Free VIN Decoder
Audi VIN Decoder
Decode your Audi VIN instantly
Illustrative VIN preview. Free results show the available make, model and type.
Free Audi VIN Decoder
Pre-owned Audis offer premium cars at a lower price, which makes the A3, A4, Q3 and Q5 popular buys in South Africa. With many engine, quattro and S line combinations, two Audis that look alike can be worth very different amounts. An Audi VIN decoder reads the 17-character VIN and shows the available make, model and type. Run an Audi VIN check before you buy to compare those details with the seller’s advert.
What Can an Audi VIN Decoder Tell You?
- Vehicle make, such as Audi
- Model and type for vehicles such as the A1, A3, A4, Q3, Q5 or Q7
How to Decode an Audi VIN
- WMI (characters 1–3) shows who built the car and where. German-built Audis can start with WAU (cars) or WA1 (SUVs). Audis built in Hungary can start with TRU.
- On many Audis sold outside North America, the vehicle descriptor (characters 4–8) uses filler (often ZZZ) in positions 4–6 and a model code in positions 7–8.
- Check digit (character 9) can be a filler character such as Z on Audis sold outside North America.
- Model year (character 10) can indicate the year on an Audi. Examples include L for 2020, M for 2021 and N for 2022. Confirm the year against the registration documents.
- Plant code (character 11) can identify the assembly plant. Audi examples include A for Ingolstadt and N for Neckarsulm.
- Serial number (characters 12–17) identifies the unique production number for that car.
Where Can I Find the VIN on an Audi?
- On the dashboard at the base of the windscreen, visible from outside
- On the label on the door pillar
- In the engine bay, stamped on the firewall or under the scuttle panel
- In the boot, on the vehicle data sticker near the spare wheel well, which also lists option codes
- On your licence disc, NaTIS registration certificate, service book and insurance documents
On a premium car, check that the VIN matches in at least two places on the car. Cloned VINs are more common on high-value vehicles.
Popular Audi Models You Can Decode
Why Check an Audi VIN Before Buying?
Audis are high-value cars, so a small spec difference can mean tens of thousands of rand, and premium cars attract more cloning and theft.
- Compare the decoded make, model and type with the Audi in the advert.
- For an A4 advertised as a 2.0 TFSI quattro S line, verify the engine, drivetrain and trim against the vehicle’s documentation.
- Check that the VIN on the car matches the licence disc and NaTIS papers.
- Mismatched VINs, plates or model years are warning signs.
- Use the decode as a first step before checking the vehicle’s history.
A VIN decode helps identify the car. A full vehicle history report covers past events where records are available.
Want More Than an Audi VIN Decode?
A VIN decoder gives you basic identification for an Audi. On a premium purchase, a FirstCheck report adds theft checks, accident and claim history, finance status and market value, where records are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Audi VIN Decoder FAQ
What is an Audi VIN number?Open
The unique 17-character code that identifies one specific Audi. In South Africa it’s also called the chassis number.
Where can I find the VIN on my Audi?Open
At the base of the windscreen, on the door pillar, in the engine bay, on the data sticker in the boot, and on your licence disc and registration papers.
How do I decode an Audi VIN?Open
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder above to see the available make, model and type.
How many characters are in an Audi VIN?Open
A modern VIN has 17 characters, using letters and numbers.
Can an Audi VIN show the model year?Open
The 10th character can indicate the model year. For example, L can indicate 2020. Confirm the year against the registration documents.
Can I decode an Audi A3 VIN?Open
Yes, for both the A3 hatchback and the Sportback and sedan versions.
Can I decode an Audi Q5 VIN?Open
Yes. Q5 VINs usually start with WA1 or WAU, depending on the generation.
Can I check an Audi VIN before buying a used car?Open
Yes. Decode the VIN first, then run a full vehicle history report to check for theft, accidents and outstanding finance.