Free 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing essential information about the vehicle’s manufacturer and origin. For the 1997 Subaru Legacy, the WMI “4S3” signifies that Subaru of America, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, United States, is the manufacturer. This code not only identifies the company but also indicates the vehicle is a passenger car produced in the United States. The WMI is a critical component of the VIN, allowing for the tracking of vehicle specifics, including model year and manufacturing location. It serves as a unique fingerprint, distinguishing the Subaru Legacy from vehicles produced by other manufacturers globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Subaru Legacy

WMI: 4S3

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 4S3BK6751V7313256
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Lafayette
• State or Province: Indiana
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Subaru Legacy 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 1997 Subaru Legacy:

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 1997 Subaru Legacy 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 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Subaru Legacy Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Subaru Legacy

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Subaru Legacy’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Subaru Legacy VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle, such as a 1997 model.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating that the vehicle is a wagon, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s size, shape, and potential utility, as well as the number of doors.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details can be decoded from the VIN, such as a 2.5-liter displacement, enhancing understanding of the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Drive Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle utilizes an AWD/All-Wheel Drive system, which can be crucial for those concerned with performance under various driving conditions.
• Safety Features: The VIN can confirm the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, a key safety feature that enhances the vehicle’s safety profile.
• Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing specifics, including the plant city, state, and company name, provide important context regarding the vehicle’s production origin, such as the plant city Lafayette, state Indiana, and plant company name SIA in the United States.
• Transmission: Information on transmission is provided, including it being a manual/standard type with 5 speeds, essential for understanding the driving dynamics and control of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Subaru Legacy

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