VIN check

Build dates typically run 6-9 months in advance of model.....notice I said typically.
More important than the build date or model year is understanding what changes were implemented with that model year and avoid a complete makeover in year 1...... example being when Peterbilt went from the 379 to the 389. You would want to avoid the 2008MY 389 in my opinion as build issues and other issues typically get ironed out after the first year of building a new vehicle.

 

As a rule I touch nothing until its 3rd year in production.

 

1987 Buick regal built until dec 87.
1988 buick regal build date aug 87
The 88's were built while still building 87's
The RWD monte carlos built in the same plant were designated 88's after the change over.

 

Our first Penske truck came in early march listed as the next year's model

 

The model year is designated by the 8th digit from the right in the VIN.

2014 is E, 2015 is F

 

Correct! 2010 is A, and the letters will go on until 2030 when it will switch to numbers again for 9 years 1 being 2031 and so on until 2040 when it will start again with A