Citroen VIN decoder UK

Free Citroen VIN Decoder UK to check car history and specifications.

What is a Citroen VIN decoder UK?

A Citroen VIN decoder UK is an online tool designed to help people learn about the vehicle by analysing its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number is a unique 17-character combination that every Citroen vehicle has, which is used for identification purposes. It contains specific data about the car’s origin, features, and other key attributes, which can be useful in spotting potential fraud and making informed decisions when purchasing a used vehicle.Some may wonder how they could benefit from this information. The thing is that fraud is very common in the used car market, and some of the worst scams are car cloning and selling stolen cars. In either case, a quick free VIN check can help identify the vehicle and see if the car’s make, model, engine type, and other basic information are correct. Moreover, there’s a possibility to purchase a full history report, which reveals many more details.

How to use the Citroen VIN decoder to do a VIN check in UK?

Using a Citroen VIN decoder is straightforward:

Find the VIN number
Enter it into our Citroen VIN decoder
Click the “Decode VIN” button to check Citroen VIN

Within moments, you’ll receive a free summary of the vehicle’s basic specifications. This is a great way to quickly identify a vehicle and ensure that the VIN belongs to it. If you’re looking for more in-depth details, such as ownership history, historical photos, or past incidents, you’ll also see the option to purchase a full vehicle history report.

Citroen VIN number meaning

A VIN number, also known as the chassis number, is often divided into three sections for easier identification when performing a Citroen VIN search:

World Manufacturer Identifier – the first three characters represent the vehicle’s country of origin and manufacturer.
Vehicle Descriptor Section – the car’s model, engine type, and other specifications.
Vehicle Identifier Section – model year, assembly plant, and serial number.

Most of the information encoded in a VIN number depends on the vehicle's make and model, with only a few characters being consistent across different cars. Breaking the VIN number into its individual sections makes it easier to decode and allows you to quickly spot key details. For instance, the WMI section (first three characters) usually is “VF7” for Citroen cars in Europe, but “VR7”, “VS7”, and “8BC” combinations often appear in other regions.

Citroen VIN breakdown

Although a VIN number is primarily used for identification purposes, it’s not a random serial number. Most characters in the VIN carry specific information that can reveal various information at a glance. Here's a quick breakdown to help you understand how to read a Citroen VIN number:

Characters 1-3

The first three characters of the VIN refer to the country of origin and manufacturer.For example, the letters S-Z denote that a vehicle was built in Europe, combinations ranging from 1-5 and 7F-70 indicate that the vehicle was manufactured in North America, and the letters J-R refer to countries in Asia (e.g., A VIN starting with a number “2” refers to Canada while the letter “J” refers to Japan).

Code	Country
VF-VR	France
SN-ST	Germany
1, 4, 5 or 7F-70	United States
2	Canada
J	Japan

The last character in the VIN code is typically associated with a specific brand. Therefore, Citroën VINs often start with symbols VF7 (VF=France, 7=Citroën).

Characters 4-5

These characters belong to the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which is the fourth to eighth character in the Citroën VIN. This section allows you to learn various vehicle specs with its VIN. While it contains information about the model line and generation, body, engine, and drivetrain, it’s worth pointing out characters 4 and 5, which can be used to recognise the model:

Characters 4 and 5	Meaning
AZ	2CV
DC	C5 Break (estate)
FC	C3
GC	Berlingo (van)
GJ	Berlingo (passenger)
GX	GSA
JM	C2
LA	C4 Picasso
LC	C4
MA	CX
N1	Xara
N2	ZX
N6	Xara Picasso
RC	C5 (hatchback)
S0	SAXO
S1	SAXO
TD	C6
U6	Evasion
UA	Grand C4 Picasso
VD	Visa
XB	BX
X1	Xantia (1993 … 1998)
X2	Xantia (1998 … 2001)
Y3	XM (1989 … 1994)
Y4	(1995 … 2000)
ZA	AX
ZB	Jumper

Security check digit (9th character)

The Security Check Digit is a single-digit character that appears in position 9 of the VIN and helps verify the validity of the entire VIN number.The calculation of the Security Check Digit is based on a specific algorithm known as the VIN formula. It takes the other 16 characters in the VIN and provides the correct value for the Check Digit. Each character in the VIN has a weight assigned to it, and the Check Digit depends on every one of it.This system helps to detect any potential errors or tampering in the VIN. If there is a mistake in any of the characters or if someone intentionally alters the VIN, the check digit will not match the recalculated value, indicating that the VIN might not be valid.

Model year (10th character)

The Vehicle Identifier Section starts at the tenth character and covers the rest of your Citroën VIN.In this section, the first character (10th overall) represents the model year, which allows you to learn when the vehicle was built. This is one of the consistent numbers in the code.

Code	Year	Code	Year	Code	Year	Code	Year	Code	Year	Code	Year
A	1980	L	1990	Y	2000	A	2010	L	2020	Y	2030
B	1981	M	1991	1	2001	B	2011	M	2021	1	2031
C	1982	N	1992	2	2002	C	2012	N	2022	2	2032
D	1983	P	1993	3	2003	D	2013	P	2023	3	2033
E	1984	R	1994	4	2004	E	2014	R	2024	4	2034
F	1985	S	1995	5	2005	F	2015	S	2025	5	2035
G	1986	T	1996	6	2006	G	2016	T	2026	6	2036
H	1987	V	1997	7	2007	H	2017	V	2027	7	2037
J	1988	W	1998	8	2008	J	2018	W	2028	8	2038
K	1989	X	1999	9	2009	K	2019	X	2029	9	2039

The 11th character denotes the assembly plant. Each manufacturer uses its own set of plant codes. The rest of the VIN (12-17 characters) is a serial or production number, which is unique to every vehicle.

Citroen VIN number location

VIN numbers are located in multiple places and can depend on the brand. However, there are specific common locations where the VIN is usually found in most vehicles.Here’s where you can find your Citroën VIN number:

On the dashboard behind the windshield. The dashboard is the most common place to look for the VIN number. You can find it on a small metal plate or a transparent sticker visible through the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Driver’s side door pillar. If you can’t locate the VIN number on the dashboard, it’s likely placed on the door pillar. Open the driver’s door and look for a sticker or a metal plate with printed/engraved numbers.
Engine compartment. The VIN number in some older cars can also be placed on various components of the engine compartment, such as the firewall, the inner fender, or the radiator support.
The front end of a frame. Some older vehicles have VINs on the inner front wheel arch.
Vehicle documentation. The VIN is usually mentioned in the V5C logbook and insurance papers.

Bear in mind that while performing a VIN lookup, check the VIN in several places is key to make sure they match – don’t rely on the VIN in just one location.

What Citroen models work with our free VIN decoder?

The current VIN number format was standardized in the early 1980s, meaning that all Citroen models manufactured onwards can be checked using our free Citroen VIN decoder, including:

City cars & compact models: Ami, AX, Oltcit Club, Saxo, ZX, C1, C1 ev’ie, C2, C3, C3 (CC21), C3 Picasso, C3 Aircross
Sedans & family cars: BX, Xantia, Xsara, Xsara Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, C5, C6, C8, C-Elysée, C-Triomphe
SUVs & crossovers: C-Crosser, C3-XR, C4 Aircross, C4 Cactus, C5 Aircross
Electric & concept models: e-Berlingo, C-Zero, E-Méhari, Oli
Vans & MPVs: Berlingo, Jumper, Jumpy, Spacetourer
Performance & motorsport models: BX 4TC, C2 S1600, C3 R5 / Rally2, C3 WRC, C4 WRC, Xsara Kit Car, Xsara WRC, DS3 R5, DS3 WRC
DS models: DS 3, DS 4, DS 5

Citroen VIN decoding: what can you learn with the Citroen VIN number?

The VIN number encodes essential information about the vehicle’s manufacture and past. For instance, a our free Citroen VIN decoder can tell you the basic vehicle specs and where the vehicle was built, allowing you to verify that it hasn’t undergone any modifications. Additionally, the VIN is often used to find correct spare parts in case of repairs.Also, since the VIN is a unique identifier for your vehicle, it can help verify its authenticity. You can check whether the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN listed on registration documents and other official records, reducing the risk of falling for potential fraud or stolen vehicles.

Another key use case for the VIN number is a vehicle history check, especially if you’re buying a used car. You can use a Citroën VIN number to obtain a detailed vehicle history report that can include information about its ownership history, accident records, mileage, MOTs, and more. While they aren’t free, the price of a history report is nothing compared to the risks you may avoid by getting one before buying a used Citroen.

Vehicle history report

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