Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

**Alan D.** · January 10, 2009, 09:18 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

Had a friend just buy one with same problem - got about $10K off on a $50K C2, but the problem was documented. If all is documented relative to frame you can get a real tag/rivets which will not affect much in judging if at all.

Upon resale I would let buyer know; "that the VIN will match the frame stamp and all will be documented with photos." Would only expect a 5-10% hit in price in a run of the mill C1. If it is a very special C1 than all bets are off - it it may not even sell. IMHO

**Anthony M.** · January 10, 2009, 09:34 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

I agree with Alan but 5-10% may be conservative 25-35% would be more like it for a run of the mill car. You need to check with local DMV for rules and guidelines. Many will not accept a replacement VIN tag and if you replace it without notification the vehicle is subject to seizure as a stolen car if a sharp cop recognizes a replacement tag and you do not have DMV documentation. If you get a replacement VIN number from the DMV it is easily recognized and will always make the car suspect as a stolen recovered or a salvage rebuild. This will effect the price as there are many cars out there without these issues. If the car you look at has these issues it had better be worth your while.

**Tom L.** · January 11, 2009, 06:51 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

MAy sound suspicious, but is it possible to get a repro VIN tag? The short version:
A friend of mine bought an early C2 about 20 yeras ago. Applied to DMV for vanity plates and a Red flag came up. There was a problem with the VIN, the number and the year of the car did not match. Seems the car was "borrowed' at some point in it's life. After impound, investigation (6 painful months) the car was returned with a new state vin number, not the one GM issued. However, the investigation showed that it was a mostly numbers matching car; engine, trans, rear, frame. He uses the car as a driver and just wants the origional vin tag back.
At least it had a happy ending.

**Garry B.** · January 11, 2009, 08:35 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

Thanks guys. I have received several private emails pertaining to obtaining a reproduction VIN tag and I am curious about the legality of buying one and having it stamped correctly. I know that blank VIN tags are available and I am sure that correct stamps are as well. Any thoughts or experiences that I should be wary of?

Remember, the title is correct, the frame stamp is correct so the only thing missing is the tag itself. I should mention as well that I would run the VIN through DMV to be sure before purchase. I don't want to give it back for free if I purchase it.
Thanks.
Garry

**Michael W.** · January 11, 2009, 10:08 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

No one's opinion here makes a bit of difference one way or the other from a legal point of view. Go to your DMV and get the straight story in writing.

**Michael S.** · January 11, 2009, 10:40 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

If you do purchase and install a "repo" VIN tag on the car, yes well done tags are available if you know where to ask, don't forget to tell the next guy who buys the car from you about this one LITTLE issue. Many folks seem to get very forgetful about little issues like this when it comes time to sell their car. Just remember that you bought the car short because of this issue so expect to sell the car short because of this same issue!

Ultimately, this one LITTLE issue of a reproduction VIN tag installed on the car will be forgotten in the future when the car changes hands. Just make sure that you CYA on the bill of sale when you sell the car so this potential issue of fraud defers to next poor SOB who buys the car and forgets to tell his/her customer about the tag during his/her effort to sell the car for "Mo Money"!

**Tom D.** · December 9, 2011, 10:49 AM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

Is this somewhat easier in Nebraska? I've noted two cars with NE at the end of their (non-GM format) VINs. One is in a recent auction brochure.

Comments on Michigan, or other states' inspection process?

Thanks

**Jimmy B.** · December 9, 2011, 02:31 PM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

In the 70's I owned a 63 swc vin 39 - 1876 NE had 2 original ko's on it (I paid $300 for them) and a 62 f.i. unit (paid $400 for that)

Sold it for $6500

**Jack H.** · December 9, 2011, 04:38 PM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

The impact on value is one discussion topic. The other is the fact that a replacement VIN tag is a flat out deal breaker for some. The more rare/valuable/expensive/original the car, the higher the odds of it being a deal breaker to a segment of potential buyers.

I must admit that I looked at and almost bought a very non-original midyear, i.e. an early "restomod" before there was even a name for it years ago. Ultimately, the state issued VIN and lack of real VIN tag, even in a non-original car, is what tilted the scales against my purchase. There was never a question of whether the car was "legal" (not stolen, etc), but it was still a detriment.

Just my personal 2 cents to throw into the discussion.

**Ridge K.** · December 9, 2011, 05:26 PM

Re: Replacement VIN tag-Impact on value?

Very interesting viewpoints.

I've stated a few times before that in the very early 1970s I was working at a dealership. I can remember the very strict company policy was to not purchase outright, nor accept any trade-in with suspicious, changed, or missing VIN plates. Every possible story under the sun had been presented at one time or another, by folks trying to dispose of such vehicles.
A decade or so later after witnessing this dealership policy, as casual friend of mine offered to me an automobile with a mis-matched VIN plate to me. The price was attractive, but I thought back on my father's teachings as well as my life experiences to that point. I declined the offer to purchase the vehicle.
A couple years later I was informed by mutual friends that the casual friend I mentioned, had been arrested and subsequently convicted of possession of stolen property. He was sentenced to serve time in one of Oklahoma's prisons.

I fully understand that there are occasional innocent VIN matters with all cars. It looks to me however, like no car is worth the risk,...... no matter how slight.
Just my 2 cents,
Ridge.