Monique023

Hi Team,

Is there a website where I can enter my car's VIN number to identify if its RWD or AWD?

Is there any other precise method to detect this feature?

Tungstn-IS

Well the easiest way is to stick you head under there and see if there are axles connected to the front wheels lol.

I also believe that the fourth digit in the VIN identifies the drive type. B = 2WD; C = AWD. In my case the VIN starts JTHB, meaning Japan built, Toyota passenger vehicle, 2WD sedan. JTHC would be the beginning of an AWD IS.

bbaugher47

Lol^^^^^^^^^^^^^. Oh gosh. I cant stop laughing at your reply. Too funny. Yet informative!

Parsa

drive really fast and turn

msgs350

iTrader: (2)

that "buldge" on the driver side (knee area) or the front wheel gap... or the AWD badge?

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

JTHB = RWD
JTHC = AWD

JTH_K = 06-09 IS250
JTH_F = 10-13 IS250
JTH_E = IS350
JTH_P = IS F

Jeff

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

^Of course Jeff comes up with the technical answer.

Tro209

Well if you have staggered tires than your most likely RWD. Since AWD cars have smaller tires up front. 225/40/18 front and 255/40/18 rear... or you know. Check under the car as mentioned above lol. Sorry I had to.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

In the US, the base size for RWD's was 225/45R17 front (same as AWD) and 245/45R16 rear. Plus people change tire sizes all the time.

Best to stick to checking actual differences of the cars (axles, transfer, bump in the floor, chassis code, VIN, etc.)

Jeff

Tro209

True, also I think the base 17" option also had a different tire size too correct? Or did the US not have a 17" option?

Anyway yeah just check the usual stuff, should take no more than 20 seconds.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Canada had 205/55R16 all around on base RWD IS250 models, the USA never got that option.

USA base for IS250 and IS350 RWD was 225/45R17 front / 245/45R17 rear. Optional for both was 225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear. All of the AWD models came with 225/45R17 all around.

Jeff

Tro209

Dang first I find out there was a cloth seating option for our cars, and now I find out there was a 16" base option too. You sure know your stuff Jeff lol. Thanks for sharing that