Several paper works comes with a new vehicle, and in no distant time they are usually trashed, amongst these papers is the build sheet.
Many car buyers, sellers, owners, or even car enthusiasts or motor heads want to get it back, and this makes them wonder if they can get a build sheet from a VIN number.
The build sheet is a piece of the document from a car manufacturer containing information about all the equipment and materials that come with the vehicle in question, making the build sheet one of the most sought-after documents in the automotive industry.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a proven means of acquiring a vehicle history report via a VIN check
Can it also serve as a means of acquiring a vehicle build sheet?
This article sheds more light on the above subject matter, there is yet another terminology used in the automotive industry -window stickers; what are these? And how are they related to build sheets?
What is the difference between window stickers and build sheets?
On the other hand, a window sticker, which is also known as a Monroney sticker, usually contains as much information as found in a build sheet, showing the engine and transmission type, the base or standard equipment, any optional packages or items ordered with the car, the color, the MSRP total price, and fuel economy information just to mention a few.
Build sheet vs. Window stickers
The differences between window stickers and built sheets can be summed up below.
| Window sticker (Monroney sticker) | Build sheet |
| Required by law | Not required by law |
| Does not contain order information | Contains order information |
| Includes manufacturers suggested retail price | Does not include manufacturers suggested retail price |
| Includes information on fuel economy | Does not include information on fuel economy |
| Transmision information included | Transmision information not included |
It is worthy to note that build sheets by VIN no longer contain the build date as it usually does, this feature was discontinued in 2006.
Can I decode a VIN number to get the build sheet?
Yes you can decode a VIN number to get the build sheet details by simply walking into an authorized dealership yo obtain your build sheet using the car’s VIN number.
However, as mentioned earlier, the window stickers contain as much as the same information in a build sheet, it is therefore recommended that you get a windows sticker by VIN.
Check out some of the sample window stickers and see the wealth of information they contain.
Sample window stickers
EXTERIOR - OXFORD WHITE
INTERIOR - MEDIUM EARTH GRAY
Why obtain a window sticker by VIN as an individual car buyer?
Arrangements were made by the government to help car buyers make wise choices when choosing a vehicle that they will buy, this led to the Automobile Information Disclosure Act of 1958, making the window sticker mandatory for all display vehicles. This has helped buyers in the following ways:
- The window sticker serves as an investigative tool for buyers to determine if the vehicle under consideration contains all the specifications they desire.
- The fuel economy metrics added by the Environmental Protection Agency in the mid-1970s have continued to provide consumption metrics, enabling buyers to choose more efficient vehicles
- The QR code on the windows sticker provides a means of accessing additional information about the vehicle online hence providing a handful of information required for a sound decision
How to get vehicle build sheet by vin number
To get VIN build sheets by VIN, all you need to do is:
- Navigate to the vehicle build sheet by vin number tool.
- Enter your Vehicle Identification Number into our form.
- Generate your build sheet by VIN.
Have you seen our sample build sheets gotten with the VINs only? Get a build sheet by VIN today and verify any vehicle’s specs, features, options, and more.
Does my dealership need window stickers?
Yes, your dealership needs window stickers displayed on all the vehicles in your showroom; this is not just because you want to be a law-abiding car dealer, or to escape the $1,000 per vehicle fine but also opens up a wide range of opportunities.
- Having window stickers helps you sell faster because it helps your clients to confirm that they have seen the vehicle containing all the desired qualities of their dream car.
- The availability of the window stickers in all the cars in your showroom indicates how transparent your business is and helps buyers build trust in your dealership brand.
