Window VIN etching

After a year of owning my new 2021 Taco I noticed that the side windows had the truck VIN number etched into them. Is this normal for Toyota trucks? Kinda embarrassed I didn't notice this earlier....

 

It's normal if you pay extra for it.

The Vin should be in many more places too hidden on body panels and such it's an anti-dismantle and reuse thing.

Some insurance offer discounts for it.

 

Dealer 'service' that you paid for up front.

Did you get the Scotch Guarded seats and paint protection too?

 

Every piece of glass on my FJ has the VIN etched into it, but none on my Taco. Not sure who does this to the vehicles, but I don't think it is a factory thing. And I asked my insurance company about any rate reduction for the FJ and they said that the etched VIN did not provide any discounts.

 

And you signed off on this...

 

It a dealership thing to get more money from you. My wife’s Prius had that as a dealer installed “option” and I told them that I didn’t want it, they said that they did it to every new vehicle so I said fine I’ll just buy from one of the dozen other Toyota dealerships in the area and poof the charge was removed.

 

Years ago 2008 I had my Taco's windows etch at the dealer and it came with a 5,000.00 insurance guarantee that if the truck was stolen I would get a check of 5,000.00. Guess what my truck was stolen in my yard in the middle of the night and I did receive the 5000,00 plus the insurance paid me the value of my Tacos cause I had a clause in my policy that they would give full amount of the truck in the first 3 years without depreciation. Oh yeah the Taco was recovered burnt to a crisp 50 miles from my home half way between Ottawa and Montreal on the famous 401 highway which is notorious for car thefts. Cops say it was stolen by car thieves but when they noticed it was not a TRD Sport just a Sport as I had the TRD sticker on it so they just torched it A$$holes pissed me off cause I loved that Taco. Etching is a good thing to have. just saying.

 

I believe its port installed to the best of my knowledge. There was a $350 charge on my sales order when I left a deposit for my future build allocation. I told my salesman I didn’t want it, he said all their vehicles have etching but he will remove the charge.

 

They seem to try to charge this at every single dealer ranging from $199-$400 in this ripoff state. Unfortunately buyers not really in the position to negotiate for now. Once this vehicle shortage diminishes i hope the dealers feel the pain. Love how we pay a "dealer conveyance fee" Window Etch, sometimes a "prep" more at the used car lots and people still go through with the deal.

 

I might consider trying an experiment with Armour Etch. Never tried this on automotive glass but have used it on various dinnerware that sometimes is left at friend’s and relative’s houses to ensure a return. In my case, the girlfriend has a vinyl cutter and usually creates the letters/numbers as a stencil and then we layer this stuff on. The longer you leave it the more pronounced the etching is. The same company creates a VIN specific etch kit as well. Beats dealer pricing if it works.

$25 Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream - Create Stunning Designs on Glass Surfaces - Etching Cream for Glass by Armour Products - 10 oz Net Weight

https://www.amazon.com/Armour-Etch-15-0200-Cream-10-Ounce/dp/B001BE3UM4

https://www.etchworld.com/Item/50-0890

 

One of the biggest finance guy scams. Right up there with the paint protection and scotch guard that Bill mentioned. They tell you that you can save on your insurance which in most cases is a lie and if your insurance does cut you a break, it will never cover the cost of this useless and pointless profit product.

 

I just reviewed my sales contract and I did not pay the VIN etching or dealer conveyance fees. #winning

 

My dealer had it on the invoice, which I think was $250. I told them I wasn't paying it and they removed the charge. Of course that's when we also paid under MSRP.