Etching - Is it really required?

Just wondering if anyone else was required to purchase etching when they took delivery of their Tacoma? I insisted I did not want it but was advised that I had no choice. I took it (as I had no choice) but do not feel that it should be mandatory. Perhaps some dealers can shed some light on this. I am in Atlantic Canada so it could be different rules in various regions.

Perhaps it should be listed on the MSRP sticker if it is a non-optional part of the price.

 

Ermmm..What did they etch??

 

this, i think, on the back center window

 

never been mandatory here,i think its just a scam anyway.

 

They etched mine. Did all the windows. Don't really remember what the guy said about it.

 

Not required here.

 

My "02" is etched. 5 windows and some other "secret" places that only toyota knows about.

 

Mine was done before I picked it up from dealer. Wasn't charged for it. Done for theft reasons.

 

VIN usually
Edit: some insurance companies will give a discount, but not many

 

Sounds to me that they did the etching and are now telling you that it is mandatory to recover the cost plus whatever overhead they add on. If you are not aware that it is mandatory in the area you are from and no one speaks up otherwise, I would call them on it. Sounds like a very pushing, predatory tactic to sell dealer add-ons. Just my 2cents.

 

We sell these to car dealerships. They are used to track your auto parts if it is stolen and/or stripped. They are etched (with acid) on various points of your auto. You usually get better insurance rates with the etching. Newer technology is just a dot the size of a pencil lead. Some of the etching can only be seen with a black light (depending on where it is locaed on the auto). All types of etching come with a window sticker which in itself is a theft deterent (sp?)

 

never heard of it, sounds pretty cool to me, that is if you live in the city and park on the street!

 

Its not required as in by law but it is required for certain auto groups. For instance certain corporate conglomerates that own many dealerships require it on all floorplanned vehicles. The dealership cant not sell it to you or the general manager and sales manager can lose ther jobs.