Free 1998 Lexus GS VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Lexus GS VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Lexus GS VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-character sequences that designate the manufacturer, vehicle type, and origin of motor vehicles. In the case of the 1998 Lexus GS, the WMI “JT8” signifies a passenger car produced by Toyota Motor Corporation. This particular vehicle was manufactured in Toyota City, located in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan, reflecting the global nature of the automotive industry. WMIs are integral in the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), providing essential data about a vehicle’s lineage and specifications at a glance. This system ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles worldwide, facilitating tracking, registration, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Lexus GS

WMI: JT8

• Model Years Covered: 1993-1995, 1998-2005
• Example VIN: JT8BD68S0W0003333
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS:

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 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Lexus GS VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Lexus GS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Lexus GS

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Lexus GS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Lexus GS VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it could be from 1998, giving insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Vehicle specifications, including the make and model, are encoded in the VIN, showing details like a Toyota GS model with a 3.0-liter engine.
• Engine Information: Detailed engine characteristics can be determined, such as the Toyota 2JZ-GE engine model, featuring a 3.0 L in-line 6-cylinder configuration with an output between 225 to 227 horsepower.
• Safety Features: The type and location of airbags, such as front airbags in the 1st row for the driver and passenger, along with side airbags, could be inferred, highlighting the vehicle’s emphasis on safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: It can hint at the fuel type the vehicle uses, with examples including primary gasoline vehicles with a multipoint fuel injection system for fuel delivery.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the manufacturing, such as the plant city (Tahara), country (Japan), and company name (Toyota Motor Corporation), may provide background on the vehicle’s production.
• Body Class and Attributes: The VIN might reveal the body class, like Sedan/Saloon, along with other physical attributes, such as a 4-door configuration and the drive type being 4x2.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Lexus GS

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