window etch question

[arc_runner]

I just purchased a new 2011 4Runner and going over the fees I see a charge of $299 for secure etching. I thought this option was supposed to etch your VIN number into the glass. When I look at my windows, in the lower right corners I see the text "Toyota" , "AGC Automotive", and some numbers separated by dashes. To me they seem like part numbers. What is the secure etch supposed to look like?

 

[echo4tango]

it should be the vin number of that vehicle on EVERY window. if you paid for it already probably cant get them to give you the money back but i would for sure make them put in on all the windows like it is supposed to be.

 

[KevinG]

I just purchased a new 2011 4Runner and going over the fees I see a charge of $299 for secure etching. I thought this option was supposed to etch your VIN number into the glass. When I look at my windows, in the lower right corners I see the text "Toyota" , "AGC Automotive", and some numbers separated by dashes. To me they seem like part numbers. What is the secure etch supposed to look like?

Same thing happened to me. I went back to the dealer and just asked for my $ back as I didnt really want it. They wouldnt give me a refund but did etch all of the windows right on the spot. My salesman was actually the one that did it. Apparently, a 3rd party company actually insures your vehicle in the event it is stolen (or just the glass is) and not recovered in a certain amount of time. I guess they will cover your deductible...I should have paid more attention to that line when signing the paperwork as I would have taken my chances and saved the $200.

 

[arc_runner]

Same thing happened to me. I went back to the dealer and just asked for my $ back as I didnt really want it. They wouldnt give me a refund but did etch all of the windows right on the spot. My salesman was actually the one that did it. Apparently, a 3rd party company actually insures your vehicle in the event it is stolen (or just the glass is) and not recovered in a certain amount of time. I guess they will cover your deductible...I should have paid more attention to that line when signing the paperwork as I would have taken my chances and saved the $200.

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the info. I'm going to ask for a refund and see what happens. Also, I see they only charged you $200 instead of the $299 they charged me.

 

[echo4tango]

youre welcome..glad i could help.

 

[KevinG]

Also, I see they only charged you $200 instead of the $299 they charged me.

Actually just pulled out the paperwork to make sure and I was only charged $169 :wow:

 

[arc_runner]

youre welcome..glad i could help.

Hi echo,
Sorry, I forgot to thank you for your reply.

 

[Koz]

When I was reading the sales contract from the first Stealer I made a deal with I noticed this $300 charge. I was told that all the vehicles they sell get this done, no matter what. This pissed me off to no end considering I was special ordering and the vehicle was not even made yet and did not want this SILLY scam. They would not budge so I walked. They called me the next day and wanted to work out some way to make the deal. I told them i could not trust them and I would NEVER buy a vehicle from them no matter how good a deal.

Koz

 

[JasonCz]

When I was reading the sales contract from the first Stealer I made a deal with I noticed this $300 charge. I was told that all the vehicles they sell get this done, no matter what. This pissed me off to no end considering I was special ordering and the vehicle was not even made yet and did not want this SILLY scam. They would not budge so I walked. They called me the next day and wanted to work out some way to make the deal. I told them i could not trust them and I would NEVER buy a vehicle from them no matter how good a deal.

Koz

To be honest with you, I think its actually kinda brilliant. If your car is stolen, many of the parts that carry the VIN number can be easily changed. The windows, on the other hand would be VERY expensive to change.

I know where I grew up there was always programs going on with the local PD to bring in your electronics and bicycles and they would etch them for free. This is pretty much the same thing.

BTW, mine was done for a previous customer that backed out on the deal, so I didn't pay a penny for it.

 

[Ryan_S]

:wow: sounds like a scam to me.

 

[sandcrawler]

mine already had window etching done at the dealer when i bought it (iirc, i think it's a different # sequence than the VIN). told the dealer i wouldn't have wanted it if given the choice and they took that line item off the deal; paid $0. when i insured it i still got the discount for the anti-theft etching, though!

 

[JasonCz]

:wow: sounds like a scam to me.

If it's a scam, why would insurance companies recommend it?

Quote from GEICO directly:

Have your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) etched on each of the windows. Car thieves want to get off cheap. They don’t want to go to the expense of replacing all the glass.

 

[harper7]

If it's a scam, why would insurance companies recommend it?

Quote from GEICO directly:

It's a scam because the dealer charges $300 for something that most local companies do for $50 or less. Our police dept does it for free 2 or 3 times a month. Check with your PD. http://www.fortworthpd.com/docmgmt/2011-Auto-Etch--Schedule.pdf

Same with the paint sealant scam!

 

[JasonCz]

It's a scam because the dealer charges $300 for something that most local companies do for $50 or less. Our police dept does it for free 2 or 3 times a month. Check with your PD. http://www.fortworthpd.com/docmgmt/2011-Auto-Etch--Schedule.pdf

So not a scam...just a ripoff...glad we straightened that out.....lol (I didn't pay for mine anyway)

 

[Rider1]

:wow: sounds like a scam to me.

+1K

I'm amazed at someone spending a considerable sum of $$ and they read the fine print AFTER they signed the paperwork !! :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

Dave

 

[Koz]

The problem is the Stealer doesn't tell the customer about this added expense and unless you catch it at the signing, your beat! It costs the Stealer nothing and charges $300. This is just like when Stealers were charging hundreds of dollars for this MAGIC paint sealant. An honest Stealer (oxymoron) would NOT do this! After I checked with the BBB about this Stealer, I come to find out this is the least of their dishonest business practices. The owner has been involved in many legal actions that he had to pay back many customers in class action lawsuits. What makes it even worse is that he is still allowed to do this.

Koz

 

[arc_runner]

+1K

I'm amazed at someone spending a considerable sum of $$ and they read the fine print AFTER they signed the paperwork !! :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:

Dave

If you read my original post my question was what does the secure etching look like.

 

[harper7]

If you read my original post my question was what does the secure etching look like.

It's your VIN number etched on all the windows......
like this

 

[NMN]

Theft etch protect rip-off

Whether it is good or bad for protection, the D(St)ealer sneaks it in as additional fees after the deal and pretends it is already etched and nothing can be done about it. They go all out and force it on you. It should be mentioned before the deal and should be optional. Toyota Corporation knows this and does not ask the dealers NOT to do that. Toyota Motor Inc waits until you sign the papers and tell you, "you signed the papers and it is between you and the dealer".
You can save yourself from the rip-off if you do not sign the papers. You do not have to ever buy it if you do not like it even if it is etched before you buy it. A simple "NO" is all needed.

KOZ , good job doing that.

How about the document fee the dealer charges $159.? is it correct , or can it be avoided.