Free 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a code that marks the unique identity of every automobile manufacturer globally and provides key information about the vehicle. In particular, for the 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio, the WMI code starts with “3VW,” indicating that Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, based in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb, Mexico, produced it. This WMI is instrumental in identifying the vehicle as a Passenger Car made by Volkswagen. It also signifies the vehicle’s country of manufacture, helping in tracking, registration, and recall processes. Such details encapsulated in the WMI enable a clear understanding of a vehicle’s origin and classification at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2002
• Example VIN: 3VWAA81E0VM805721
• Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
• State or Province:
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio:

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 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio 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 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volkswagen Cabrio’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a year of 1997, potentially providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN discloses key engine details, such as a 1984 CC (1.984 L) displacement, 115 horsepower, and the manufacturer being Volkswagen, with four cylinders, showcasing the power and design of the vehicle’s engine.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the vehicle as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering insights into the design and style of the car.
• Safety Features: Information on safety features, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, and an active restraint system, may highlight the vehicle’s safety provisions.
• Fuel Type: It indicates the primary fuel type as Gasoline, offering insight into the vehicle’s potential efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN identifies the vehicle’s manufacturing location as Puebla, Mexico, which might provide useful insights into potential market-specific features or the origin of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The data classifies the vehicle in Class 1, indicating a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which could be critical for understanding vehicle capabilities and restrictions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Volkswagen Cabrio