Useless Add-on

VIN Etching

A $20 DIY kit that they sell you for $399.

What Is It?

The Simple Version

It's a stencil they use to burn your car's ID number onto the glass. It's supposed to stop thieves, but it rarely does. You can buy the exact same kit on Amazon for $20.

The Concept: "VIN Etching" is the process of permanently etching the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the windshield and windows.

The Theory: If a thief steals your car, they usually want to strip it for parts or resell it. If the windows have the VIN on them, the thief would have to replace all the glass to hide the car's identity, which costs money. Therefore, they will skip your car and steal the one next to it.

The Reality:

Professional car thieves don't care. They are stripping the car for the engine, transmission, and electronics—not the glass.
Most stolen cars today are exported or cloned electronically. Glass etching is a relic of the 1990s.

The Profit Margin: This is one of the highest-profit items in the dealership.
Cost to Dealer: $5 - $15Cost to You: $199 - $499

Action: Say This

Memorize this line or read it off your phone.

THEM

"The VIN etching and nitrogen are already on the car. We can't take them off."

YOU

"I didn't order those. I'm paying the agreed price for the car, not for extra accessories. You can either remove the charge, or I'm walking away."

The Bottom Line

DO NOT PAY.

If they claim it gives you an insurance discount, call your agent on speakerphone in front of them. The discount is usually $5/year—it would take you 80 years to break even.

Real VIN Protection: Know the Car's History

Skip the etching scam. The real way to protect yourself is to run the VIN BEFORE you buy. A VIN report reveals accidents, title issues, and odometer fraud—actual risks, not theoretical theft deterrence.

Run VIN Check

What's Next?

Extended Warranties

The finance office upsell

Battle Plans

Step-by-step buying guides

Negotiation Scripts

What to say to decline

Calculators

Verify their numbers