Dealer asks for VIN

[mtmx46]

Here's a question. Why would a Toyota dealer ask for your vehicle's vin when all you want to know is how much it would cost to replace the right rear strut?

Their excuse: your model comes with four different options for a strut. Huh? I own a DX 2.2. I already know what I want, nothing fancy, just what it came with. How complicated can it get? Am I wrong, or is this dealer trying to gather some intelligence.

Matt

[toyomoho]

Call another dealer and talk to the parts department. See if you get the same response in asking about buying a set of structs. Try to find your part at www.rockauto.com.

[ModifierMR]

Well.... uhhh how can I explain this...

So lets say you have a 1990 2.2 DX or something..... the VIN tag lets them know precisely when the car was made and also what parts are compatible with its frame.

Although you may not think so, there can be HUGE differences between a 1988 camry and a 1991 camry. Same body, but the parts can be completley different or different by a bit.

The VIN number is so they can be accurate in thier price estimate. If you gave me lip about it Id tell you a round about number and send you on your way......its not even hard to produce a VIN number for them, just bring your damn registration.

[touringcamry]

Yeah, there are sometimes minor differences even for production of the same year. For example Japan or US manufactured vehicles differ slightly and sometimes use different parts. I remember when I bought wiper inserts there was a difference between Japan and US built vehicles. I think the same was true for some brake part also.

[Tom 2000]

I assume you have a gen3 DX. This is because depending on if your car was made in Japan or in Kentucky it uses a different strut.

Models made in Japan have Serviceable struts and you only need to buy strut cartridges.
Models made in Kentucky have sealed struts and you need a whole new strut.

The VIN is a sure way to figure out if your car was made in Japan or Kentucky.

If you priced the parts from TireRack.com:

KYB front strut costs $78
KYB front strut cartridge costs $48.

KYB rear strut costs $64.
KYB rear strut cartridge costs $25 (regularly $41, but they are on closeout).

[Mike Gerber]

In addition to what others have posted about Japan and US manufactured vehicles, there are times when manufacturers make mid year parts changes on the same model vehicle. The VIN tells the parts person when you car was manufactured; was it before or after a mid year parts change. This is not uncommon and should not be alarming.

Mike

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

In addition to what others have posted about Japan and US manufactured vehicles, there are times when manufacturers make mid year parts changes on the same model vehicle. The VIN tells the parts person when you car was manufactured; was it before or after a mid year parts change. This is not uncommon and should not be alarming.

Mike

+1

The dealer was only trying to help you with the most accurate information.

[mtmx46]

Okay that helps me out guys. I don't mind giving a VIN, but sometimes you have to watch what a dealer's telling you, you know. Anyway I don't mind a ballpark so even if they sent me off with that it would be fine.

It's the first dealer who's ever asked me that.

[mk2-1jz]

pretty much all the parts from the Gen2 camry switch over. Its only the parts THEMSELVES that change. I had 2 bad starters that I wanted to make one good one with, the solenoid off of an 88 and the motor off of a 91, the pieces didnt fit together but both complete starters fit on the car. But thats Gen2

[eyeball96]

Giving up ur vin# is not a bad thing. I needed a key made that started the car and opened the trunk. The dealer made one from my vin# on my 96. Didn't even charge me for it!! (shocked the hell out of me) I recently purchased a 94 SE and the dealer printed the orginial spec sheet for the car. It listed all the options that came on the car when it was new, the build date, dealer cost, and MSRP. Good information IMO!