Free Subaru Brat VIN Decoder

How to decode a Subaru Brat VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Subaru Brat VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to identify the make and location of production. For the Subaru BRAT, two distinct WMIs indicate its manufacturing history: JF3 and JF2. The JF3 code corresponds to units produced by Fuji Heavy Industries U.S.A., Inc. (now known as Subaru of America) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, specifically in the year 1986, and categorizes the vehicle type as a truck. Meanwhile, the JF2 code denotes Subaru BRATs manufactured by Subaru Corporation in Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, during the years 1982, 1984, and 1985, with these vehicles identified as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPV). This classification system plays a crucial role in vehicle identification, regulatory compliance, and historical documentation for vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a Subaru Brat

WMI: JF3

• Model Years Covered: 1986
• Example VIN: JF3AU53B1GE503887
• Manufacturer Name: Fuji Heavy Industries U.S.A., Inc. (c/o Subaru of America)
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Cherry Hill
• State or Province: New Jersey
• Country: United States

WMI: JF2

• Model Years Covered: 1982, 1984-1985
• Example VIN: JF2AT53B4CE504176
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Shibuya-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Subaru Brat 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 Subaru Brat:

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 Subaru Brat 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 Subaru Brat VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Subaru Brat VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Subaru Brat Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Subaru Brat

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

What info can a Subaru Brat VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN suggests the vehicle’s model year is likely 1986, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: The manufacturing details indicate that the vehicle was produced in Gunma, Japan, showcasing the geographic origins and potentially influencing the design and quality.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decodes to a Subaru Brat model, offering specific insights such as it being a pickup with a 1.8L engine and four cylinders, highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Drive Type and Transmission: It can be revealed that the vehicle likely possesses a 4WD drivetrain and a manual transmission with 4 speeds, indicating its potential handling characteristics and driving experience.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is likely gasoline, which may provide users with information on potential fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Doors: This vehicle is identified as a Pickup with 2 doors, defining its potential utility and capacity, suitable for specific needs or preferences.
• Safety Features: Basic safety features can be inferred, such as a manual seat belt type, which might reflect on the vehicle’s era and safety standards at the time of manufacture.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Subaru Brat