As heavily modified 3rd Gen Integras start hitting the used car market, it's best to get the straight story on what the car started out as.
With body modifications and motor swaps galore, a shady seller could claim to be selling an "ultra-rare left-hand JDM iTR sedan" at a premium price, when in fact it's just an average USDM car with a lot of work done.
So.. the well-educated buyer ought to use this guide to cut through potential BS spewed by a "motivated seller".
Example VIN : JH4DB7551WS000001
[spoiler="Instructions"] Separate the VIN like so:
JH4 DB7 5 5 1 W S 000001
JH4 = Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Acura Passenger Vehicle
DB7 = Body & Engine type:
[See above posts for output and specs]
>> DB7: 4dr B18B
DB8: 4dr B18C
DC4: 2dr B18B
DC2: 2dr B18C
5 = Body & Transmission Type:
[See
Gen III Spec Sheet for specs and ratios]
3: 2dr 5spd
4: 2dr auto
>> 5: 4dr 5spd
6: 4dr auto
5= Vehicle Grade:
[NOTE: May vary from year to year.]
1: Type R
3: RS no pass. airbag (94 only)
4: RS with passenger airbag (94 only)
>> 5: LS
6: GS/SE
8: GS-R
9: GS-R w/ leather seats
1= Check digit, Ignore.
W= Model year
R: 1994
S: 1995
T: 1996
V: 1997
>> W: 1998
X: 1999
Y: 2000
1: 2001
S = Factory Code
>> S: Suzuka, Japan
000001 = Production Order Serial Number[/spoiler]
Thus decoded,
JH4DB7551WS000001 translates into a 1998 Integra LS Sedan with a 5-speed manual transmission.