’re not comprehensive. They’re often unclear about exactly which optional features a model has. It’s not just that I can assume that if the feature isn’t listed it isn’t there. In some instances from the pictures you can see the car has an optional feature (like a bigger touch screen or the controls for an upgraded stereo) without that option being listed on the features section.
So if I wanted to get a more comprehensive look at what specific options a car has, is my only option to call/go to a dealer for more information? Or is there some way I can use some information, like maybe the VIN, to find out what features that particular car has?
@SenorBeef I am in the same boat, but looking for a pickup truck. What kind of car/truck are you looking for?
My pickup was written off as a total loss due to a fender bender which bent more than the fender (bent the frame!). Now I’m getting a decent payout, and want to replace the truck with exactly the same make/model/features. All of my accessories fit my old F-150, so I’m looking to replace Old F-150, with a “rescue” F-150.
Tripler
If you can rescue a puppy/kitten from the shelter, I can rescue a used pickup truck.
There are a few cars I’m looking at, but probably a 2017 or newer hybrid sedan. 2019 Ford Fusion is the leading candidate so far. But it’s hard to compare and contrast the different cars available by their listed features/options. I’m annoyed by how inconsistent these listings are - the features are just a bunch of checkboxes from the website that the dealer checks to the best of their knowledge, but they’re inconsistent and incomplete.
I did find out that for ford cars, “hybrid SE” and “SE” are different trims. So the guides written about different trim levels I used were incorrect for the hybrids. The hybrid SE models contain some of the features I want that the gas SE models didn’t have standard. That seems needlessly confusing, but works in my favor.
I’m guessing I’ll have to actually go test them out to see what options they have, but since these sites display the VIN I was hoping maybe there was some way to figure out the equipment package from that. Some kind of options/package codes from the manufacturer maybe.
Not the VIN. It typically encodes a few major items like model (Civic or Accord?) and engine size, but nothing as detailed as you’re looking for. Now, in some case the serial number portion of the VIN may reveal some of those features, but only in the manufacturer’s database. In other words, a dealer might (emphasis on “might”) be able to tell that the vehicle with serial number “xxxxxx” has, say, ABS because that’s listed in the car’s profile. But such things are not encoded in any portion of the VIN.
It’s probably no help to you, but I’d been using the Ford Truck Enthusiast VIN Decoder, because I am very specific about what I need to replace truck with. All of my accessories fit the 6-1/2’ bed, and I only wanted a SuperCab, not SuperCrew. The link does not give me the bells and whistles inside the truck, nor GCWR (which I want to find).
It may be of help to you, maybe not.
Tripler
Hell, I don’t even know if it’ll work for Ford cars.
I believe it’s possible, at least in some cases. I was buying an add-on for my Toyota, and the parts dealer was able to take the VIN and tell me the car had the necessary option for it. Don’t know if there’s anywhere us mere mortals can access the info, though.
Edmunds was useful during my recent car search. Usually very comprehensive with describing options for each trim level.
They may have sold them already, but I was this close to buying a Fusion Hybrid SEL from Avis Car Sales. Low-ish mileage, decently priced. Decent, prepared people over the phone. Had a much cheaper Camry Hybrid fall into my lap, but still, you might want to give Avis, Hertz et all, a search.
Ford has one for their cars family.
Dodge will send you a build sheet for a Chrysler product including Ram trucks.
Rennlist will have a link to get you the build sheet for a Porsche.
For MBZ, the dealer can run a VMI, same as other dealers.
for a fee, you can pay a Vin Decoder site to decode your VIN and get you all of the options.
For