Basic VIN Decoder

The Basic VIN Decoder API provides essential vehicle specifications and attributes derived from a valid 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This service is designed to return fundamental details about a vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and other key specifications.

This API is particularly useful for applications that require quick access to basic vehicle information without the need for extensive data or historical records. It is ideal for scenarios where you need to validate a VIN and retrieve core vehicle details efficiently.

For more advanced features, including options packages, installed equipment and features, consider using our enhanced VIN decoder NeoVIN Decoder

Base Path

GET https://api.marketcheck.com/v2/decode/car/{vin}/specs

Path Parameters:

• vin: The 17-character VIN of the vehicle to decode.

The following example demonstrates a basic request to the Basic VIN Decoder API:

import axios from 'axios';

const options = {
  method: 'GET',
  url: 'https://api.marketcheck.com/v2/decode/car/1FAHP3F28CL148530/specs',
  params: {api_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY'},
  headers: {Accept: 'application/json'}
};

try {
  const { data } = await axios.request(options);
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}

Request

The Basic VIN Decoder API provides access to essential vehicle specifications using a valid 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This endpoint is designed for quick validation and retrieval of core vehicle details without requiring extensive data processing.

Parameters

Available parameters for VIN decoding requests:

Required Parameters

The following parameters are required for VIN decoding requests:

• vin - The 17-character VIN of the vehicle to decode (provided in URL path)
  • Case-insensitive string that must be properly formatted
  • Must be provided as a path parameter in the URL structure
  • Squish VIN is not supported in this API

Response

The Basic VIN Decoder API returns essential vehicle specifications derived from the provided VIN in a structured JSON format.

Schema

interface Response {
  is_valid: boolean; // Whether the VIN is valid and decodable
  decode_mode: string; // Mode used for decoding (full, squish)
  year: number; // Model year of the vehicle
  make: string; // Vehicle manufacturer name
  model: string; // Vehicle model name
  trim: string; // Trim level or variant
  body_type: string; // Body style (sedan, SUV, etc.)
  vehicle_type: string; // Vehicle classification
  transmission: string; // Transmission type
  drivetrain: string; // Drivetrain configuration (FWD, AWD, etc.)
  fuel_type: string; // Fuel type (gasoline, diesel, etc.)
  engine: string; // Engine description
  engine_size: number; // Engine displacement in liters
  doors: number; // Number of doors
  cylinders: number; // Number of cylinders
  made_in: string; // Country of manufacture
  overall_height: string; // Vehicle height
  overall_length: string; // Vehicle length
  overall_width: string; // Vehicle width
  std_seating: string; // Standard seating capacity
  highway_mpg: number; // Highway fuel economy
  city_mpg: number; // City fuel economy
  powertrain_type: string; // Powertrain classification
}

Success Response

• 200 OK - Returns a JSON object containing basic vehicle specifications derived from the VIN
  • Includes fundamental details such as year, make, model, trim, body type, and other key specifications
  • Contains validation status in the is_valid field
  • Indicates decode method used via the decode_mode field

Error Response

Use Cases & Examples

Quick VIN Decode

Use the Basic VIN Decoder API to quickly retrieve essential vehicle specifications from a VIN. This is useful for applications that need to validate a VIN and display basic vehicle information, such as in automotive marketplaces or inventory management systems.

Example:

Here we're decoding a VIN to get basic vehicle specifications:

import axios from 'axios';

const options = {
  method: 'GET',
  url: 'https://api.marketcheck.com/v2/decode/car/JTEVA5AR9S5004482/specs',
  params: {api_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY'},
  headers: {Accept: 'application/json'}
};

try {
  const { data } = await axios.request(options);
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}

Validate VIN

You can use this API to validate a VIN and ensure it conforms to the standard 17-character format. The response will indicate whether the VIN is valid and provide basic vehicle details if available.

Example:

Here we're validating a VIN and checking its decode status:

import axios from 'axios';

const options = {
  method: 'GET',
  url: 'https://api.marketcheck.com/v2/decode/car/1C4PJMBX9ND511672/specs',
  params: {api_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY'},
  headers: {Accept: 'application/json'}
};

try {
  const { data } = await axios.request(options);
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}

Retrieve Vehicle Specifications

Retrieve basic vehicle specifications for display in user interfaces, such as car listings or inventory systems. This can help users quickly understand the key attributes of a vehicle without needing to access detailed historical data.

Example:

Here we're retrieving comprehensive basic specifications for a vehicle:

import axios from 'axios';

const options = {
  method: 'GET',
  url: 'https://api.marketcheck.com/v2/decode/car/WA1BBAFY7P2183119/specs',
  params: {api_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY'},
  headers: {Accept: 'application/json'}
};

try {
  const { data } = await axios.request(options);
  console.log(data);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(error);
}

See Also

• NeoVIN Decoder