buzz_s281

In the discussion about the financial aspect of buying a Mustang, someone wrote about etching the VIN# on the window. Why would a dealer do this? Just want to know so I don't get suckered when I get a new 'Stang.
Thanks

Galaxie

some dealers charge an extra "mandatory" prep fee where they etch the windows and do other special things like put air in the tires.
It is an easy way for a dealer to make a few hundred extra dollars profit. You can get a window etching kit at most part stores for $30.

Basically refuse any service like this... if they insist, you walk.

VillianousBlak

I think we need to list some of the other things like that some dealers try to do. These specifically pop into my head.
Paint protection
Charging the same fees twice (destination & Delivery)
Claiming factory options as dealer

What about rust protection? Edmunds, which warned me about the others recommends this. It seems like if that is a real process it should be too important to be optional. Or should be done by the dealer?

Boomer

I thought the current stang has the 'theft plus' system in which parts (including windows) are etched with the vin#

kevinb120

Etch packages usually are like a "gap" theft "insurance". If the vehicle is stolen, they cover up to $5000 of costs that insurance companies dont, like deposits, rental cars, hotels even(if your stranded). The process of ETCH itself simply makes the car harder to export if stolen, most Police departments do it for free(like when we would register our bikes when we were kids). It does deter some professional thieves. You need to see if your buying the PROGRAM itself(about $200 bucks) or just the physical etching(up to about $50 or so). Its hit or miss, I have the actuall etch insurance on my car. As far as just the etching goes, I can etch 6 windows in 2 minutes tops.

Detroit_ryder

I used to etch cars back when I was a car porter for a local ford dealership. It's a simple and fairly easy process,the numbers comes on wax papers about the size of a stick of gum. then theres the lip stick size container of pink acid, just place one strip on the bottom coner of the window and go over it with the acid. all six or more windows shouldn't take more then a minute or 2.

buzz_s281

Thanks guys. I had never heard of this before. I guess I've owned older Stangs and this must be a relatively new process. My '73 and '96 Stangs didn't have this done to them.

gokbgo

FYI.. there is a new way thieves are stealing vehicles these days. They write down exposed VIN's.... and take it to the dealership to have a key made. So not only should you NOT etch your VIN in your windshield, but partially obscure all that are already exposed. Slip a piece of paper over the one on the dash.

adrenalin

The windows on my 2003 Jeep are etched by the dealer. They said this helped with insurance costs since windows are the first thing to be removed and sold if the vehicle is stolen. However, call your insurance company and you will not get a discount because of it.