Free 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their products. For the 1988 Buick LeSabre, the WMI is “1G4”, indicating that it was produced by General Motors LLC in the United States. This specific code is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to identify individual motor vehicles. The fact that it’s a passenger car produced between 1982 and 2005 is detailed through this identifier. The “1G4” code signifies not just General Motors’ ownership but also locates its production in Warren, Michigan, underscoring the vehicle’s American manufacturing heritage.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Buick LeSabre

WMI: 1G4

• Model Years Covered: 1982-2005
• Example VIN: 1G4HR54C4JH524941
• 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 1988 Buick LeSabre 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 1988 Buick LeSabre:

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 1988 Buick LeSabre 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 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Buick LeSabre Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Buick LeSabre

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Buick LeSabre’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 Buick LeSabre VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It categorizes the architecture style, pointing out to a sedan/saloon type of passenger car, providing clear insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details reveal a V-shaped configuration with a 3.8-liter displacement and six cylinders, identified under the manufacturer BOCF, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: The vehicle employs a gasoline fuel system, utilizing multipoint fuel injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, enhancing fuel economy and performance, potentially contributing to its efficiency and power output.
• Safety and Convenience Features: An automatic seat belt type is specified, marking an emphasis on safety and ease of use for occupants, potentially enhancing occupant protection and convenience.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was assembled in Flint, Michigan, United States, providing insight into its geographic production provenance, which may influence its historical and cultural significance.
• Model and Trim: It specifically refers to a LeSabre Limited, allowing for detailed identification, including luxury or performance-oriented trim level distinctions, potentially signaling specific features and amenities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Buick LeSabre