When describing a vehicle, we often hear the terms “make” and “model” hurled around in every other sentence. For the connoisseurs of the automotive, these expressions are as normal as it gets. For the first-timers and the uninitiated – not so much.
In fact, these terms often get used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. So, today, we’ll not only help you understand the distinction – we’ll take it a step further and explain why they matter when buying a pre-owned ride from used car dealers in Huntsville.
What is the make and model of a car?
The best and easiest way to understand the difference between make and model is to get familiar with their respective definitions:
- The make of a car refers to the brand or manufacturer that produces the vehicle (e.g. Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc.).
- The model of a car is a specific vehicle or line of vehicles produced by the manufacturer, often distinguished by design, features, and trim levels (e.g. Ford Mustang, Toyota Corrola, Hona Civic, BMW X7, etc.).
From the definitions alone, we’re already capable of finding out almost all factors that should be considered when buying a used car: brand/manufacturer and features. Now, onto the more important questions: why does each matter?
Why the make matters when buying a used car?
The make of the vehicle will give you some discerning characteristics right off the bat, such as:
- Quality & reliability: It’s no secret that certain makes boast higher levels of quality, reliability, and durability than the others. For instance, Ford, Honda, and Toyota are all manufacturers renowned for the endurance and longevity of their vehicles.
- Resale value: The brand reputation alone can cause some cars to hold their value longer than others, which is excellent if you intend to sell in the near future.
- Parts availability: Knowing the make (and model) of your ride makes it much easier to find compatible parts for repairs, especially if you’re going for parts pulled from junked/salvaged vehicles.
- Brand loyalty: Owing to positive past experiences and perceived brand values, there are communities formed around certain makes and models of vehicles. This makes it easy and convenient to find all the info you need, whether it’s about specific features, potential upgrades, or places to find parts/servicing.
Why does the model matter when buying a used car?
If the make is more of an “overall feel” surrounding the vehicle, the model is what precisely defines it, with factors such as:
- Features & capabilities: Different models offer unique features and performance capabilities, which is essential when selecting an ideal vehicle for your specific needs.
- Safety ratings: Safety features and crash test ratings can vary significantly between models, with newer ones typically boasting higher overall scores.
- Maintenance & repair: Model-specific knowledge can aid in troubleshooting and repair, especially if you’re an auto mechanic enthusiast who bought a junk car to restore it or loves to tinker with your car.
- Insurance & registration: Accurate model information (among other things) is required for insurance and registration purposes.
Is the vehicle type the same as the make or model?
We’ve already seen that make and model are two very different things – but what about vehicle type? This is another common source of confusion, so let’s set it straight:
- Vehicle type, or body type, refers to the classification of the vehicle based on its design and purpose.
Today, we have many different types of cars, such as sedans, SUVs, trucks, coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks, crossovers, minivans, and several others. What’s important to note is that vehicles of different makes and models typically fall under one of these categories (types).
Let’s take the aforementioned Toyota Corolla for example. Here Toyota is the make of the vehicle, Corolla is the model, but the type of the car is sedan (although it has been offered as a hatchback and even wagon in the past).
How do I know the make and model of my car?
While the make and model of the car are usually prominently displayed, there are instances where that’s just not the case. In rare cases, these distinctive markings may have been removed, for whatever reason.
Fortunately, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be forever stuck with an “undefined” car – or that you’ll be buying a cat in a bag. There are two methods to determine the make and model of a car with ease:
- Look for badges or emblems: The make is usually displayed on the front grille, rear trunk lid, or door sills while the model might be indicated on the rear trunk lid, side panels, or interior trim.
- Check the vehicle documentation: Usually, you can find all the info you need in the owner’s manual, registration papers, or insurance documents.
However, if both these methods fail, you have one last option: checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard (near the windshield) or on the driver’s side doorjamb.
Can a VIN number tell you the make and model?
Yes, but you’ll have to invest some time and effort into the so-called VIN decoding. Don’t worry, that’s not as intimidating as it sounds. For starters, the first three characters of the VIN are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which gives you the country of origin and make (manufacturer) of the vehicle.
However, while the WMI is obvious, the VIN does not directly reveal the vehicle model, year, engine type, and other specifications. This is where VIN decoding comes into play, with several avenues to explore:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) VIN Decoder is the easiest to use, as all you need to do is enter a VIN number and – that’s it.
- The manufacturer’s website or customer service are your next-best options, although you’ll probably have to wait some time for a reply.
- Online VIN decoding tools are a good option if everything else fails (which is highly unlikely), with the downside being that you’ll have to spend some time on experimentation and (possibly) verifying the results.
Which used car dealers near me in Huntsville, TX offer a great selection of vehicles?
B.Y.O.T. is your top destination if you’re looking for a reliable pre-owned ride in Huntsville or anywhere in the region. Whether you have your eye set on a specific make and model, a particular type of vehicle, or just want a ride with an excellent age-to-mileage ratio – chances are you will find what you’re looking for in one of our salvage yards.
And if you’re looking for used parts for your DIY project, then you’re certain to have a blast with us. All our locations double up as pick-n-pull yards, making them heavens for all automotive enthusiasts – and that’s still not all! We also offer some of the best prices in the region and a host of other benefits through our mobile app!
So don’t waste another minute – get in touch with us today!
