I have been used truck shopping for awhile and have been finding the VIN decoder under the "Tools" section on FTE is frequently inaccurate. I have found the models are wrong, the wheelbases and box length is incorrect, and the list of "equipment" often is incomplete.

At first I thought it was me typing in the VIN wrong, but after doing a fair number, it is not me, it is the decoder. So long story short, if using the decoder, verify it with the seller before trying to negotiate a price and making a drive to find you wasted your time. If working with a dealership, if you can get a copy of the window sticker, you should have an accurate source.

Steve

 

Here's another way:
https://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleReg...7AF78.fcvas507

Enter the vin and it will show every feature the vehicle came with and a bunch of ones that it didn't. Pretty complete picture of the vehicle you are looking at.

 

I use the above one as well.. Much Better...

it was 100 percent correct on my truck

 

Good to see alternatives.

Steve

 

When I put my vin in it came back as a ram ecodiesel.


(kidding)

 

Put in my vin and it said "less elocker". But I have an elocker. Huh?

 

you can also use FordPass mobile app to get an abbreviated OASIS report of maintenance performed at a Ford Dealer.

 

I suggest to anyone shopping for a used vehicle, take the Vin # and (go) DO NOT CALL to that Manufactures Service Department and ask if they will run the Vin # to check for all the Warranty Work History the Vehicle has gone threw. (they're usually busy and "don't" have to do this) So, BE NICE !! and slip them a $20. for the favor. Seeing the History Report will give you a good idea if your looking at a POS or a well maintained no problem vehicle. This Info (reports) doesn't stay in the Manufactures System forever. So if it's say .. 7 yrs ? old that info may not still be available. Asking doesn't hurt. BE NICE !! this is a favor.

 

I put in my vin it says a platinum short bed which I don't have.

 

As I said, IMHO the VIN Decoder on FTE borders on being worthless. I have found major errors to be the rule rather than the exception, honest!

Steve

 

I agree that it is not very accurate. I bought a King Ranch last year, but the decoder showed that it was an XL.

 

Sad, something so useful .. and NOT.

I guess I got lucky.. once in my life.. for something so small.
as I had already purchased my truck before finding the link.

 

Will take a bit of work but this Ford VIN Guide will decode the VIN for you manually.

VIN guides available for 2000-2016

VIN Guides | fleet.ford.com

 

The ETIS site has been almost flawless for me. The only thing it was wrong with was it said my truck did not have an ELD when it does.

 

$20 tossed there way could add up quick if your looking at multiple vehicles. However; if you know that this is your truck and don't mind doing so I agree. I also think if you already checked out the vehicle in person there shouldn't be too much the report will tell you that would shy you away. For those that don't know what they are looking for then maybe.


Either way all this is good advice but I will still remind those folks to use this to help decide but going to look at the vehicle physically checking it over and having a mechanic you trust with you will more than pay for itself in the long run.