Free 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, the 1996 Subaru Legacy has a WMI code of “4S3”, which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Subaru of America, Inc., specifically designed as a Passenger Car. This vehicle was assembled in Lafayette, Indiana, United States. The WMI is an integral part of the VIN, which provides detailed and specific information about the vehicle, aiding in its identification and authentication. This system ensures that each vehicle can be uniquely identified, assisting in registration, recall, and repair processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Subaru Legacy

WMI: 4S3

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 4S3BD4350T7205566
• Manufacturer Name: Subaru of America, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Lafayette
• State or Province: Indiana
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Subaru Legacy 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 1996 Subaru Legacy:

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 1996 Subaru Legacy 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 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Subaru Legacy Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Subaru Legacy

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Subaru Legacy’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Subaru Legacy VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: Specific details like the make being Subaru and the model specified as Legacy OUTBACK can be determined, offering precise identification.
• Engine and Displacement: Information on engine displacement is presented, such as 2.2 liters (2200 CC or 134.25 CI), indicating the engine size and potential power output.
• Drive Type and Transmission: The VIN indicates the vehicle has an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and a manual transmission with 5 speeds, which may highlight the vehicle’s drivetrain capabilities.
• Safety Features: The presence of front and side airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row can possibly be deduced, hinting towards the vehicle’s safety equipment.
• Plant Information: The VIN details the manufacturing location, which includes the plant city Lafayette, state Indiana, and country United States, emphasizing the vehicle’s origin.
• Body Class and Trim: It denotes the body class as a Wagon and specifies the trim level as OUTBACK, which can possibly help understand the vehicle’s size, style, and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Subaru Legacy

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