I bought a 04TL from Montlcair Acura (NJ), and just got an 04 MDX from Bridgewater (NJ) Acura. Both have window etching.

The TL's etching is a larger font and is the right 8 or 9 characters of the VIN. I realize that anyone can see the VIN from the windshield, but it seemed strange that the car's SSN, so to speak, would be publicized like that.

The etching on the MDX is different. It's a smaller font and the number doesn't directly come from the VIN. It may be a derivative of it, but if so, it's not readily apparent. There also seems to be a 1-800 telephone number - although I'm not sure what it does. Maybe I'll call it tonight to find out.

Just something to be aware of if your dealer does the etching thing.

 

Perhaps, two dealers use different ways to etch VINs into the windows. It's not designed by Acura...

 

This brings up a good point - Don't ever ever ever pay for VIN etching on windows. By law, manufacturers have to put VIN labels in various places on the car. Vin etching is just a way for the dealer to skim $ from the buyer!

 

Big time rip off,The dealership where I bought my car from wanted to charge $450 to it, :lol2: and the bigest joke of it all is it wont stop anyone from stealing your car and on top of that they only pay the guy $50 to do it.It's like buying gap insurance from the dealer(any where from $400 to $550)Your Insurance Co. carrys it also,and it's only $10 to $15 a year.With the way cars depreciate I would recomend buying it,but just not from the dealer.

 

VIN's aren't that special. They are pretty much in the same place on every car and you can walk through a mall parking lot and collect VIN's all day. Almost every Toyota comes with the VIN etched on every piece of glass. I makes it harder for chop shops part out cars and my insurance co. give's discounts if it's done.