The VIN of the Subaru brand is an alphanumeric 17-digit code that starts with JF1 for cars manufactured in Japan or 4S3 for Subaru manufactured in the USA. Subaru VIN decoder allows you to learn a lot of useful information about the date of release of the car and its configuration. The Subaru cars with the wheel on the right side don't have a traditional VIN code, they have a body number such as ABC-XXXXXX, where ABC is the designation of the body model, and XXXXXX is a serial number of the car.
The identification number of Subaru cars is located in the traditional places:
Jun 12, 2011 Page 1 of 2 - Subaru Model & Engine Codes explained. posted in General: Chassis codes are as follows (according to Japanese models):1st letter determines model type:G = ImprezaB = LegacyS = Forester2nd letter determines body type:C = Sedan 1st gen. (1993-2000 Impreza, 1989-1994 Legacy) + Coupe (Impreza)D = Sedan 2nd gen. (2001-current Impreza, 1995-1999 Legacy)E = Sedan 3rd gen. How to decipher the serial number (VDS) on a Subaru? The vehicle descriptor section (VDS) is a tool that indicates the generation and the version of the vehicle. The model code or vehicle descriptor section (VDS) of a Subaru is located within the 17 digit serial number (VIN) of your vehicle.
- on the right side of the front panel;
- on the cup of the left front shock absorber;
- on the inside of the central pillar;
- n a special window under the windshield from the driver's side (US cars).
The VIN Subaru decoder can show you the specs of the car before you can see it with your own eyes. If you search for the car online, you can ask the owner to give you the VIN code of the Subaru car. You will find out the type of the engine, the transmission, the country of the manufacture, the model year and so on. The model year is not the year of the manufacture of the vehicle, the difference can be one year.
One more thing is the ease of use of the decoder, Subaru cars should be checked before buying. You can see the initial condition of the Subaru car and compare the data with what you see in real life. Ask the owner of the car why he or she made some specific changes or repairs. If the decoder cannot decipher the identification number, it's likely to be changed. Check the surface of the metal for any damages or scratches.
VIN Number
If you want to buy the American Subaru, you should pay attention to the first three characters of the code. There should be a letter S that comes the second. Letter F stands for the manufacture in Japan. You can choose among Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Tribeca plus the original parts for the future repairs. You can try to decode other symbols on your own, but it can take a lot of time. Using a Subaru VIN decoder is a good solution if you don't want to waste your time on finding what each of the items from the code means.
The Subaru engine serial number decoder is a tool for preventing the purchases of a stolen or damaged vehicle. For checking these two things, you should check all the places where the VIN code is located and compare each code. If the numbers coincide and they are the same, it means the non-removable parts were not replaced. If the codes differ even for one letter, the Subaru car you see was made out of two cars or the code was intentionally changed.
One more important thing you can find out with the code is the interior and safety equipment. You will know the number of seats, the color and the style of the interior. If the car is old, the owner could make some changes in it or replace the original seats with something else. The code also has the information about the airbags, their number and location. If you can't find at least one of them, ask the owner if the car got into any accidents. The VIN code is a useful and practical thing that helps you find out all the information about any Subaru car manufactured after 1981.
Subaru Engine Serial Number
Subaru Sample VIN
Subaru Engine Serial Number Decoder Chart
- 4S4BSETC7J3200911 — 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Touring (3.6L V6 DOHC 24V), WAGON 4-DR
- JF2SJGUC5FH525490 — 2015 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring (2.0L H4 SOHC 16V), SPORT UTILITY 4-DR
- 4S3BMCG64B3214998 — 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium (2.5L H4 SOHC 16V), SEDAN 4-DR
- JF1GE61668H524178 — 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i (2.5L H4 SOHC 16V), SEDAN 4-DR
- 4S3BH675247626362 — 2004 Subaru Outback Wagon w/All-weather Package (2.5L H4 SOHC 16V), WAGON 4-DR