When buying used ŠKODA - be it Octavia with mileage or Kodiaq after an accident - checking the equipment according to VIN code becomes a critical stage. Even in the showroom of an official dealer, customers often encounter discrepancies between the declared options and the actual equipment of the car. Not only unscrupulous sellers are to blame here, but also the human factor: when preparing documents, managers may accidentally indicate incorrect data, and previous owners may install non-original parts.

This article will help you figure out how free and legal check the equipment of any model ŠKODA - from Fabia up to Enyaq - by VINwithout resorting to paid reports. We will analyze the manufacturer's official services, alternative databases, learn how to decipher option codes and avoid common mistakes. We will pay special attention to the nuances that even experienced auto experts are silent about - for example, why the data on Karoq 2021 may differ from information on Karoq 2020, despite the same VIN.

What is a VIN code and where to find it in ŠKODA

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit vehicle identifier that contains information about the country of origin, model, year of manufacture, engine and even factory equipment. B ŠKODA it can be found in several standard places:

  • 🔍 Windshield (lower left corner, visible from outside)
  • 🚗 Under the hood (on the plate next to the shock absorber strut)
  • 🔧 In the driver's door opening (on sticker or engraving)
  • 📄 In documents: PTS (line "VIN"), STS, purchase and sale agreement

On models ŠKODA after 2018 (for example, Scala or Kamiq) VIN also duplicated on service sticker under the trunk lid. Important: if the codes on the body and in the documents do not match, this is a reason for an in-depth check of the car’s history. Perhaps the car was in a serious accident while body panels were being replaced or was totaled.

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If the last digit of the VIN does not match the checksum (calculated using the ISO 3779 algorithm), this may indicate a fake. You can check the amount on specialized services, for example, VINCheck.

Official ways to check ŠKODA equipment by VIN

The manufacturer provides several legal tools to check the contents. The main advantage of official services is the reliability of the data, since they are pulled directly from the database ŠKODA Auto. However, each method has limitations.

1. ŠKODA Connect service (for vehicles from 2018)

Platform ŠKODA Connect allows owners of new models (Octavia IV, Kodiaq, Enyaq etc.) gain access to configuration data through your personal account. To do this:

  1. Register on the website linked to VIN your car.
  2. Go to section My car → Car parts.
  3. Download the report in PDF format (available in English and Czech).

⚠️ Attention: The service only works for cars manufactured after 2018. For older models (Octavia III, Yeti) this method is not available.

2. Contact an official dealer

Any authorized dealer ŠKODA is obliged to provide a breakdown of the complete set according to VIN free. To do this:

  • 📞 Call the service center and tell VIN.
  • 📧 Send your request by email with the subject "Request for complete set by VIN".
  • 🏢 Visit the dealership in person (bring a copy of the title with you).

Dealers use an internal system SAP, which contains complete data on the factory equipment, including optional packages (for example, Travel Assist or Virtual Cockpit). However, some dealers may refuse to provide information without prior appointment for service.

📊 Which method of checking the contents do you use most often?
  • Official ŠKODA service
  • Dealer center
  • Third party databases (CarVertical, Autocheck)
  • Independent VIN decoding
  • Another option

3. Volkswagen Group platform (for models on the MQB platform)

Since ŠKODA part of the concern Volkswagen Group, some models (for example, Octavia or Karoq) can be checked through the service Volkswagen. To do this:

  1. Select section Service & Wartung.
  2. Enter VIN in the field Fahrzeugidentifikationsnummer.
  3. Download the report Ausstattungsliste (list of equipment).

⚠️ Attention: Data may not be complete for models assembled in plants outside Germany (e.g. Kushaq for India or Rapid for Russia).

Alternative services for checking the contents

If official methods are not available (for example, for older models Felicia or Praktik), you can use third-party databases. Their main advantage is speed, the disadvantage is possible inaccuracies.

Service Cost Pros Cons
CarVertical From 5€ Full car history, accident data, mileage The complete set may not be completely specified.
AutoCheck From 30 zł Works well for European cars Interface is only in Polish/English
Behind the Wheel VIN decoder Free Russian-speaking, quick decoding Limited data on options
VIN-Info From $5 Supports rare models (for example, Roomster) Sometimes it gives outdated data

🔎 Tip: For maximum accuracy, compare data from 2-3 services. For example, if CarVertical shows availability LED matrix headlights, and AutoCheck - no, you should check this option with your dealer.

How to check the authenticity of a CarVertical report?

The CarVertical service sends a report with a unique hash (a 64-character line at the bottom of the document). This hash can be verified on their website in the "Verify Report" section. If the hash does not match, the report is fake.

How to independently decipher the package by VIN

If you do not trust third-party services or want to understand the details, you can decrypt VIN manually. For this you will need:

  • 📄 Decoding table (for example, from ŠKODA or VW Group)
  • 🔢 Checksum calculator (for VIN authentication)
  • 📊 Option code database (for example, PR codes for ŠKODA)

Example decryption for ŠKODA Octavia A8 (VIN: TMBJM7NE4J0123456):



1-3 characters (TMB) - country (Czech Republic) and manufacturer (ŠKODA)


4-6 characters (JM7) - model (Octavia) and body type (liftback)


7 character (N) - engine (1.5 TSI)


8 character (E) - transmission type (DSG-7)


9 character (4) - check digit


10th character (J) - year of manufacture (2018)


11th character (0) - plant (Mlada Boleslav)


12-17 characters (123456) - serial number

🔧 Option codes (PR codes) are indicated separately and may look like this:

  • QJ1 — LED headlights LED Matrix
  • 9Z1 - package Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control)
  • UH1 - multimedia system Amundsen with navigation

Find full VIN code (17 characters)

Download the official decoding table for your model

Check VIN checksum

Check PR codes with the ŠKODA options database

Consult on forums (for example, SkodaClub.ru) -->

Common mistakes when checking equipment and how to avoid them

Even experienced buyers make mistakes that lead to buying a car with inappropriate equipment. Here are the most common:

  1. Ignoring regional differences. For example, ŠKODA Kodiaq for Europe and for Russia may have different options with the same VIN. Always check the sales market (code in 1-3 VIN characters).
  2. Trust only one source. If the dealer says that the car is complete Style, and the report CarVertical shows Ambition, don’t be lazy to check the data again.
  3. Not taking into account post-factory changes. The previous owner could install non-original parts (for example, replace the standard radio with Android Auto), which will not be reflected in the report on VIN.

⚠️ Attention: If the report on VIN option appears Kessy (keyless entry), but the car does not have an engine start button, this may mean that the control unit was replaced after theft or an accident. Such cases require additional diagnostics.

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Always verify the VIN information with a physical inspection of the vehicle. For example, if the report indicates Virtual Cockpit, but a normal screen on the dashboard is a sign of substitution of parts.

What to do if the VIN data does not match the actual configuration

Discrepancies between the report on VIN and the actual equipment of the car is an alarming signal. Here is the algorithm of actions:

  1. Check the VIN for authenticity using a checksum (you can use calculator).
  2. Compare reports from different sources (for example, dealer + CarVertical + AutoCheck).
  3. Inspect the vehicle for signs of tampering:
    • 🔧 Check the bolts on the body panels (signs of tearing indicate repairs).
    • 🔌 Look under the dash (non-original wiring may indicate replacement electronics).
    • 🔍 Check the numbers of the units (engine, gearbox) with the data in the vehicle title.
  • Order diagnostics from an official dealer. Scanner VAS 5054A will show which options are activated in the control unit.

    • 💡 Case study: Buyer ŠKODA Superb 2019 found that in the report on VIN appears DCC (adaptive suspension), but the car doesn’t have it. Diagnostics showed that the control unit J745 was replaced with a non-original one. The cost of restoration was ~150,000 rubles.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking ŠKODA equipment by VIN

    Is it possible to check the package for free?

    Yes, but with restrictions. Free services (for example, decoder from "Za Rulem") will show basic information, but not all options. Complete data is provided free of charge only by the official dealer ŠKODA.

    Why is there no information about some options in the VIN report?

    This may be due to:

    • 🔧 Options were installed after the fact (not at the factory).
    • 📡 The service did not update the database (relevant for new models, for example, Enyaq Coupé).
    • 🏭 The car is assembled in localized production (for example, Rapid for India), where the configurations differ.
    How to check the equipment for ŠKODA older than 2010?

    For older models (Octavia II, Fabia I) official services often do not work. Alternatives:

    1. Contact ŠKODA archive with request (paid, ~30€).
    2. Use the service VIN-Info (supports rare models).
    3. Find on forums (for example, Skoda-Community) owners with similar VIN.
    Can a dealer refuse to provide VIN information?

    Theoretically, no, because VIN is not confidential information. However, in practice, some dealers refuse without explanation. In this case:

    • 📧 Write an official letter to the dealership's email with a request to provide data (with reference to the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights").
    • 📞 Call the hotline ŠKODA Russia (8-800-700-66-66) and report the violation.
    How can I find out which options can be retrofitted to my ŠKODA?

    To do this:

    1. Get the full list PR codes your car (through a dealer or a paid report).
    2. Check them with ETKA catalog (access required).
    3. Contact ŠKODA Original Accessories — they will select compatible options (for example, Park Assist for Karoq without camera).

    ⚠️ Attention: Not all options can be additionally installed. For example, Virtual Cockpit on Octavia III requires replacement of the dashboard and firmware of the units, which will cost ~100,000 rubles.