build date from vin Page 21

Short version: a VIN won’t give you the exact build date by itself.

For many makes the 10th character indicates the model year, but it’s not universal and never includes the month or day.

In Australia, the build or compliance month/year is on the plate in the door jamb or under the bonnet—check that first.

A dealer can pull the precise build date from factory systems using your VIN, and a PPSR/NEVDIS report may also list build or compliance info.

Online VIN decoders are fine for a ballpark year; for gospel truth, use the plate or the manufacturer.