Vin Number

spook · May 11, 2004

Is there anywhere I can go to decode the VIN number on my RX 300?

SKperformance · May 11, 2004

what do you want to know

spook · May 12, 2004

Just wanted to know what it all stood for, if possible.

SKperformance · May 12, 2004

most repair manuals will give you a basic break down

any service advisor at lexus can show you the exacts for some of the code

but it is mainly year engine, place of assembly, i think colour depending and some other stuff as options

johnnieliu · May 12, 2004

Is there anywhere I can go to decode the VIN number on my RX 300?

1st Character: The 1st character of your car's vehicle identification number identifies the country where it was manufactured: 1 or 4-USA; 2-Canada; 3-Mexico; J-Japan; S-England; W-Germany; Z-Italy.

2nd Character: The 2nd character in your car's VIN specifies the manufacturer: A-Audi; B-BMW; H-Honda; A-Jaguar; D-Mercedes; N-Nissan; T-Toyota; V-Volvo; V-VW

3rd Character: The 3rd character in your car's vehicle identification number indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division. This varies among car makes and models.

4th - 8th Character: The 4th through 8th characters in your car's VIN reveals its features/attributes, such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc. Again, this varies widely among car makes, models and equipment.

9th Character: The 9th character in your car's vehicle identification number is a VIN accuracy check digit, verifying the previous numbers within the VIN. This check digit is a single number or letter "X" used to verify the accuracy of the transcription of the vehicle identification number.

There is a precise method for obtaining the check digit; however, it is not relevant to our discussion here. Suffice to say that after all other characters in the VIN have been determined by the manufacturer, the check digit is calculated by carrying out a mathematical computation. The correct numeric remainder - zero through nine (0-9) will appear. However, if the remainder is 10 the letter "X" is used to designate the check digit value.

10th Character: The 10th character in your car's VIN tells you the model year. (This varies somewhat among car manufacturers - see the chart in the "Here's How to Find Your Car's VIN" section below for specific locations by car make.)