Dealer posted VIN Numbers

[www.03msp.com]

All:

I purchased a 2003.5 Mazdaspeed from a local dealer here. After doing so, I noticed via an online inventory search that they showed their MSP inventory AND the VIN numbers. I waited two weeks and it was still up there. I called and left a VM with a person at the dealer as well as contacting Mazda corporate. Corporate wasn't too happy. Yet, they were very nice with me and said they would take care of it. I just checked and my VIN is no longer up there (good!), but the rest are.

What are your thoughts on this? I feel it is like identify theft. The VIN's, whether sold or not calls for problems.

- Brian:eek:

[rocketspeed]

I think its the only way they can truly track the cars. As far as I know, every car manufacturer does it.

[122 Vega]

Umm, can't I just walk up to your car in a parking lot and get your VIN?

This is like people blocking out their license plates on their photos. You can come steal my MSP, I'll just buy another one for less $$. Or maybe not..

Britt

[www.03msp.com]

I guess I feel that having a "public list" is not good for malicious reasons. Someone walking up to an individual car to get a VIN is one thing (takes time and directed) versus having it "freely available" I don't feel is such a good idea. Mazda corporate does not like the VINS being posted as well.

- Brian

[t3ase]

I can do more damage to you via stuff over the net by having your license plate than I could by having your VIN...

[Gbourdon]

I think the dealer has to put a vin or a code to correspond with an exact vehicle that they have on the lot when advertising. Otherwise you run into the old "Oh we sold that one but we do have this car which has a few more options for only an extra 1500 bucks..." I am pretty sure it's a law. As far as not removing the numbers right away I don't know how that works especially if it is a print advertisement.

[rocketspeed]

Originally posted by zmzmp5
I guess I feel that having a "public list" is not good for malicious reasons. Someone walking up to an individual car to get a VIN is one thing (takes time and directed) versus having it "freely available" I don't feel is such a good idea. Mazda corporate does not like the VINS being posted as well.

- Brian

Mazda corporate posts the VIN of every single Mazda available for sale in the US on its own wesite. Go there and search dealer inventory. You'll find every MSP on every lot in the US's VIN.

[www.03msp.com]

No shit! I just did what you said and BAM!. Okay, I guess I was over reacting a little bit. I'll shutup now and go back into the corner.

CLOSE THIS THREAD.