Olsenoaks

I am new to this forum. Just bought a 2012 CPO ES350. The car is in mint condition. We are very happy. However, just recently, I got the knowledge that if vin label is missing, it is likely that the car is involved in an accident. Out of curiosity, I checked my car and found no vin label on any of the car parts. I only found the vin number near the window area. How is it possible?

xanderES

iTrader: (8)

I guess the most obvious question would be... Do you know where to look? Apart from the doors the other ones are hidden...

Olsenoaks

If doors don't have it, does it mean that they are not original parts? I have another Lexus at home, I can see all the labels on doors and other parts.

xanderES

iTrader: (8)

Usually it would mean the doors have been re-skinned. It just sounds very odd that literally all the doors would have all been replaced. CPO allows for only 1 panel to be replaced and 3 or 4 to be repainted. Though it seems like some dealerships are shadier than others and might certify cars with problems anyways.

Id take a look at mine but my ES has been sold for the past year.

igzy

The labels it must have are the one under the windshield and one on driver's B-pillar. Windshield one is just VIN, and when you open the driver's door look for a large black label that has VIN and other vehicle details. All other labels are not mandatory...

vermont

iTrader: (1)

I was told by Lexus service manager that the newer ES and LS does not have those VIN sticker anymore. I went to check out 2011 ES350 CPO and it too don't have any sticker on the body panel. We also went to look at a new 2014 ES, just to verify, and it too don't have it.

Olsenoaks

Thank you all. I was told the same thing by the sale manager. No body VIN on at least 2011 and 2012 ES350

xanderES

iTrader: (8)

I am pretty surprised about this change. I wasnt even aware that they started doing this. It used to be favored as buyers insurance against obvious replacement of panels. Guess thats gone now...

igzy

Those stickers were there as theft deterrent, but they never stopped any thieves from actually stealing the cars :P

dldlaw

I went to purchase a 2009 LS 460 today. The car is low mileage and appears to be in very good condition. The only issue is that the VIN is on drivers and drivers side doors, hood, quarter panels but passenger front and back doors do not have VIN. Independent dealer told me that this is common and that Lexus doesn't put VIN plates on all body parts like they did. in the past. I contacted a collision repair shop and was told that all VIN plates should be on doors. I really like the vehicle but don't want to buy it if its been in a collision.
Clean Carfax for what its worth. Any thoughts?