Hi all,

I'm new to the forums, picking up my Fit on monday (I hope!). I'm picking it up from a different town (they had a return, wrong colour) so I haven't seen a final bill of sale price but I was adamant in getting them to confirm that there were no extras on the car beyond what had been discussed.

I've heard from a bunch of people that said when you go in to sign they add $300 for etching, and say that all hondas must have this done.

My question is just is this true, or are there people who have not had etching done or not had to pay for it?

Thanks in advance.

 

This is one of those gimmicks. Unless there is a providence law up by you, it isn't required by Honda. I asked my dealer to do it, just because of cheaper insurance. They charged me $25US, not $300CDN. It's a pretty good idea for helping cops identify a missing vehicle and makes it a little harder for a theif to cover up the VIN. But, nothing fantastic and if you really wanted to you can do it yourself with some time and patience.

 

If it were TRUE that all honda's needed that it would be included in the sale price.. tell them to SHOVE IT!

 

Never heard of it in Minnesota.

 

Hi Everyone:
The day I left my deposit, an invoice was written up reflecting my trade,deposit, and dealer fees. I noticed a fee of $249.00 for window etching. At that time I made it clear this could break the deal if this charge was not removed.
Verbal ok by Sales person.
Day of pickup, I sat down with the finance guy who still had this $249 calculated in the figures . When I asked him why he was charging me for something I did not request & was to be removed, and oh, by the way I should mention, was not done anyway (so check your windows)a quick correction was made
Where I am, etching is not necessary but check with your local DMV
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

 

My dealer rips people off $200 for this "service", it is not needed or necessary. The VIN is clearly visible through the bottom of the windsheild on the drivers side, it's not needed any place else. I told my dealer predelivery not to do it to my Fit.

 

I think the idea behind etching VINs on various glass parts is make the car less useable if stolen AND parted-out. But I also think someone who would buy possibly "hot" parts would not care too much about some numbers on the glass.

 

It is another profit-padding gimmick. You can get kits to do it yourself for like $20 or so I think.

 

So it sounds like it happens sometimes

Thanks very much for the replies guys I guess I'll prepare myself for a fight if this occurs.

Cheers

 

Most Local Police have a FREE program..........Call them first,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

useless for sure. all they mark is windows. Don't see it as much of a deterent for someone stealing my wheels, sterio, or engine.

 

Etching went out of fashion about 10 years ago in Australia. Etching can only be done on a limited number of parts where as data dots can be sprayed all over the car and are a vastly superior technology for around the same price or less. They pretty much are destroying the rebirthing and black parts market same as compulsory factory immobilisrs destroyed the chance of amatuer vehicle theft. They are looking at making data dots compulsory in a number of countries including New Zealand and Australia on all new cars. All Subarus already come standard with them in Australia as do the high performace Holdens and Fords (HSV and FPVs).
http://www.datadotusa.com/index.htm
http://www.mdatatech.com/australia/australia.htm

 

You can buy VIN etching kits that run about $20-30. I have been thinking about ordering one. I dont know how much it would really help in the end. I saw a few kits that give you extra stickers to do the plastic under the hood/engine. If you do get a kit, BE CAREFUL! Many etching cream kits have hydrofloric acid in them. It is very toxic to the body. It goes from the skin to the bone, and then causes cancer. Be sure to take your time and wear the gloves that they give you.

 

they charged me $189 for it. I know it was a complete ripoff but it lowered my insurance, so someting good came out of it