Free 1996 Toyota Previa VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Toyota Previa VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Toyota Previa VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to automotive manufacturers to signify the vehicle’s maker, country of origin, and vehicle type. In the case of the 1996 Toyota Previa, its WMI is “JT3,” indicating that it was manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This particular code classifies the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its versatility. WMIs play a crucial role in vehicle identification, allowing for clear identification of the manufacturer and specific vehicle characteristics. This code is the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the car’s history, features, and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Toyota Previa

WMI: JT3

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1997
• Example VIN: JT3HK23M6T1063503
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

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

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 Toyota Previa 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 Toyota Previa VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Toyota Previa VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Toyota Previa Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Toyota Previa

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

What info can a 1996 Toyota Previa VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Information: The VIN often details the manufacturing location, as it does with the Toyota Previa, which was produced in Kariya, Aichi, Japan by Toyota Auto Body Co., LTD - Fujimatsu Plant.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN divulges crucial vehicle specifications such as the make and model, engine details including type (In-Line), manufacturer (Toyota), model (2TZ-FZE), displacement (2.4 L), and power output (161 hp), as well as indicating the body class as a Minivan with a 4x2 drive type.
• Fuel Type: From the VIN, one can determine the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, which for the Toyota Previa is Gasoline.
• Safety Features: Although not directly stated, the VIN can hint at standard safety features and configurations like the engine’s valve train design, which is Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) for the Toyota Previa, suggesting advanced engine mechanisms for its time.
• Weight Class: The vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating can also be inferred, classifying the Toyota Previa into Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), indicating its load-carrying capacity and potential use cases.
• Engine and Cooling System: The VIN details specific engine attributes, such as the cooling type which is water-based for the Toyota Previa, offering insights into the vehicle’s operational mechanics and maintenance needs.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Toyota Previa