Every time I go to buy parts for my car, question is:your car is made before or after Julie???? and my answer is...

Open drivers door, look for small plaque. It should have the manufacture date stamped on it. Tim

I do not know if things are different outside of the USA, but I suspect that the USA automobile market "drives" (controls, influences) many of the procedures of the Japanese manufacturers. Traditionally, the USA domestic manufacturers introduced their new "model year" cars in September (or somtimes August), so July/August manufacture dates became important distinctions. If the car was built in July, it was the old model year, and if it was built in September it was the new model year.

 

As chef_tim wrote, check on the Manufacturer's Plate for the date of manufacture.

Guessing the model year by the date on the plate works most, but not all, of the time.

 

The reason is that different plants have different production schedules. Some retool frequently - others hardly at all. One of the Subes I owned had a late 87 manufacture date (Oct, I believe), but was still an 87 model.

 

The VIN code is the only way to be 100% sure what the model year is. You should get into the habit of decoding the VIN's everytime you buy a car. Lots of useful info about how the car was equipped when it rolled off the assembly line. Subaru USA is very good about providing this information to Sube owners.

 

good luck, John

On that small plaque, only thing that is written is tire pressure,

so.....any suggestions???

Guessing the model year by the date on the plate works most, but not all, of the time.

 

The reason is that different plants have different production schedules. Some retool frequently - others hardly at all. One of the Subes I owned had a late 87 manufacture date (Oct, I believe), but was still an 87 model.

 

The VIN code is the only way to be 100% sure what the model year is. You should get into the habit of decoding the VIN's everytime you buy a car. Lots of useful info about how the car was equipped when it rolled off the assembly line. Subaru USA is very good about providing this information to Sube owners.

 

good luck, John

 

 

And how can I decode my VIN????

Your title to the car, or proof of ownership, should list a serial #.

If the VIN# is not on the door plate, check the top of the dash (front drivers side).

Another place would be the firewall towards the passenger side.

John

not to steal this thread? but is there a vin number dictionary... like what number means what? like my vin number is ?

 

jf1-ax45b5-gb319187

Here's what you're looking for.

 

Unfortunately my metal plate containing only tire pressure....

It has to be on the car. Local laws dictate where it is located. Pop the bonet, open it. On the rear wall of the engine bay there may be a plate similar to the one displayed above.

I do not know if things are different outside of the USA, but I suspect that the USA automobile market "drives" (controls, influences) many of the procedures of the Japanese manufacturers. Traditionally, the USA domestic manufacturers introduced their new "model year" cars in September (or somtimes August), so July/August manufacture dates became important distinctions. If the car was built in July, it was the old model year, and if it was built in September it was the new model year.

 

Carefull, everybody! My 98 2.5RS has production date of 06/97 and I saw the 2.5RS used in the Subaru showroom publication and had to do a doubletake on that one 02/97 it had VIN #xxxxxxxxG400011 and mine has VIN #xxxxxxxxxxG400212