Determining the original body color LADA Granta - a task that owners face when buying a used car, preparing for painting or completing paperwork. Even if the car looks monochromatic, factory shades can have dozens of variations: from "White" (code 101) up to "Dark blue metallic" (642). A mistake in choosing paint will result in a visual imbalance after local repairs or complete repainting.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from decryption VIN-code before analyzing the nameplate and using online services. We will pay special attention hidden nuances: for example, why the color code on the plate may not match the real shade of the body after 2018, and how to avoid mistakes when buying paint. The material will be useful to both beginners and experienced car owners planning restoration or tuning.

1. Decoding the VIN code: where to look and what the symbols mean

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) - a unique 17-digit code that contains data about the model, year of manufacture and even the color of the car. On LADA Granta it can be found in several places:

  • 📄 Under the windshield on the driver's side (visible from outside)
  • 🚗 On a special sign in the driver’s door opening
  • 🔧 In the technical passport (PTS) in the column “Identification number”
  • 🔍 Under the hood on the spar (less often, depending on the year of manufacture)

To determine the color by VIN code you need 9th and 10th characters (positions in the code). For example, in VIN XTA211030J1234567 combination J1 points to 2018 release and metallic gray color (code 617). However, there is a pitfall here: since 2020, AvtoVAZ has changed the encoding system, and old decoding tables may give incorrect results.

To avoid errors, use official services:

📊Where do you usually look for the VIN code?
Under the windshield
In PTS
On the door sign
Under the hood
I don't know where it is
⚠️ Attention: If the VIN code on the body and in the title do not match, this may indicate that the number has been changed. In this case, the color indicated in the electronic databases will correspond original car, and not what is in front of you. Check history via traffic police service.

2. Rating plate: where is it located and how to read

At all LADA Granta (regardless of the year of manufacture) a metal plate with technical data is installed. It is attached to Driver's side B-pillar (visible when the door is open). The plate indicates:

  • 🔢 Model and modification (for example, 219060 — Granta liftback)
  • 🎨 Body color code (three digit, for example 617)
  • 🔧 Upholstery code (for versions with fabric or leather trim)
  • 📅 Month and year of issue (for example, 03.20 — March 2020)

The color code on the plate is factory standard, but it may not coincide with the actual shade of the body in two cases:

  1. The car was completely repainted previous owner.
  2. Auto released after 2018 — AvtoVAZ introduced new shades (for example, 642 "Dark blue metallic" replaced the old one 425), but the old designations sometimes remained on the signs.
Color code Shade name Years of application Notes
101 White 2011–present Base color for all trim levels
617 Metallic gray 2011–2020 Since 2021 replaced by 618 ("Platinum")
317 Red 2013–present Used in special series (for example, Granta Sport)
642 Dark blue metallic 2018–present Replaced the old one 425 ("Blue")
802 Black 2011–present Only for configurations Lux and Lux Prestige
💡

If the color code on the plate begins with a number 9 (for example, 901), this indicates special series or limited edition. Check the shade with an official dealer or AvtoVAZ service.

3. Visual inspection: how to distinguish original paint from repainted paint

If you are buying used LADA Granta, a visual inspection will help identify color inconsistencies. Please note:

  • 🔍 Shades on different parts: Compare the color of the hood, roof and bumper. On the original paint the difference is minimal (a slight gradient is allowed due to fading).
  • 🕳️ Chips and scratches: The same shade should be visible under the top layer of paint. If a contrasting color is visible, the car has been repainted.
  • 💡 Shine and texture: Factory paint has a uniform gloss. Matt areas or “orange peel” (irregularities) indicate handicraft repairs.
  • 📏 Layer thickness: use paint meter (from 1,500 ₽). On the original paint the indicator is 80–120 microns, on the repainted one - 150+ microns.

Pay special attention hidden areas:

  • Inside the trunk (under the lid seal)
  • On the inner surfaces of doors
  • Under the hood (on the side members)

If you find discrepancies, ask the seller:

  1. Photos or documents about painting (receipts from the service).
  2. Accident data (via traffic police service).
  3. Color decoding by VIN from an official dealer.
How to check color without a paint tester?

If you don’t have a device, take a magnet (for example, from a refrigerator) and attach it to the body. On the original paint it will be weakly attracted (due to the primer), but on putty or a thick layer of paint it will hardly stick.

⚠️ Attention: On Granta FL (restyling 2018) the plant began to use two-layer metallics (for example, 642). When viewed from different angles, this color “plays” - this is the norm, and not a sign of repainting. But if there is no effect, the car could be painted with ordinary acrylic.

4. Online services for checking color by VIN or license plate number

If you don't have access to a car or sign, use online databases. They pull data from the traffic police register, insurance history and factory catalogs. The best services for LADA Granta:

Service Data to check Cost Pros Cons
Autocode VIN or license plate number From 349 ₽ Shows repaint history, accidents, mileage Paid full report
traffic police VIN or license plate number Free Official details including color changes No decoding of paint codes
ETC AvtoVAZ VIN Free Exact color codes for all modifications Complex interface, requires registration
Vinformer VIN From 290 ₽ Deciphers color and equipment Sometimes bugs in new models

Sample report from Autocode:



VIN: XTA211030J1234567


Model: LADA Granta (2190)


Year of release: 2018


Body color: 617 (Grey metallic)


History: Repainted in 2020 (color: 101, White)

If the service shows several colors in history, this means that the car was repainted. Check with the seller for the reason (accident, tuning, corrosion).

Check the VIN on the body and in the PTS|Check the history on Autocode or the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate|Make sure that the color code matches the plate|Pay attention to the dates of repainting (if any)|Download the report for further verification-->

5. Determining the color for painting: paint selection and nuances

If you are planning local repair (for example, painting a bumper or fender), it is not enough to know the color code. Need to consider:

  • 🎨 Paint type:
    • Acrylic — for matte painting (codes 1xx)
    • Metallic — with aluminum powder (codes 6xx)
    • Mother of pearl — with pearlescent pigment (codes 8xx)
  • 🔍 Paint manufacturer: original colors LADA issue:
    • Mobihel (codes start with VAZ-)
    • Duxone (series LADA)
    • Sikkens (for dealerships)
  • ⚖️ Number of layers: Metallics require a base coat + varnish, acrylics require 2-3 coats of paint.

Where to buy paint for Granta:

  • 🏬 Official dealers LADA (color matching guarantee).
  • 🎨 Specialty stores (for example, Beauty-Auto).
  • 🌍 Online (on Exist or Emex search by color code + brand of paint).

Example of a purchase request:



Name: Paint Mobihel VAZ-617 (Metallic gray)


Volume: 0.5 l (base) + 0.5 l (varnish)


Article: VAZ617-05 / LAK-05
⚠️ Attention: On Granta 2020+ in color 617 (“Metallic Grey”) a bluish tint has been added. If you use old-style paint (before 2018), yellowness may appear after drying. Always check with the seller year of paint production!
💡

For accurate paint selection, take it with you to the store. sample - for example, a gas tank cap or a plastic trim from the interior. Compare shades in daylight, not under lamps!

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when determining color LADA Granta. Let's consider typical cases:

  1. Trust only the VIN code:

    Problem: VIN may indicate base color (eg. 101 - white), but the car is actually repainted in 802 (black).

    Solution: Always check the data with visual inspection and the placard.

  2. Ignoring the year of manufacture:

    Problem: code 617 before 2018 and after - different shades.

    Solution: check the paint production date with the seller.

  3. Buying paint without metallic varnish:

    Problem: metallic without varnish fades after 1-2 years.

    Solution: for codes 6xx and 8xx Be sure to apply 2 layers of varnish.

  4. Self-tinting:

    Problem: hand tinting rarely matches the factory shade.

    Solution: order ready-made paint according to the code from official suppliers.

If in doubt, contact certified body center. For example, in LADA dealer service stations There are spectrophotometers for accurate color determination. The cost of the service is from 500 ₽, but it is cheaper than repainting a part due to an error.

What to do if the color in the database and on the car do not match?

1. Check the machine for broken VIN.

2. Check with the previous owner for paint history.

3. Compare the color in hidden areas (under the hood, in the trunk).

4. If the car is on credit or lease, request data from the bank - they store the original photos.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to determine the color of a Granta only by its license plate number?

Yes, but with reservations. Services like traffic police or Autocode will show current colorspecified in the database. However:

  • If the car was repainted illegally (without being included in the title), the data will be outdated.
  • The license plate does not provide information about paint code - only the name (for example, “blue”, without specifying the shade).

Please use VIN for accuracy.

What is the color code for Granta “Red” (2023 special edition)?

In the special series LADA Granta “Red” (released for the 10th anniversary of the model) shade used 317 ("Red"), but with a modifier 317M - more saturated and with a pearlescent effect. Please note:

  • Paint 317M costs 20–30% more than standard 317.
  • A special varnish is required for painting Sikkens Autoclear LV.
What to do if the color code on the plate is erased?

If the numbers are not readable, follow the algorithm:

  1. Check VIN via ETC AvtoVAZ.
  2. Inspect hidden areas of the body (see section 3).
  3. Contact the dealership with the title - they can restore the data from the database.
  4. Use paint meter for paintwork analysis.

If all else fails, order spectral analysis at a car service (cost - 1,000–1,500 rubles).

Is it possible to paint Granta a different color without changing the title?

Technically yes, but legally this is a violation. According to Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 605, color change requires:

  • Contact the traffic police within 5 days.
  • Providing receipts for paint and work.
  • Passing inspection (if the color is radically different from the original).

Penalty for non-compliance - 500–800 ₽ (Article 12.1 of the Administrative Code), but in the event of an accident this can cause problems with the insurance company.

What color of Grants is the rarest?

According to sales statistics and data AvtoVAZ, the rarest shades for LADA Granta:

  1. 512 Metallic green (released only in 2012–2013).
  2. 801 Beige mother of pearl (special series for taxis, 2015).
  3. 640 Purple metallic (limited edition 2019).

These colors are difficult to find on sale, and their cost is 30-50% higher than standard ones.