Comparison

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR vs VIN Decoder APP

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR

Inspect your leased vehicle before returning it. Scan the VIN, document any damages with photos, and receive an estimated repair cost via email to streamline the end-of-lease process.

Highlights
  • VIN barcode scanning
  • Vehicle inspection checklist
  • Damage photo capture
  • Estimated damage charges
  • End-of-lease facilitation
Read full description

The AutoVIN Self Inspection app allows you to perform an inspection on your leased vehicle prior to turn in. You will be able to scan the VIN barcode for your vehicle and perform an inspection, taking pictures and capturing damages along the way. At the end of the process, you'll receive an email with the estimated charges for damages. This will facilitate the end of lease process. AutoVIN is the largest provider of off-lease, field-based vehicle inspection services with locations across the U.S. and Canada. As part of the KAR Global family of companies, we help power the world’s most trusted automotive marketplaces through innovation, technology and people.

About

VIN Decoder APP

Decode vehicle identification numbers (VIN) quickly and easily. Access key information about any vehicle, including manufacturer, model, and technical specifications, by scanning VINs or barcodes. Ideal for car buyers, sellers, or enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Decode VINs
  • Scan VIN text
  • Scan VIN barcodes
  • Scan QR codes
  • Retrieve manufacturer and model
  • Access technical parameters
Features
Read full description

VIN Decoder, the good app for decoding vehicle identification numbers (VIN). With our powerful tool, you can quickly retrieve important information about any vehicle. Whether you're buying a used car, selling a used car, or just want to learn more about your own vehicle, VIN Decoder gives you all the important info at your fingertips! By entering or quickly scanning the VIN text or barcode or QR code, you can access important information such as the manufacturer and (rough) model, as well as important technical parameters of your vehicle.

Screenshots

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR1 screens
VIN Decoder APP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VIN Decoder APP at 83% against AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR's 0%. VIN Decoder APP also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.3). AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VIN Decoder APP sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

VIN Decoder APP holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR's written reviews are positive against 83% of VIN Decoder APP's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR ships an update every 3 weeks, VIN Decoder APP every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR versus VIN Decoder APP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAutoVIN Self Inspect by KARVIN Decoder APP
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (17 ratings)4.2 (10 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews83.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings17 — better10
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.2 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperADESA CORPORATION, LLCAnalyse Systems Inc.

Customer experience

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR

All ratings17 ratings
Positive58.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative41.2%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

VIN Decoder APP

All ratings10 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

In-app purchases

None

AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR

No in-app purchases

7 purchases

VIN Decoder APP

One-time7
  • Additional information$1.99
  • Model all inclusive 1 month$1.99
  • Query single vehicle$3.99
Show 4 more
  • Query package 10 vehicles$39.99
  • Query package 20 vehicles$69.99
  • Query package 50 vehicles$149.99
  • Query package 100 vehicles$249.99

Questions

Is AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR free?
AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VIN Decoder APP free?
VIN Decoder APP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR or VIN Decoder APP?
VIN Decoder APP is rated higher. AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR averages 3.3 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while VIN Decoder APP averages 4.2 from 10 ratings.
Do AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR or VIN Decoder APP have ads?
VIN Decoder APP shows ads; AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR does not.
Which is updated more often, AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR or VIN Decoder APP?
AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR ships an update every 3 weeks, and VIN Decoder APP every 3 months. Most recently, AutoVIN Self Inspect by KAR was updated on October 5, 2026 and VIN Decoder APP on October 2, 2026.

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