Is asking for the VIN/Data plate considered sketchy?

[theconvertibleguy]

So I've had about 30-40% of the adverts that I've contacted tell me that they won't share the VIN/Data plate on the cars that they have for sale, which to me seems incredibly sketchy. Is it poor form to ask for that? I figured it was just normal to want to confirm that but the amount of people that seem downright hostile to it is giving me pause.

 

[Big_John]

I don't think it's wrong to ask, but I kind of understand that people may not want to give that info.

I think it's how you approach the question. You have to say that you are serious about buying the car and not just "kicking tires".

If they are too hostile, thank them (always be professional) and move on.

 

[thrashingcows]

I don't think it is unreasonable to ask for the VIN, at least the first 7 digits, they can cover the remaining numbers with something in the pic. As for data plate absolutely especially if you are looking for a specific car with particular options, again they can cover over the numbers that match the VIN. If everything about the car looks good and I am serious about the car then I would want complete pics of the VIN and Tag to confirm they match.

 

[marko]

i guess it depends where the seller is and where/how the car is licenced / titled / registered.
Here in BC cars are assigned a registration # on day 1 which never changes and its nothing to do with the VIN.
and also licence plates are not permanent to the car, they are tied to the person and their insurance, so when the car is sold the plates dont go with the car. unless the insurance is up and the seller isnt planning on using the plates on another vehicle

 

[69CoronetRT]

It’s not wrong to ask but when and how matters. Should that be the first thing you ask when you call ? Probably not, but sometime during the initial conversation is appropriate.

asking for documentation helps confirm legit cars from clones/tributes. Asking for pics of tags helps confirm the tag is legit and they’re proper documentation for the car in question.

More proper documentation helps ease the mind of the buyer.
Any legit seller should be eager and willing to provide documentation to a legit buyer.