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Charged for “theft etch” on new tundra

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by snomoman, Aug 16, 2020.

  1. Aug 16, 2020 at 5:01 AM
    #1
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    Hello all,
    I recently bought a brand new 2020 Toyota SR5 Toyota and was charged a theft etch fee, I’ve been told that this is somewhat of a scam, I’m looking for advice and comments and from anyone that was charged for this and how much you were charged, I’m planning on getting ahold of the dealer and asking them to refund this for me because I did not authorize this, enclosed find a copy of my sales invoice with the theft etch charge of $399
    sincerely
    Snomoman

    5239B362-524C-4FE3-B306-C74C649EDDAF.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2020
  2. Aug 16, 2020 at 5:21 AM
    #2
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    It might be one of those dealer installed theft device things. It’s a ripoff. But since you signed the paperwork, the dealer might not be willing to refund it or be easy about it. Talk them up about future business or something.

    Edit: it looks like they etched your vin on other places on the truck for insurance or something. Look for it on your truck. Since it’s already done, they probably won’t refund it.

    https://www.usedcars.com/advice/car-buying/what-is-vin-etching-and-is-it-worth-the-cost-3366/
     
    NewImprovedRon and Rex Kramer like this.
  3. Aug 16, 2020 at 5:24 AM
    #3
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper Not a new member

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    Fairly common dealer add on BS. These types of charges along with over priced extended warranties are how dealers make extra money these days. Local dealer here has a worthless package (includes nitrogen) that they put on all vehicles for $899. With the exception of TTL and doc fees I refuse to pay extra dealer charges. They can get sneaky with them or try to convince you of the value. Texas caps doc fees and I believe most other states do too. I assume you have signed and taken delivery so good luck on refund.
     
    RoniusMaximus likes this.
  4. Aug 16, 2020 at 5:45 AM
    #4
    coTony

    coTony member since sept, 2017 and a BUNCH of messages

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    Before you sign the paperwork is when you look for these costs. Agree to a price and watch the price through the entire process. Be prepared for mistakes to be made on “accident” and reprinting paperwork several times. This is part of their game
     
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  5. Aug 16, 2020 at 5:47 AM
    #5
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    It's a common practice to increase profit. They etch the VIN into things and put in a stupid high fee for it. Most will drop the charge if you catch it and dispute it BEFORE you sign off on the sale. Once you've signed the documents, you have essentially and legally agreed to all the fees.
     
    deptrai, ElNopal, ColoradoTJ and 3 others like this.
  6. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:00 AM
    #6
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    One thing you can cancel and get a refund on is that extended service policy. You might even be able to threaten to cancel that if they don't drop the etching fee, but only if you are willing to follow through with cancelling it. Honestly, you're 1000 times better off doing your own maintenance anyway, or finding a mechanic you trust elsewhere. Dealership maintenance prices are highway robbery.
     
  7. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:14 AM
    #7
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    You get what you inspect, not what you expect.
     
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  8. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:15 AM
    #8
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    I thought that the extended warranty was a good deal because it’s good for seven years or 100,000 miles and the way I drive it I doubt I’ll put 100,000 miles on it, I can’t figure out how I got roped into that theft etch thing, they must’ve explained something to me...I don’t know but I guess I should’ve looked a little closer because I had “tundra-itis” and couldn’t wait to drive it
     
  9. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:16 AM
    #9
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    They don't usually point it out or mention it. It's just there and if you don't question it, then they won't mention it.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  10. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:24 AM
    #10
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    I primarily bought the truck to tow a boat with and now with what I hear about this external transmission cooler fiasco that was omitted in 19-20 tundras, I feel like telling them to take their damn truck back
     
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  11. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:34 AM
    #11
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    Or you could dump the service plan, us the money to install a trans cooler, and enjoy your tundra for the next 10 years.

    It really is a personal decision we all have to make, and I hope you are happy with whatever direction you decide to go.
     
    rockmup likes this.
  12. Aug 16, 2020 at 6:48 AM
    #12
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    Are the Windows indeed etched?

    If so they were an add-on to the truck before you ever saw it I bet and they are a line item on the invoice which you already agreed to so why should they refund you for that?

    I will bet you read that thing the next time.

    They do layer in crap on the invoice that they hope you will not notice in the bottom line for sure and that is the way they sell these things.

    I ALWAYS make them agree to the difference that I will owe them in the end and when during the process that number changes as it ALWAYS will I simply get up and head for the door.

    Last truck this was a 5 time door walk before they gave up trying?

    But it only works if you know exactly what you are working with too.
     
  13. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #13
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    Sorry for venting out my frustrations over my being overcharged, I must of been put under a spell when I bought the truck, I was having a little buyers remorse this morning and had to vent, I think I’ll take my brand new Toyota out for a nice Sunday morning country ride and forget all about it
     
  14. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:12 AM
    #14
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    Is it Etched?????

    It would hardly be the first time a dealer charged for something that was not even done!

    So was it?
     
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  15. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:18 AM
    #15
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    No need to apologize. It's a crappy deal that they did that, but I would raise a stink with them and threaten to cancel the maintenance plan if they don't refund the etching. They'd much rather eat the etching fee, whether they did it or not, than have you cancel that plan.

    Go out and enjoy that truck. If you really wanna enjoy it, hit that tow haul button at a stop light and then stand on it. It'll make you grin every time!
     
  16. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:23 AM
    #16
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    went out into the garage and inspected all the windows, I don’t see anything visual that shows of any etching of any kind, I will be calling the dealer Monday morning
     
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  17. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:25 AM
    #17
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    When you tell them you want that refunded, tell them you want it refunded with interest as well, because if you financed that you've been accruing daily interest on that amount.
     
  18. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:25 AM
    #18
    snomoman

    snomoman [OP] New Member

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    Really been wanting to do that ever since I’ve read about it here, but I’m afraid I’m going to break it, It’s only got 2300 miles, I got to stop this and get on it and enjoy
     
    GODZILLA[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:30 AM
    #19
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    You won't break anything. Have some fun! :evil:
     
  20. Aug 16, 2020 at 7:32 AM
    #20
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    It's found on the glass panels, and it's not something that jumps out at you.
    Look again.
     
  21. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:41 AM
    #21
    RoniusMaximus

    RoniusMaximus The One and Only

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  22. Aug 16, 2020 at 8:45 AM
    #22
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    It’s a little etch thing they put on the windows (usually crooked) and charge an ton of money for...
     
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  23. Aug 16, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #23
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    All true but how is it a scam of any kind of they actually did the etching and you see it as a line item on the invoice?

    Now of they charged for it but did not do it that is another thing altogether.
     
  24. Aug 16, 2020 at 9:54 AM
    #24
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Introverted Troglodyte

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    It's an extremely overpriced "feature" that they do to vehicles without informing customers and they try to sneak the charge in. Less a scam, than a rip off and shady.
     
  25. Aug 16, 2020 at 9:58 AM
    #25
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    I’ll tell you now, a lot of dealers don’t even do it but charge!
     
  26. Aug 16, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #26
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    And if true it is obviously a straight up scam which is exactly what I have already said.

    But if they do add it and you buy it anyway it might be a terrible deal on a questionable feature but maybe you should have noticed that before buying the truck like that too.
    But that does not make it a scam or really even shady.it was listed for you to see and buy or not just like everything else on the trucks package.
     
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  27. Aug 16, 2020 at 10:21 AM
    #27
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

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    Maybe to you and me but hardly a Scam in any sense either.

    There are a whole lot of little things that seem worth getting and to be obsessed with for our trucks on this forum that I would literally never consider for myself but that does not diminish the value in them to those who decide they are things they want on their own trucks whether I like them or not.
    This is exactly the same thing.
     
  28. Aug 16, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #28
    Medic343

    Medic343 5+4+3=2

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    Not a terrible feature to have but you got worked on that cost. Our local police department does VIN etching free to the public twice a year.
     
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  29. Aug 16, 2020 at 11:03 AM
    #29
    14CRWMX

    14CRWMX New Member

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    Dealer tried to charge me $399 for "nitrogen filled tires" , so all this OP's invoice stuff is not siurprising at all .
     
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