How to Determine a Vehicle's Model Year?

[StRuth]

There are several primary methods to identify a vehicle's model year: 1. Check the 10th digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) - a digit indicates the corresponding year (e.g., 5 means 2005). 2. For letters, A represents 2010, B stands for 2011, and so on. 3. The VIN is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code that serves as a vehicle's fingerprint, often referred to as a car's identity card. Below are details about other significant positions in the code: 1. Positions 1-3: Identify the manufacturer, brand, and type. For passenger vehicles, these denote the country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle category respectively. Examples: LFW indicates a truck, LFP a passenger car, LFB a bus, LFN an incomplete vehicle, LFD a spare, LFS a special-purpose vehicle, LFT a trailer, and LFM a multipurpose passenger vehicle. 2. Position 9: Check digit. This digit (0-9 or X) is calculated by multiplying each of the first 16 characters by its positional weight, summing the results, and finding the remainder when divided by 11. A remainder of 0-9 becomes the check digit; 10 is represented by X. This ensures VIN accuracy and prevents counterfeiting. 3. Position 10: Model year. The 10th character cycles through digits 1-9 and letters A-Z (excluding I, O, Q, U, Z), alternating between numbers and letters to represent years.