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How do I decode the VIN number for my Toyota?

I know vehicle identification numbers (VINs) stand for something. I want to check on a car’s stats and history, but I’m not sure what the numbers mean. How do I decode a Toyota VIN?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While you can decode the VIN number for your
Toyota
by typing it into a VIN decoder online, you can also learn some basic information about your car if you know how to read the 17 letters and numbers themselves.
Here’s how to read a VIN:
  • The first digit typically represents the country of origin.
  • The first three digits together represent the make, model, and manufacturer.
  • The fourth digit represents the safety features.
  • Digits five to eight represent the the vehicle trim level or series, engine, and sometimes transmission.
  • The ninth digit is used to verify the VIN itself. It is calculated using the other numbers in the VIN.
  • The tenth digit represents the model year. The year will be represented with a letter, where A can represent 1980 or 2010, B can represent 1981 or 2011, and so on. It should be noted that I, O, Q, and U are not used in the VIN, as they are too easily confused with other letters and numbers.
  • The eleventh digit tells Toyota which factory produced your car.
  • The final six digits can be used by Toyota to internally identify the car.
If you have trouble decoding your VIN, visit Toyota’s website to learn more about each of the digits, what they represent, and what they mean for your vehicle.
While you’re learning more about your car, why not take a moment to learn more about your insurance options on the
Jerry
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