Free 1998 Lexus LS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Lexus LS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Lexus LS VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes serve as unique identifiers for vehicle manufacturers worldwide, consisting of the first three characters in a vehicle identification number (VIN). For the 1998 Lexus LS, the WMI “JT8” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, denoting it as a passenger car. This code is crucial for accurately identifying the vehicle’s manufacturing origin, brand, and specific attributes. By analyzing the WMI, experts and enthusiasts alike can trace the vehicle’s roots back to its production line, offering insights into its design, specifications, and initial market. The precise WMI for a 1998 Lexus LS provides a clear fingerprint identifying it within the global automotive industry, affirming its Japanese heritage and high-quality manufacturing standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Lexus LS

WMI: JT8

• Model Years Covered: 1990-2000
• Example VIN: JT8BH28F0W0103495
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Lexus LS VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1998 Lexus LS:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1998 Lexus LS VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1998 Lexus LS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Lexus LS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Lexus LS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Lexus LS

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Lexus LS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Lexus LS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can indicate the vehicle’s model year as 1998, suggesting the period of its manufacture and potential market value.
• Engine Type: The VIN specifies a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 3969 cc or 4.0 liters, made by Toyota, possibly delivering power between 290 to 300 horsepower.
• Fuel Efficiency: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may showcase its compatibility and efficiency with fuel options.
• Safety Features: Front and side airbag locations are found in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), suggesting a focus on passenger safety.
• Body Class and Doors: The classification of the body as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors offers insights into the vehicle’s design and practicality for users.
• Drive Type: It has a 4x2 drive type, possibly influencing the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Manufacturing Location: Manufactured in Tahara, Aichi, Japan, by Toyota Motor Corporation, possibly indicating its origin and production standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Lexus LS

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