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After a luckless day last week at the Pickles' storm damaged auction in melbourne (my one day off, I had a cold it was about 11 degrees and I didn't win anything!), I managed to go online for today's proceedings. A very friendly tech department here at school got it all working for me around the school firewall (they're car enthusiasts ) I spent the day running in and out of the office inbetween classes.

I watched a 1997 forester pass by for $1400, and waited for the one I really wanted.

It was listed as "Circa 96, Subaru, Liberty, 2GEN MY97 LX AWD, Wagon". I looked up the rego on vic roads and found:

Vehicle Registration: ROG205
VIN/Chassis Number: 6T9REPV97T201X028
Engine Number: EJ25139720
Vehicle Make: SUBARU
Vehicle Colour: GREEN
Body Type: WAGON
Year of Manufacture: 1996

Here's some pics:






Given the engine number with vic roads and the photos, I would hazard a guess they've got it wrong and it's actually an outback. What I don't get is the VIN - doesn't look like a normal subi VIN. I called my local dealer and gave it to them - no match. Is it an import, especially with the 'legacy' on the rear?

It's storm-affected but drivable, so we'll see what the damage is when I get to pick it up in the next few days. For $2000 I think I've scored a bargin!

So what do you reckon, is it an outback?

Definately looks like a Jap import Outback. (180km/h speedo, Legacy badges in place of Subaru badges)

The VIN should be something along the lines of JF1BG685xVG3xxxxxxx

suparoo wrote:definately looks like a jap import outback. (180km/h speedo, legacy badges in place of subaru badges)

the vin should be something along the lines of jf1bg685xvg3xxxxxxx

+1 ...........

cheers guys! I was stoked to begin with but now I'm even more excited. Should have it by tomorrow afternoon.

So would the VIN not be matching up because its an import?

The VIN's are the same, no matter what country they came from.

(except for subaru's built in the USA, which start with 4S3 instead of JF1, but the rest is the same)

J = Japan
F = Fuji Heavy industries
1 = Passenger Vehicle
B = Legacy/Liberty
G = Gen2 wagon (high roof)
6 = 2.5 engine
8 = Outback
5 = Manual Seatbelts & 2 Airbags
x = Check digit
V = Model year 1997
G = 5sp Manual AWD transmission
3xxxxx = Legacy production serial number

nice score.....................I used to work for pickles..............and that to me looks like an import vin no

Suparoo wrote:The VIN's are the same, no matter what country they came from.

(except for subaru's built in the USA, which start with 4S3 instead of JF1, but the rest is the same)

subiefan74 wrote:..............and that to me looks like an import vin no

Um.....

Cheers eh, I think I did pretty well for $2k. Looking forward to getting it tomorrow, may even be able to take it out this weekend!

either that or a previously repaired vehicle

I guess if its not in Subaru Australia system it has to be a import or someone changed the VIN.

vehicles suspected of being illegally imported vehicles
registered by VicRoads were first issued with identifying numbers that begin
with the alphanumeric string 6T9REPV97

I found this here Own_motion_investigation_into_VicRoads_registration_practices

Looks like its either an illegal import, a repaired write off or a rebirthed stolen vehicle.

Do a google search for that VIN and there are stories of a Commodore, a Skyline, an MR2 and some BMW all having that same VIN number stamped on it.

This image is from a VT Commodore

That is bloody good find!!! I wouldve liked it as well... Ah well...
Yes its an Jap import, it has heated mirrors as well.
Cheers
AP

A mystery subaru, sounds like a interesting buy cant wait for the report after collection.

Suparoo wrote:I found this here Own_motion_investigation_into_VicRoads_registration_practices

Looks like its either an illegal import, a repaired write off or a rebirthed stolen vehicle.

Mmmm sounds like doing the re-rego may be 'interesting'.

AlpineRaven wrote:That is bloody good find!!! I wouldve liked it as well... Ah well...
Yes its an Jap import, it has heated mirrors as well.
Cheers
AP

It wasn't you I was bidding against was it? There was no one on-site, and just one other bidder online... Heated mirros eh? That's a bit swish!

subaruby wrote:A mystery subaru, sounds like a interesting buy cant wait for the report after collection.

Niether can I! Subawho? With luck you may even see it on the weekend!

Once I get it tomorrow I'll check the VIN and engine numbers then get a Vehicle Information Package from VicRoads, hopefully it'll explain a few things!

It is all rather mysterious really!

Suparoo wrote:The VIN's are the same, no matter what country they came from.

(except for subaru's built in the USA, which start with 4S3 instead of JF1, but the rest is the same)

J = Japan
F = Fuji Heavy industries
1 = Passenger Vehicle
B = Legacy/Liberty
G = Gen2 wagon (high roof)
6 = 2.5 engine
8 = Outback
5 = Manual Seatbelts & 2 Airbags
x = Check digit
V = Model year 1997
G = 5sp Manual AWD transmission
3xxxxx = Legacy production serial number

Only cars manufactured for Aus have this type on VIN.. JDM cars start with there model type.. i.e BG6-xxxxxxx

subiefan74 wrote:either that or a previously repaired vehicle

Exactly..

Suparoo wrote:I found this here Own_motion_investigation_into_VicRoads_registration_practices

Looks like its either an illegal import, a repaired write off or a rebirthed stolen vehicle.

Do a google search for that VIN and there are stories of a Commodore, a Skyline, an MR2 and some BMW all having that same VIN number stamped on it.

This image is from a VT Commodore

I'd definately say it's a Repairable Write Off vehicle, as a "illegal import or rebirthed stollen vehicle" would not be issued a Aus VIN. All cars that are imported to repair an Aussie car need a new Aus VIN (21 number) before they can be logged into the system and this is why it starts with 6T9REP

AlpineRaven wrote:That is bloody good find!!! I wouldve liked it as well... Ah well...
Yes its an Jap import, it has heated mirrors as well.
Cheers
AP

+1

That's a nice looking (with a spit and polish) Outback and the Jap ones have lots more options than the Aus ones..

Let us know how it goes

ScubyRoo wrote:


It wasn't you I was bidding against was it? There was no one on-site, and just one other bidder online... Heated mirros eh? That's a bit swish!

Before you go ahead buying it and register in your name just double check with vicroads - but you should be ok because its already been registered.

It may have foldable mirrors as well...

It has full deck radio..

Momo Steering wheel normally found in RX Liberty
Cheers
AP

Nice find Owen!

It will be interesting to find out the story of this one.

Well got home from school late tonight as went out for dinner and then to the movies, came hame at 10:30 to find the green machine sitting in the front lawn!

Started up first time and drove well, tight gear box too! The clutch is definately worn, and there's a slight creek in the steering to investigate. Also quite slow coming up to temp.

Lots of extra goodies and yes, folding heated mirrors

Will take some pics tomorrow arvo once I get home from school to see what the hail damage is, by streetlight it all looks very very minor.

Can't wait to see it in the day light!

Cheers,
Owen.

Great find. Congrats mate - JDM cars are the bomb.

AlpineRaven wrote: Yes its an Jap import, it has heated mirrors as well.

How did you know that?

Did you see something in the picture or do all jap cars have em.