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Lexus: VIN Decoder

The VIN is the car's social security number. Here is how to decode the VIN on the Lexus and find out all the little details in your car's past.

By Bassem Girgis - November 17, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, RX, GS, LS, and ES (2005-2013).

Like human fingerprints, every car has its own unique identifier. On cars it's called the Vehicle Information Number, or VIN. With a VIN, you can identify any car's background, model, year, engine specifications, and where it was built. This article will assist in decoding the VIN on all Lexus models, allowing you to learn the details of your Lexus.

Step 1 - Locate VIN

The VIN is located in one of two places: the base of the driver's side windshield and in the driver's side doorjamb. Locate either one, and take the number down.

  • Figure 1. VIN in the driver's side doorjamb.
  • Figure 2. VIN on the driver's side windshield base.

Step 2 - Decode VIN

The Lexus' VIN consists of 17 characters. Each position in the VIN describes a certain aspect of the vehicle, such as country of manufacture, attributes, year, model, and the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.

  • The first three characters represent the country that manufactured the vehicle.
  • The next five characters represent the car's attributes, such as body style, model, and engine type.
  • The check digit is represented by one number and is used to algorithmically validate the entire VIN.
  • The model year is represented by one character.
  • The plant in which the vehicle was manufactured is also represented by one character.
  • Finally, the last six characters are used to identify a specific vehicle within the broader year/make/model class.
Figure 3. Decode your VIN by comparing the number you took down to this image.

Step 3 - Plug the VIN into ClubLexus.com

Dump your VIN into the decoder on ClubLexus.com to find all kinds of information on your Lexus. Simply type the 17-character VIN in the "Enter VIN" box and press "Decode."

Figure 4. Decode your VIN on ClubLexus.com

(Related Site - ClubLexus Vin Decoder - ClubLexus.com)

Featured Video: VIN Decoder for Lexus

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