I went to look at a used 2000 Maxima today. One way I've always used to check for any crash damage and subsequent body repairs is to look for the little anti-tamper stickers listing the vehicle's VIN #. I've always found these on the front fenders (under the hood) and on all doors - again the inner surface of the door - usually near the lock latch.. I couldn't find one sticker in any of the usual spots. What gives. The car looked damage free and it's a little hard to believe all those parts were replaced. Anybody want to look at their 2000 Maixma for me and let me know what they find? (There are certainly other ways to detect body work but I view this as an initial first step). Thanks.

 

I'm still waiting on my Max to arrive from Japan, so I don't qualify as an owner of any Max yet, much less a 2000 specifically; however, other Nissan's I've owned/driven have a VIN tag on the driver's side of the dash, way up forward where it can be read through the windshield. Might want to check there if you can't find door stickers.

 

Yes they all have that but ALSO these anti-theft tags on other components to prevent "chop-shops' from selling the parts of a stolen car. Maybe it has been discontinued??

 

Ah, sorry. I thought you were just looking for any VIN to run through that website that gives you the history of any car as far as accidents and such, but now I see what you're after.

 

Try carfax.com.

 

Sorry, don't know the specifics for a 2000. Definitely run a Carfax. If it's a salvage, stay away, it could be a stolen car.

Common places where VINs are that you can see if they match are:

Doors, inside trunk lid, under the back seat... you already know about the body panels ( and I agree it is strange if it doesn't have them ).

The VIN plate under the windshield should not look tampered with. Look for marks on the rivets, or if the plate is not sitting flat or is slightly raised in the middle.

Sounds like you're already a bit suspicious, go with your instincts...

Good luck...

 

Maxima's will have the vin number of the left hand side of the dash.....very close to where the dash meets the windshield