Can you tell the transmission by the VIN?

[salguod]

Howdy. I'm pretty new here and I'm settled on a Mazda to replace my now dead Escort LX, so I'll be sticking around I think. I was all settled on a used Protege5, when I see some pretty good deals on a few leftover 2005 Mazda3 5 doors.

Looking at dealer inventories, they don't always tell if it's a 5 speed or auto, but they always have a VIN. Is there a way to tell by the VIN?

[trees]

No, I am looking at the vin# breakdown and from what i see you can tell(from back to front)---serial no.---plant---model year---engine---body style--- restraint system--- vehicle type--- and world manufacturer ID. Nice pic of the black bird. (thumb)

[TheMAN]

you can't easily... I can look it up for you though

[salguod]

Thanks. I can't wait until spring to bring her out of hibernation. :D

It's a bummer 'cause when I call salesmen I just get the "Well, come on in and I'm sure we can help you out" even if I ask pointed questions about what they've got. :( I'd rather deal with the salesman as little as possible. They get you in there and then the fun begins ...

[salguod]

Oops. I was posting at the same time.

OK, here are the 3 2005 5 doors left at my local dealer:

JM1BK343551256998
JM1BK143351237189
JM1BK343651331322

What are they?

[salguod]

Oh, and thanks in advance. :)

[trees]

you can go on Mazda website and do a vehicle search and that will tell you if it is auto or 5 speed

[salguod]

OK, I'm looking at mazdausa.com, where's 'vehicle search'?

[trees]

on the left it says search inventory under the shopping tools. click on that

[salguod]

Bingo. I figured it out & they've got one!

(wiping drool from face)

I may be in business ...

Thanks folks!

[trees]

Cool glad to help, now go test drive her (drive2)

[salguod]

Gotta wait until wifee comes home to watch the little ones. :D

In the mean time, I'm gonna figure out a good offer and call the salesman.

[TheMAN]

JM1BK343551256998　auto, no sunroof
JM1BK143351237189 manual, no sunroof
JM1BK343651331322 auto, with sunroof

[salguod]

JM1BK143351237189 is now mine. (thumb)

http://www.salguod.net/images/mazda3/new_mazda3_fr.jpg http://www.salguod.net/images/mazda3/new_mazda3_rr.jpg

Thanks for the help. Now the real fun begins. Oh the questions I'll have! :D

[trees]

Nice job. Car looks sweet. (2thumbs)

[salguod]

Thanks. I'm even warming up to the 'Appearance Package 1' bits that I wouldn't have ordered if I was building it from scratch.