So I searched the faq and all I could find are the differences between R1 vs regular FD (interior, sunroof, etc...). Is there anything in the VIN that identifies an authentic R1/R2?

 

No.

 

Go to http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/disp...ersHome.action Sign up and punch in your vin. It will tell you what you have. Worked great for me.

 

Where is the sticker located? According to the FAQ:
Stiffer suspension, front & rear spoilers, dual oil coolers, special cloth seats, strut tower brace

So R1s can be identified by oil coolers and special seats. I remember hearing somewhere that interior is black as well. Are they the same seats as on the base model?

 

I am afraid that is not going to work, I don't have one yet

 

Once you have one in mind get the vin. # go to that site and are if it's what the owner claim's it is. In answer to your other question, no the seats are not the same as the base model.

 

Mahjik

As already mentioned, there is no guaranteed way. There are items that show it isn't - like if it only has one oil cooler. However, it is always possible that one side was pulled out for some silly reason.

I have an R1 with leather seats - had the dealer swap when I purchased it. IF it has dual oil coolers and the factory strut bar is probably the strongest indicator - but it is no guarantee.

FWIW, I'd focus on getting a car in good shape that has been taken care of over trying to purchase a specific configuration.

Scott

 

all you have to do is call mazda customer service. and tell them your vin # and they will tell you if your are basic or r1/r2.

phone: 18002225500

 

Basically, the VIN itself doesn't tell you model information. Mazda can do a warranty report which will correspond the VIN to the appropiate information.

ColdFeet, I think you are confused on whom you are responding to....

 

Cool, I'll just call mazada next time I see something special on sale. If I am going to pay so much for a car I want to make sure its EXACTLY what I want, I don't want to end up saying should've/could've later on.

Now its time to check craiglist daily for an R1.

 

sigh... yup - got in a hurry. But with almost 20K posts - was hoping you wouldn't notice

 

the panel on the drivers side door might say...it has most of the model info

QUOTE=Anton CH.;7461957]So I searched the faq and all I could find are the differences between R1 vs regular FD (interior, sunroof, etc...). Is there anything in the VIN that identifies an authentic R1/R2?[/QUOTE]

 

if theres been no modifications on the car you can tell by the...

spoiler, if theres no sunroof, the dual oil coolers in the front, the front strut brace and the super stiff suspension.

its been a while since i had my R1... im sure there was something inside i just cant remember.