we have just got a Prius that was sold as a 2012 Japan model. when i try put the vin in to the toyota site it says not a toyota VIN.. it is etched on the back window and that is the only place i can find.. the only other number is the Frame number.. i just need to find out what i have.. it has the gps,radio with hdd and is a 1500cc the VIN is 7AT0H637X20586080 the Frame number is NHW20-3586080. can anyone help? thanks
Isn't it on the dashboard plate at the bottom of the windshield or inside the door jamb? On your title or registration papers?
This^^ It's on a plate at the left end of the dash in the US. Might be the other end in right had drive cars; not sure about that. You can see it through the windshield. It's also on a sticker near the bottom of the driver's side B pillar. That one is easier to see. It'll start with a "J" if made in Japan, followed by a "T" for "Toyota.
OR.......you could ask an actual Toyota dealer. Or take it to them. Sounds to me like you might be needing the services of a good lawyer.
i have checked all the places that were recommended in another post on here and the 2 i have put in my original post are all that i can find i looked every where.. in the space where spare tyre is etc but can find nothing?? would i see it if i plugged in an OBD2 ?? thanks p.s. i'm sure it's a series-3
Could you take a photo of the windshield below the round sticker? There should be a plate there with a 12-digit VIN. The 7AT string you posted is too long for a VIN (and also 7 doesn’t exist)
The Prius pictured is a second generation Prius. That means it is a 2004 to 2009 model. From Wikipedia: "Presented at 2003 New York International Auto Show, for the 2004 US model year, the NHW20 Prius was a complete redesign." The 3rd generation began production in mid 2009 as a 2010 model. It's frames would end in W30. Somebody lied to you. Also from Wikipedia regarding cars made in Japan for the domestic market (and later imported to New Zealand and other countries as used cars): "Japanese carmakers do not use a VIN as is common overseas. Instead, Japan uses a Frame Number—nine to twelve alphanumeric characters identifying model and serial number."
A number in this form is assigned by the New Zealand Transport Agency (which controls the 7AT WMI) to an imported vehicle for which the manufacturer has not assigned a VIN, as is the case here: Toyota identifies vehicles built for sale in Japan only by their frame number. Toyota’s Grade Information Search Service (described previously) says it’s an “EX” grade, and the Frame List file included with the Electronic Parts Catalog says the model code is NHW20-AHEEB, built in November 2011, with exterior paint color code 040 (Super White II) and interior trim color code FA11 (medium gray fabric). No, with an “NHW20” model code, it’s a second-generation Prius car, but among the very last to be made.
I'm surprised model NHW20 was made in 2011 since the 3rd gen began production in 2009 but maybe they continued the 2nd gen for domestic production for a while.
Must’ve been fleet vehicles. I vaguely recall something like that. Maybe the PriusChat archives might mention the overlap of production. Edit: well managed to find it quickly lol. Prius II still in production? Still on sale in China | PriusChat
