THSCC Forums

I've come across a 91 Subaru Legacy L (2.2L H4 MFI/FI engine) that's dirt cheap (but it has high milage on it....258k....all highway miles). It's located about 2hrs from here and it's at an auction site so I can't just jump in the car an go look at it today.

I'd only be interested if the car is AWD. Is there an easy way to determine if the car is AWD without having to go look at it? I don't have anyone at the site I can call. However, I do have the VIN # if that helps.

And, if there are any general comments about this model, I'd be interested in that information as well.

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Rob Harvey
919-697-5485
1997 BMW M3
1992 Acura Integra (Simon)

Well I can't really help you with how to tell if it is AWD without seeing it. Even if it has all the required equipment like Brian and mine did, our AWD system wasn't functioning because the automatic tranny determined whether FWD was needed or go to AWD. I just disconnected the clutch pack in the center diff and instant 50/50 split. As for the mileage ours has 265,000 miles on it and is still going strong. The only real way to tell is have a look at the car itself. Unless some of the more knowledgable Subaru guys has a way to check the specs from the VIN.

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2010 Honda Fit Sport
Couple of bicycles

I feel certain that Subaru has a code in the VIN for AWD vs FWD.....but you'll have to find out what that is.

Meanwhile, there are a bunch of VIN decoders out there- some will try to charge you for the info, while others will let you do one or two per day for free, and only charge for quantity.

A quick search comes up with these (YMMV):

http://www.analogx.com/contents/vinview.htm

http://www.is-it-a-lemon.com/vin_check/content.htm
(this one has a really good explanations of what makes up a VIN)

http://www.oakos.com/wrx/vin.htm
(this one is for a 2002-2003 Impreza, but it clearly states that the 11th digit is the tranny, just need to figure out what codes will apply to your car)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIN
(this one gave me a headache.)


Bret.

Thanks guys....looks like its just FWD (too bad). I'll double check tomorrow just to make sure.

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Rob Harvey
919-697-5485
1997 BMW M3
1992 Acura Integra (Simon)