I noticed on another forum that a couple of new owners are buying SE's that either contain non-SE accessories like a Gobi rack, or are having SE accessories installed by the dealer. Odd, no SE has a Gobi rack and SE's are delivered with all accessories installed at the port. I think the owners are from the privately owned Toyota distributorships SET and GST where the rules vary from the other ten factory regions.

I could be completely wrong, but am wondering if the distributors or dealers are converting non-SE's into SE's. It wouldn't take much to fool the uneducated into overpaying for a forgery. It should also thoroughly annoy any current or prospective SE owner since it will dilute resale value.

Nate, if you're reading this, I've no doubt that you have the genuine article. It would be helpful if you could scan a copy of at least the top half of your Monroney window label, the official one that came with your SE, and post it here with your VIN obscured. Hopefully there'll be some kind of identifying code for an SE that prospective owners can check for to be sure they're paying for the real deal.

If this becomes an issue, I have a phone-in campaign to TMS ready to roll using the magic word BUYBACK. TIA...

 

Wow, good catch Bob.
Please keep us informed on this.

 

That is ridiculous! What people will do to get more money. As Corey said... Good catch..

 

Will do!!!

 

My taco is a SR5 and i have had people try to talk me into getting the TRD stickers to put on my truck so if i ever decide to sell it i can get more out of it......I hate the idea that people are doing things like that!! I have had people go as far as giving me the measurements to place the stickers to make it more authentic!! I wish i had the TRD package but Im not gonna fake it!!!

 

I have TRD stickers on my Runner and I have people ask about it but I'd never be that dishonest to make a buk of of somebody.

 

Also true, I am thinking of putting TRD stickers on my truck, but I would never seill it as a TRD truck. lol. This is crap. Good catch man!!

 

I have a second VIN sticker on the inside of my driver's side door with the VIN# with a three-digit # below it... I recon it's the TRD SE production number..?????

Mine says 303

 

tranny's a 3 digit code, isn't it?

 

Nate, the Monroney label for non-SE's (M/T) says:

DESCRIPTION: FJ CRUISER
4X4 SUV

YEAR/MODEL: 2007/4703A

Does your label have any additional codes on those lines? The other place I'd check is the Optional Equipment section for an SE package code with content and price listed.

 

For my SE automatic:



DESCRIPTION: FJ CRUISER 4X4 SUV

YEAR/MODEL: 2007/4704C

COLOR: BLACK DIAMOND P/GRAY/CHAR/ASH/S (0211/11)

 

I pulled up several new TRD SE's advertised on the web and they all have nothing in common with my VIN #...

Best guess is that Toyota will have to release the VIN#'s of the all the factory SE's.

 

From another forum, a Monroney posted by an owner:

http://www.rogerbly.com/pics/fj/fj-sticker-lg.jpg

A Monroney can't be forged, there is only one issued per vehicle. So, if the SE option code is missing, you've got a counterfeit.

We'll have to watch for these. I've been scanning eBay this week, but all I've seen are actual SE's so far. They've been selling for $5K more than the standard issue. That's probably more than enough temptation for an unscrupulous seller.

 

I have a call into Toyota about how to tell what number in the series my TRD SE is... the rep took my name and tele# and gave me a case number and said she would be calling me back sometime in the next day or so.

I suspect it is the small 3 digit number listed below the VIN number on several of the stickers on my FJ. Like the one in the door and under the hood etc.

*EDIT: These numbers may not mean what I think they do. Could one of you non-TRD owners check the VIN sticker under your hood to see if there is a 3 digit number listed below the VIN# on it?

 

Make me go outside to the cold again will ya

375 Nate.
And I was just warming up to
Just got home a bit ago, been working outside most of the day on snow removal since 4 am at work.

 

Well that eliminates my idea... ah well... I will wait on Toyota's call then.

Thanks Corey for braving the elements!

BTW, it 73 degrees here at the moment.