VINsearch vs webautocats
Updated 2026-10-01
webautocats sells genuine catalog access, and its line-up is essentially German plus GM: BMW Group via ETK, the VW Group via ETKA, Porsche via PET, Mercedes and Smart, and the older GM brands. There is no Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai or Kia. VINsearch carries those German catalogs too and adds Japanese, Korean, wider American and Chinese makes — 53 in total — under one flat-priced login. Same kind of official data on both sides; the difference is how much of the world it covers.
What is webautocats?
webautocats.com offers subscription access to official OEM catalogs: ETK (BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce), ETKA (Audi, SEAT, Skoda, VW), PET (Porsche), and EPC for Mercedes, Smart and the GM family. The data is genuine, but the catalog set is concentrated on German marques plus GM, with no Japanese or Korean coverage.
Every row is checked directly against the competitor's own site and public pricing, not secondhand reviews. Competitor details last checked 2026-08-28. How we research these comparisons.
| Criterion | VINsearch | webautocats |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogs in one login | 53 official catalogs | German marques + GM |
| Japanese & Korean makes | Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia… | Not covered |
| Official manufacturer data | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing transparency | Public flat pricing | Tiered / quote |
| Try before commit | $5 day pass | Usually subscription |
| Free VIN decoder | Yes | Rarely |
| Browser-based | ✓ | Varies |
Choose VINsearch when…
- You touch any Japanese or Korean make, which webautocats does not carry.
- You want public flat pricing, a risk-free day pass and broad current coverage in one login.
webautocats is the better pick when…
- Your work is entirely German marques or GM, and their bundle matches it.
- You have agreed pricing with them already.
The verdict
If your bays only ever hold German cars or GM, webautocats can fit. The moment a Toyota, Honda, Hyundai or Kia comes in — or you simply want one login for everything — VINsearch covers those marques and 40-plus more on the same kind of official data.
VINsearch vs webautocats — FAQ
What's the difference between VINsearch and webautocats?
webautocats sells genuine catalog access, and its line-up is essentially German plus GM: BMW Group via ETK, the VW Group via ETKA, Porsche via PET, Mercedes and Smart, and the older GM brands. There is no Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai or Kia. VINsearch carries those German catalogs too and adds Japanese, Korean, wider American and Chinese makes — 53 in total — under one flat-priced login. Same kind of official data on both sides; the difference is how much of the world it covers.
Which is better for a professional workshop, VINsearch or webautocats?
If your bays only ever hold German cars or GM, webautocats can fit. The moment a Toyota, Honda, Hyundai or Kia comes in — or you simply want one login for everything — VINsearch covers those marques and 40-plus more on the same kind of official data.
Can I try VINsearch before paying?
Yes. Decode any VIN free with the VINsearch VIN decoder, then open full access from a $5 Day Pass — no per-search fees, no long contract.