The VIN usually starts withKMHKM8KMFKMJ
What a Hyundai history from Korea shows
Hyundai cars sold in Korea were insured there, and every insurance claim is recorded with its date, the damaged parts and the amount paid. The Korean insurance history puts these records together by VIN, so you see how the car was really used before it reached the listing.
For a Hyundai, look at three things first: accidents with high repair costs, a change of plate number soon after a repair, and mileage readings that go down. The report marks each of them.
Hyundai models from the Korean market
Several Hyundai models carry a different name in Korea. The report uses the Korean records, so it helps to know both names.
- Avante: sold in most export markets as Elantra
- Grandeur: sold in some markets as Azera
- Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson, Palisade, Kona
- Staria and Grand Starex (H-1) vans, Porter trucks
- Casper, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and other electric models
Where to find the VIN of a Hyundai
The VIN has 17 characters. Hyundai cars built in Korea usually start with KMH, Hyundai SUVs for export often with KM8, vans and light trucks with KMF or KMJ. You find it in the listing, in the registration document, at the bottom left of the windscreen and on the driver's door pillar.
Not sure the VIN is right? The Korean VIN decoder shows the maker and the model year before you check.
Before you pay for the car
A clean report is a good sign, not a guarantee. Repairs paid in cash leave no insurance record, so have the Hyundai inspected as well, and compare the mileage in the report with the odometer and the service book. Our checklist for buying a car from Korea has the rest.