Does everyone have the VIN number etched on all four
windows(bottom left of glass)? If so, I am guessing that
it is done at the factory, and is not really a dealer
installed option. I was asked if I wanted to pay $299
(or something like that - I have frequest memory loss too)
to have it done(claimed it was a theft deterrent). I politely
declined, but when I got the car, it was there anyway?
Was the dealer being nice (may be I overpayed?) or trying
to fool me with an "option"?

-sabuson

 

I didn't see that on mine, I'll check.

 

Trying to fool you....this was all part of the Dateline NBC that was on a few weeks ago...that was one of the most common hidden charges they had found. This was especially prevelant with dealers working under the Sonic corporation

 

Mine doesn't have them. I'm not sure if others do. You're lucky not to pay them additional fee for having those. (maybe, their $299 means something else...)

 

VIN etching is NEVER done by manufacturers, it's definitely a dealer "installed" option. Of course, it's not worth $299, but I bet you misunderstood what the dealer was selling you.

The NJ dealership that I bought my car from etches VINs on all cars that they receive by default. The don't charge anything for it. BUT they can sell you some kind of VIN registration insurance that supposedly helps with vehicle recovery and that pays you something, if the vehicle is not recovered within a certain amount of time. In NJ you can get something like 15% off your comprehensive insurance premium, if you have this additional insurance.

The dealer offered me this insurance, but I declined. I think the cost was $175.

 

Waste of money!

 

Check with your local Police Dept. Ours in NY does it for free. They even come to my garage and do all the cars at once periodically.

 

Waste of money. You do not need it.

 

WOW - NYC gives out something for free?

 

total waste of money... My dealer offered 299 for it... i said hell no... then we negociated a little and they couldnt go too far from msrp but they threw in free $200 tint...

when i got the car the VIN was scratched on it.... anyways, its useless.

If i was a car thief, and i knew what i was doing, a barely visible laser etch is not going to stop me.

 

I heard from the Commanding Officer of a CHP office that I was stationed near, that Porsche has been using: "Salt and Pepper chips" in the paint. (1998)

I'm not sure if it is in the clearcoat ,paint, or embeded deeper..
It is suppose to have the last four digits of the VIN.

They have a mobile metering device that can validate body metal to registered VIN's--on the spot.

I believe it!
I wouldn't doubt that there is even encrypted data in the paint schemes--of most new cars.

If the remote sensing technology was good enough, they could check cars from a distance--makes FELONY Traffic stops safer.

Plus the NAV system is just like one big tracking device.

Got location based technology...
NathanSilver

 

Hope this is really a good way to help owners and police.

However, for now, the encryption-code paint finish is dream to regular vehicles, or it's only using on a particular spot of those dream cars/high price cars. Perhaps, Acura/JDM Honda would use this on 08TL or 09RL. If this has been the mature technic in painting, MB will already have all their vehicles with codes.

Also, about the tracking system interfusing with the manufacture Navi, it's long way to go. First of all, they need to figure out how to fix the privacy issues. Millions of Americans would go against this device.

Now you only can find aftermarket GPS tracking system. And, I believe some ppl would put on cars of wife/husband/children without telling them.

 

the navi can't be tracked from an external source (onstar is a somewhat different story). our VIN's are already on our car in at least several, probably dozens, of hidden places. the engine block, for example, and stamped into the frame

 

My TL has the windows etched also. I didn't pay a dime for it nor did the dealer ever bring it up. Was fresh off the truck with 3-4 miles. Not sure whats up with this "option"???

Smitty

 

I have the number "1536352: etched on my windshield and front side windows. It is not my VID, and was not done by my dealer. There is also an "800" phone number etched too.

 

rets.

I don't know if "SIRF' [silicon RF] is still in business,
but I understand that they were developing/pioneering
IC Chips with imbedded GPS about 10 years ago.

My Intel source has about a 90% reliabilty factor.

Don't know for sure...
NathanSilver

 

They tried it with me and I said no thank you. It was not already done to my car when I received it.

 

The vehicle etch was on my wife's Maxima when I leased it. The dealer told me he wanted $200 for it and that I would get a break on my comprehensive. I told him I never heard of it and would walk if he charged me for it. He threw it in for free with the certficate to close the deal. I was surprised when I actually did get a reduction on my comprehensive coverage for the vehicle etch.

 

Thanks for your update. I'm sure things like that will be real very soon.

 

Well I'm in new york also and spent the $299 for it. The car is now registered and I am guarranteed $7600 towards the purchase of a NEW CAR if mine is not recovered or is recovered but a total loss. Not bad for $299 especially in n.y.!!!!!

 

Bingo. I had mine done saved me 10 % on car insurance. well worth NYPD doing it for free.