In a Toyota 17-character VIN (vehicle identification number), the first four digits represent the country, manufacturer, type of vehicle and body type. The fifth character represents the engine. Of the remaining characters, the sixth represents the series; the seventh, the types of seat belts; the eighth, the model; the 10th, the year and the 11th, the manufacturing plant. The ninth digit results from an algorithm used to prevent fraud. Use an online decoder to find out what engine the fifth character represents.
Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter VIN Here" space at Decodethis (see Resources). Click on "Decode." You may have to enter if you have an automatic or manual transmission. The next screen shows your engine type under the heading "General."
Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter a VIN Here" space at the Unofficial DVM Guide (see Resources). Click on "Search." Another window will open showing the year, make, model, body style, engine type and city of manufacture, along with an offer to buy a vehicle history report. You don't need to buy it.
Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter a VIN" space at VINquery (see Resources). Click "Go." The next screen will show the year, make and model, but you must purchase any more information for from 50 cents to $1.90.
