How to find out what model mazda 3 i have

When you are considering the purchase of a Mazda 3, the price is not the only consideration. A buyer wants to be as sure as possible that the Mazda 3 is sound and roadworthy and the vehicle description is honest and truthful in terms of origin. Most buyers are not mechanics and cannot identify potential problems and even though the vehicle may be covered by a warranty, there may be information that comes to light later that invalidates that warranty.

The first concern for any buyer considering the purchase of a Mazda 3 is that the vehicle is what it is claimed to be. This is achieved with a VIN decoder. Every vehicle manufacturer is obliged to mark each vehicle with a unique VIN number. A large amount of essential data is related to the VIN number and using Mazda 3 VIN decoder the buyer can confirm the relevant details to enable making an informed buying decision and consider other potential options.

FAXVIN is free VIN decoder online. By simply entering the VIN number of the Mazda3, the buyer is able to see pertinent information that includes the very basic and most vital of information. This includes manufacturer details such as year and place of manufacture, including the plant and its production number, and build specifications such as type of engine, type of transmission and safety system. The information is accurate and exact to the specific vehicle.

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number and, since 1981, is expressed as a 17-character serial number. Each of the positions in a VIN describes a specific aspect of the vehicle

Example VIN for 2011 Ford Fiesta

The World Manufacturer Identification code, with the first character identifying the country of assembly (e.g. 1:United States)

Characters used to identify vehicle attributes such as body style, model and engine type. Each manufacturer uses this section differently

A Check Digit used to algorithmatically validate the entire VIN

Indicates the model year of the vehicle (e.g. B:1987 or 2011). Must sometimes be read with postion 7 in the VIN, in order to make an accurate determination

The plant in which the vehicle was manufactured. The code varies with each manufacturer

These last six digits are used to identify a specific vehicle within the border Year/Make/Model class

Where do I find the VIN?

If you are shopping for a New or Used vehicle you will usually find the VIN with the published listing information

You can also find a car's VIN in the following locations on the driver's side:

• At the base of the windshield
• In the doorjamb

Our free VIN Decoder allows you to obtain a vehicle's information instantly.

Just enter a VIN in the above field, click the DECODE button, and obtain:

• Engine Specifications
• Available Styles and Trims
• Exterior and Interior Colors
• Interior, Exterior and Safety Equipment
• Vehicle Features and Technical Specifications
• And more!

We support 17-character VINs from 1981 to the present.

Note: This product is intended to provide a general description of the information generated by the entered vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and some pieces of data may be general to that specific model and not entirely accurate for the vehicle specified.

Every Mazda car has a unique identifier code called a VIN. This number contains vital information about the car, such as its manufacturer, year of production, the plant it was produced in, type of engine, model and more. For instance, if someone wants to buy a car, it is possible to check the VIN number one the online database to ensure that the car was not stolen, damaged or illegally modified. The VIN number has a specific format that is globally recognized. This format was implemented by the ISO institute. Every car manufacturer is obliged to mark all its vehicles in this special format. This online service allows a user to check the validity of the car and get detailed information on almost any VIN number, search for Mazda 3 car parts and check the car's history. The VIN also allows a user to get a build sheet of Mazda 3.

If you've ever been curious about what those 17 secret digits on a Vehicle Identification Number are all about, look no further. Like your own body's DNA, cars have their own unique DNA as well. Created by the International Organization for Standardization in 1980, individual identification numbers are required on all cars, including the Mazda 3.

Step 1

Look for a small metal plate on the driver's side where the windshield meets the dashboard. Stamped on it will be your vehicle's VIN.

Step 2

Write down the numbers and letters of your VIN on a piece of a paper. A VIN consists of six parts that make up its identifying factors. The first three digits are about the manufacturer and where the vehicle was made. The first character shows which country the car was manufactured in, for example: USA (1,4,or 5), Canada (2), Mexico (3), Japan (J), Korea (K), England (S), Germany (W), Italy (Z), Sweden (Y), Australia (6),France (V) and Brazil (9). The second character identifies who manufactured the car. The third character notes what kind of vehicle it is. These three digits make up the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI). Some common codes for a Mazda are JM, 1YV, and 4F, denoting that Mazdas are either made in Japan or the USA.

Step 3

Identify the fourth through the eighth characters. They describe what kind of vehicle you have and will tell you what features come with your specific car, such as the model, body style, trim, engine type, series and sometimes safety features. If you have a Mazda 3, BK should be the first two digits in this section.

Step 4

Count nine digits into your VIN. This is your check digit number. This is used to prove if your VIN is the actual one assigned to your vehicle or not. It uses a mathematical equation to combine all the letters and numbers in your VIN, aside from the check digit itself.

Step 5

Find the last eight digits of your VIN. The first identifies the model year your car was made. From 1980 to 2000 letters A through Y were used. From 2000 onwards, numbers replaced the letters. The next digit identifies the assembly plant. The final six characters of the VIN are your vehicle's serial number, simply showing the sequence of the vehicle as it came off the assembly line.

References

• Jalopnik: How to Read a Cars VIN
• Decode This: VIN Decoder

Tips

• VINs do not include the letters I, O and Q.

Writer Bio

Offra Kaim has been writing since 2001. She has authored staff training-and-instruction manuals, as well as advertising copy for retail and hotel management, real estate and taxation. Kaim holds a real-estate license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and a licensed and bonded tax preparer. She has an Associate of Arts in small-business management from Chaffey College.

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