Free 1998 Lexus SC VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Lexus SC VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Lexus SC VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique three-letter codes that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. These codes offer insights into where the vehicle was made, by whom, and the type of vehicle it is. For the 1998 Lexus SC, its WMI indicates that it was manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, specifically denoting it as a passenger car. This system of identification is a standardized element of the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), ensuring that each vehicle can be uniquely identified worldwide. Through WMIs, vehicles like the Lexus SC can be traced back to their origins, providing valuable information for regulatory, service, and historical purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Lexus SC

WMI: JT8

• Model Years Covered: 1992-2000
• Example VIN: JT8CD32Z0W1003416
• 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 SC 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 SC:

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 SC 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 SC VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Lexus SC Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Lexus SC

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

What info can a 1998 Lexus SC VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may possibly reveal that the vehicle is from the year 1998, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decoded details suggest that the vehicle is a Toyota SC 300, possibly featuring a 3.0L In-Line 6-cylinder engine with an estimated output ranging from 225 to 227 horsepower, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN may imply that the body class is possibly a Coupe, which might indicate a vehicle with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sportier design compared to sedans.
• Engine and Performance: Engine details decoded from the VIN possibly specify an engine model of 2JZ-GE, manufactured by Toyota, possibly utilizing Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, and possibly designed to run on gasoline.
• Safety Features: The VIN could disclose that the vehicle might be equipped with front airbags for both the driver and the passenger, possibly enhancing safety for the front row occupants.
• Manufacturing Information: The vehicle manufacturing details encapsulated within the VIN might possibly point out that it was produced in Susono, Shizuoka, Japan, at the Higashi Fuji Plant operated by Kanto Auto Works, LTD.
• Drive Type and Weight Rating: This vehicle is possibly identified to have a 4x2 drive type and may fall into the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of Class 1, indicating it weighs 6,000 lb or less, possibly suitable for lighter, more efficient performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Lexus SC