Parallel Import (PI) Car Check Singapore
A PI or JDM car can be a smart buy — but its pre-Singapore story is less transparent. Check the chassis number for decoded factory specs, a stolen-vehicle check and worldwide safety recalls before you commit.
47+ countries of records
60 seconds to full report
Carlytics is a chassis-number (VIN) history check for Singapore buyers of parallel-import and JDM cars. From the car's 17-character chassis number it decodes the factory specification, checks a stolen-vehicle database and lists open manufacturer safety recalls worldwide. It complements the log card and the seller's export documents — it does not hold Japanese-market odometer data or auction sheets. Full reports S$12.90, one-time payment.
What this check is — and isn't. Carlytics works from the 17-character chassis number (VIN). It does not hold Japanese-market odometer readings, auction grade sheets or exporting-country de-registration records, and it will not pretend to. What it provides is the independent layer you can verify yourself: a decoded factory specification to confirm the model and market, a stolen-vehicle check, and open worldwide safety recalls for that make and model. For export mileage and auction history, ask the PI dealer for the original documents.
Why PI and JDM Cars Need an Extra Check
A parallel import comes into Singapore outside the authorised distributor's channel, so you don't have the brand agent's records to fall back on. Many PI cars are Japanese-market models with specifications, trims or equipment that differ from the locally sold version. That is often exactly why buyers want them — but it also means you should confirm what the car actually is, rather than trusting the listing alone. A chassis-number decode tells you the factory specification and the market the car was built for, straight from the VIN itself.
What the Chassis Number Confirms
Enter the 17-character chassis number and Carlytics decodes the engine, body, trim and origin market, checks the number against a stolen-vehicle database, and lists open manufacturer safety recalls for that make and model worldwide. On a grey-import car, this independent confirmation matters more than on a locally delivered one: it lets you check the dealer's description against the vehicle's own identity, and flags recalls that a car imported outside the official channel may never have had actioned.
Mileage: Verify It Yourself
Be honest with yourself about mileage on any imported car. Carlytics shows independent international mileage records only where they exist for that chassis number, which can be limited for a JDM car whose history sits in the Japanese market. So don't rely on the odometer alone: ask the PI dealer for the original export and de-registration paperwork, read the odometer in person, and have an independent workshop judge whether the wear matches the stated distance. The chassis-number check is one verification layer among several — we're clear about where it stops.
A Buyer's Checklist for Parallel Imports
Match the chassis number on the car to the log card; decode it to confirm the exact model and market; run the stolen-vehicle and recall checks; ask for the export documents and de-registration certificate; confirm COE category and expiry on the log card; and book an independent inspection before you pay. The free chassis-number check gives you decoded specs and active recalls at no cost; the full report at S$12.90 adds the theft check, recall detail and any independent mileage records. A PI car bought with eyes open can be a great deal.
What we check for when preparing a report
Carlytics is the largest online database of used vehicle records. It contains more than a billion data points from all over the world.
Damage
We check if the car has been in any accidents or had serious repairs. Damage can lower the car's value and cause safety problems. Our report helps you avoid cars with hidden damage that sellers might not tell you about.
Mileage rollbacks
We look for signs that the mileage might have been changed. Some sellers lower the mileage to make the car look newer. We check mileage records from different databases to make sure the numbers are honest.
Specs & equipment
We list the car's original features and equipment. This helps you see if anything is missing or changed. You'll know exactly what the car should have when it left the factory.
Safety
Manufacturers typically issue safety recalls to fix harmful defects. Make sure your car doesn't have any before taking it on the road and also learn its general safety rating.
Natural disaster
Check if the vehicle has been damaged in floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters.
Stolen car database
We check police and insurance records to see if the car has been reported stolen. Buying a stolen car can lead to big legal and financial problems. Our report gives you peace of mind.
Photos
If available, we include old photos or auction pictures of the car. <br />These photos can show past damage, repairs, or changes that you might not notice in person.
Market value
We compare prices from many sources to show the car's fair market value.<br />This helps you know if the price is good or too high, so you can make a smart deal.
Trusted in 47+ countries worldwide
Carlytics aggregates vehicle data from 47+ European countries, pulling from national registries like Finnish Traficom (5M vehicles), Dutch RDW, Czech ISTP, and Danish DMR. Combined with NHTSA, EU Safety Gate recalls, and 348,000+ real listings, the database covers 900M+ vehicles.
Access data from national registries,
insurance databases, law enforcement and more.
Why Run a VIN Check Before Buying a Used Car?
An estimated 30-50% of used cars sold cross-border in Europe have tampered mileage. Carlytics catches odometer rollbacks, undisclosed accident damage, stolen-vehicle flags, and open safety recalls by scanning 900M+ records across 47+ countries -- all from a single 17-character VIN, starting free.
Don't risk thousands on a used car with hidden problems. A free VIN check takes seconds and can save you from costly surprises.
Detect Odometer Fraud
An estimated 30-50% of used cars in Europe have tampered mileage. A VIN history check reveals odometer rollback and mileage discrepancies that sellers try to hide.
Uncover Hidden Accident Damage
Structural damage from past accidents may not be visible during a physical inspection. A vehicle history report shows collision records the seller may not disclose.
Verify Stolen Vehicle Status
Over 600,000 vehicles are stolen in the EU each year, many resold across borders. Our stolen car database check confirms the vehicle is legally clear before you buy.
Check Cross-Border Import History
Vehicles imported from abroad may have different specs, undisclosed damage, or missing service records. Trace the full registration and import history with a VIN check.
Ready to check your vehicle?
Enter the VIN number below to get a free instant report.