Decode by brand
Subaru VIN decoder for Australia and NZ
Every Subaru sold new in Australia and New Zealand is built in Japan, so the VIN starts with JF1 for cars and JF2 for SUVs. US-built Outbacks and Legacys (4S3, 4S4) only appear here as private imports.
Subaru manufacturer codes (WMI)
The first three characters of the VIN are the world manufacturer identifier. These are the Subaru codes you will see most often in Australia and New Zealand:
| VIN starts with | Meaning |
|---|---|
JF1 | Subaru car built in Japan (also Toyota 86 / GR86) |
JF2 | Subaru SUV built in Japan (Forester, XV, Outback) |
JF3 | Subaru truck |
4S3 / 4S4 | Subaru built in the US (private imports) |
Model year in a Subaru VIN
Subaru VINs for this region do not always carry a year code; confirm the build date on the plate.
Buying a used Subaru
Popular models here: Forester, Outback, XV / Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, Liberty.
WRXs and imported Legacy B4s are often modified – check for accident history and whether modifications were certified. Head-gasket and CVT repairs show up in service records, not in the VIN.
Subaru VIN questions
Why does a Toyota 86 decode as a Subaru?
The Toyota 86 and GR86 are built by Subaru in Japan alongside the BRZ, so their VINs start with JF1, a Subaru code. That is normal and not a sign of a rebadged or altered car.
Is a US-built Subaru sold in Australia?
Subarus sold new here come from Japan (JF1, JF2). A VIN starting with 4S3 or 4S4 belongs to Subaru's US plant, so such a car arrived as a private or grey import.