Looking inexpensive ways to do reasearch on VIN numbers I found these web sites:
... http://www.vehiclehistory.gov/nmvtis...lehistory.html.
... https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck
VehicleHistory.gov site currently shows ten approved NMVTIS Data Providers.. Loooking into what they offer NMVTIS data can be had for as low as $1.00 (though more data such as maintenance records will cost more). Other information is available at this site .. Take a look at FAQ.
At NICB you can look up for free to see if car has been reported stolen but not recovered... up to 5 reports in one 24 hour period from one IP address.
Basic info may be all you need... If you want more data, you can always buy more after you do an initial screening.
Happy donor hunting!
John