Free 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are the initial three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), marked specifically to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer. These characters reveal substantial data, including the manufacturer’s name, and often the vehicle type and manufacturing location. Focusing on a specific instance, the WMI for a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra signifies that the car was produced by Kia Corporation, a renowned vehicle manufacturer based in Seoul, South Korea. This particular WMI highlights that the vehicle, a passenger car, originated from a manufacturing facility located in Seocho-Gu, Seoul. WMIs serve as a fundamental tool in vehicle identification, providing a globally recognized method to trace a vehicle’s origin and manufacturer.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra

WMI: KNA

• Model Years Covered: 1998-2000
• Example VIN: KNAFB1210W5747445
• Manufacturer Name: Kia Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Seoul
• State or Province: Seocho-Gu
• Country: South Korea

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra 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 Kia Sephia II/Spectra:

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 Kia Sephia II/Spectra 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 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body type, illustrating the level of detail available about vehicle design and intended use.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides comprehensive insights into the vehicle’s engine and performance capabilities, including details such as a 1.8-liter engine displacement, 4 cylinders, and a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design.
• Fuel Type: It may be inferred from the VIN that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, indicating the VIN’s ability to specify the vehicle’s fuel compatibility and efficiency characteristics.
• Safety Features: The VIN can identify safety features like Front Air Bag locations for the 1st Row (Driver and Passenger), demonstrating the VIN’s ability to deliver critical safety information.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN notes that the vehicle was manufactured in Whasung, South Korea, providing significant insights into the vehicle’s origin and production background.
• Model and Series: Through the VIN, one can identify the vehicle as a Sephia II/Spectra model, offering specific model information that is crucial for ownership, service, and sales purposes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Kia Sephia II/Spectra

Source