VIN # engraved (etched) on each windows (glass) ?

Waste of money, finance dept money maker

 

Didn't make any difference when I checked a few years ago - a 2nd hand car I bought had it done. It does make it difficult if you change registration - interstate move etc [EDIT - this was an early version, back then they etched the Registration Number, not the VIN, but I suspect the same answer].

 

But - check with your insurer. It might depend on your profile, where you park and the steal-ability of your car.

Our Police publish a list of cars reported stolen in the local area every week and I've never seen a PRIUS or Hybrid. They tend to usually be older cars, and common cars, tho with the odd exception. [You'd think that a PRIUS with a full tank might be a good option to steal, you can drive it nearly 1000km without needing fuel.]

 

Unless your insurance company gives a discount large enough to cover the cost within a reasonable payback period, I wouldn’t bother with VIN etching.

If the idea is to deter theft of the car for its parts, the Prius window glass just isn’t that valuable: one dealer parts department near me offers the front windows for $148 each and the rear windows for $117 each. There’s far more resale potential in the hybrid battery, headlights, electronic modules, and other components.

Toyota has also taken steps to prevent a stolen car from being resold with an altered VIN: besides the VIN plate under the windshield glass and the certification label, the VIN is stamped into the body under a cover near the front of the passenger’s seat, and the engine serial number (which can be verified by dealers or on techinfo.toyota.com) is stamped into the cylinder block. In the U.S., reporting and data sharing arrangements like NMVTIS also make this crime more difficult than it once was.

 

Does it improve or decrease mpg ?

 

The windshield appears to be quite expensive. I imagine the rear glass on the Prime is too.

 

Most dealers here do the etching without asking you, but they do want money to "register" the VIN with the company they contract with. I refused, and Pearl plus Pearl S have the numbers etched but I don't pay. Actually, it's a different number, not the VIN. A scheme to separate money from the customer. Like the paint "treatment" they also sell.

As far as that old Superbowl commercial and its' follow on ones. Please explain to me how those guys started the Prius? Without the FOB? Sorry. Good story, ignore the facts!

 

Two of three dealers tried (insisted) to use this scam on me. One of those three got the sale.

Total waste of money. Ask yourself the question: "Is my car going to be returned to me in the same good shape, after it is stolen, because I paid a huge amount of money at the dealer for VIN-Etch?" No? This is what insurance is for.

 

Spare fob in the car? Ask Toyota. It was their commercial.

 

Loved seeing that red Gen 4 driving around Chicago again!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Of course, here's the second one.

 

And here's the follow up:

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

It was at a parking lot with an open booth...It could be possible. But I haven't parked at those kind of lots in years, SpotHero is usually self-park garages.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

WOW - hadn't seen the 2nd two.

We don't get that type of advert in Australia - the do-gooders have seen to having the exciting ones banned

 

It's much the same here since the Orange Sun King's reign began. Apres lui, le deluge.

I have to admit that I laugh every time I see the Chicago Police Department & Illinois State Police get eluded by the little red Prius that could. Reminds me of The Blues Brothers.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I asked my insurance company what the discount is for etched windows and was told $5.00.

 

The Prius is Heck on Wheels!

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Some of the official videos were pulled by Toyota due to complaints about the police chase IIRC.