Free 1997 Buick Regal VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Buick Regal VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Buick Regal VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to identify the location, manufacturer, and type of vehicle they produce. For the 1997 Buick Regal, the WMI is “2G4,” indicating that this passenger car was manufactured by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States. The WMI is crucial in decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing specific identification for vehicles produced from 1988 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2017, which includes models like the Buick Regal in question. This system helps in tracking, registration, and recall processes for vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Buick Regal

WMI: 2G4

• Model Years Covered: 1988-2004, 2011-2017
• Example VIN: 2G4WB52K0V1446236
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

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

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 Buick Regal 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 Buick Regal VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Buick Regal VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Buick Regal Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Buick Regal

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

What info can a 1997 Buick Regal VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can disclose the manufacturing country, city, and sometimes the specific plant where the vehicle was produced, such as in Oshawa #2, Ontario, Canada, offering insights into its origins.
• Vehicle Specifications: Details such as the Buick Regal model, with a V-shaped engine configuration and an engine displacement of 3.8 liters (3800 CC or 231.89 CI), illustrate the type of information that can be gleaned, potentially providing a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s specifications.
• Body Type and Size: From the VIN, it’s possible to determine the vehicle’s body class, such as a Sedan/Saloon, along with other structural specifics like having 4 doors and 4 windows, potentially offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: Insights into the engine include its manufacturer (FLT), the number of cylinders (6), and specifics like a multipoint fuel injection system, underlining the engine’s efficiency and performance qualities, potentially offering a glimpse into its power and fuel efficiency.
• Safety Features: Information on safety equipment, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, can be deduced, potentially providing an understanding of the vehicle’s safety capabilities.
• Additional Features: While not directly related to performance, the VIN can provide other relevant details like the type of seat belt (manual) and series of the model (LS), which might influence a buyer’s or owner’s perspective, offering additional insights into the vehicle’s features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Buick Regal

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