Is is possible to find out what the build date is by looking at the VIN number?

 

I don't know about the VIN #, but the build date IS on the sticker on the drivers side front door jamb.

 

No, it does not include a build date...

 

Really that's odd? or am I wrong.

 

There is no build date in your VIN number, but if that number is given to Lexus Corporation they can tell you that information.

 

The 10th digit of the VIN number tells you the year of the car. So, for example, if it is a 6, it is a 2006 model. If it is a 7, it is a 2007. You cannot get the month from the VIN. As mentioned above, that is located on the plaque on the inside of the driver's door jam.

 

You're right. The 10th digit of the VIN will tell you the model year. But if you'd like to PM me your VIN i can look it up the build date for you.

 

Why wouldn't you just refer to the plaque/sticker that's inside the drivers door jamb? You'll even find the recommended tire pressure in that area.

 

This thread has nothing specific to do with the ES350. To the Car Chat she goes

 

The first digit of the VIN, if it is J or K, will signify a Japanese or Korean plant, but will not indicate which specific plant or the date of manufacture. That can best be gotten from the metal plate or stick-on label on the drivers' side door jamb, in the glovebox, or under the hood.

Sometimes the price sticker will give the specific plant but usually not the date of manufacture.

 

Thought I'd help out. I forgot about the sticker!! I was just suggesting that I can look up the VIN on our Toyota system at work.

 

Well, that's not strictly true. The 11th digit, a letter, is the specific manufacturing plant code.

 

Perhaps.....maybe you know more about that than I do. But what I said, though, was that the FIRST digit ( in some cases ) will NOT tell you the specific plant, but only the country. Now....if the 11th digit does.....fine. I did not know that. Thanks.

 

FYI for anyone who's interested. There are also various web sites that will break down your specific VIN, as there are many codes specific to each manufacturer.

Position Number
Position 1 Country of Origin
Position 2 Manufacturer
Position 3 Manufacturing Division
Position 4 Restraint System or Engine Type, Brake Type
Position 5-7 Line, Model Series, Body Type
Position 8 Other Vehicle Features
Position 9 Check Digit
Position 10 Model Year
Position 11 Assembly Plant
Position 12-17 Production Sequence Number

BTW, it's VIN not "VIN number" as the N already is for Number. (Just like ATM "machine" and WMD's, where the W is for Weapons, already plural.) Sorry, these are just some of my pet peeves.

 

WOW!! Don't be so technical, since this is the way the majority of people describe a "VIN".

To make you feel better, and not be so peeved, I edited my former post.