If I have a car's VIN and carfax, is there a way to tell if it is a manual or auto?

[Joemonkey]

I found a '95 240sx listed on carfax but it doesn't give the information about whether it is an auto or stick... can I tell this by the VIN? Here it is:

JN1AS44D0SW024885

based on Powermac's link below it is:

Japan-Car, KA24DE engine, S14, 240SX Coupe, airbags with 3 point belts, 1995, Kyushyu plant, and serial number of 024885

so no tranny info...

 

[ActuaryTm]

Yes, and no. It is possible to decipher a great deal of information from the vehicle identification number (helped write a VIN package identification system for an auto insurance company once) typically including the transmission type; however, without a reference to work from, it would be very difficult. Nearly impossible.

You might call your automobile insurance carrier, and inquire about the potential cost of insurance. State the information you possess, and inquire as to whether the car is automatic or manual.

 

[DurocShark]

Most cars include tranny in the VIN. Call a Nissan dealer and give them the VIN and they'll tell ya. Or if you have a Haynes or Bentley manual, instructions will be in there too.

 

[sciencewhiz]

why don't you contact the seller?

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

how to read nissan vin numbers

 

[C'DaleRider]

How to read ANY vehicle VIN.

As you've probably noticed, since the 1980's, most vehicle manufacturers do NOT put info in the VIN about transmission in the vehicle. But, you can usually find that info sonewhere else on the vehicle.

For instance, GM puts build code sheets usually on the inside and the outside of the car. Our Blazer's are on the firewall/fenderwell of the truck and on the inside of the glovebox door. GM also puts them in many different places....have seen them on the console's lid, in the trunk, etc., etc. My Mitsubishi has a sticker on the firewall detailing by part number the options on the car, the tranny and engine that was original with the car.

Like the link above said, since the 80's, VINs have changed and MOST manufacturers do not list info on the tranny there any longer.

 

[Joemonkey]

Originally posted by: sciencewhiz
why don't you contact the seller?

hah, easier said than done! most of the 240sx i'm inquiring about are at dealers. I call the dealer and ask for color of car, miles, transmission type, asking price, etc... and they say "yeah i'll call you back with that info in 15 minutes." They never call me back, so I call the dealer back again after a few hours, and they "hrm, i can't find that car, where did you see it listed again? what kinda car is it again? ok i'll call you back with that info within an hour"

they never call back, so i call them the next day and no one knows what car i'm talking about (read: they don't feel like finding the info for me)

Since I would like a manual tranny 240sx, and the car is listed on carfax with the complete carfax, i was hoping I could tell what kind of tranny the car has without having to go through 30 minutes of useless phone conversation with idiot sales people