which VIN to use - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ironmike4x4 · 10-21-2005, 11:42 AM

My gf's MR2 says it's an 89 on the VIN at the windshield, but both doors say its an 85 according to the VIN. Here at my shop we always go by the windshield. This indicates to me at one point in time this vehicle was either chopped or has been salvaged. Are there any differences between the 2 year models? Where can I find the motor VIN? TIA!

asifmbadar · 10-21-2005, 06:46 PM

Not to sound like an a-hole, but what does the title say?

Ironmike4x4 · 10-21-2005, 06:48 PM

It has the same VIN as the windshield. The only thing I can figure out is that Toyota missed the VIN on the doors by accident, but it's odd that they would miss just one single digit on both doors. Either that or both doors were replaced with another. I am waiting on my gf to get back with me on the carfax reports.

asifmbadar · 10-21-2005, 06:51 PM

Any difference in color, clear coat or paint? Have you removed the door panels?

Ironmike4x4 · 10-21-2005, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asifmbadar

Any difference in color, clear coat or paint? Have you removed the door panels?

I was trying to catch that, but the only difference in paint is the door jamb itself, body is black but the door jamb is white. I'm not sure if it has been repainted but some people don't spend the extra money to have the inside painted. Here's the kicker... both under hoods are white as well as the engine compartment.

asifmbadar · 10-21-2005, 11:08 PM

Was the car originally white? Hmmmmmmm

Ironmike4x4 · 10-22-2005, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asifmbadar

Was the car originally white? Hmmmmmmm

I would normally assume so but according to the VIN codes it's black.

toyotaspeed90 · 10-22-2005, 01:03 PM

i would look at the stamping on the firewall

if the new doors are manual windows/locks someone previously might have swapped doors to have a lighter car

CryoSlash · 10-22-2005, 01:29 PM

Maybe the car was stolen at one point then refitted with a bunch of shit from another one?

asifmbadar · 10-22-2005, 09:59 PM

With a car that old, honestly .. very hard to tell.

Ironmike4x4 · 10-23-2005, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CryoSlash

Maybe the car was stolen at one point then refitted with a bunch of shit from another one?

Yeah that's what alarmed me. I finally did a carfax report and the VIN came up didn't come up with anything unusual, but the second VIN didn't have ANY information. So I am assuming it was a misprint by Toyota or something.