There is. Only post the last six digits - that gives everyone the build number, and keeps the rest of the info (somewhat) secure - after all, I can reconstruct a HCH-2 VIN just shy of the check digit, just based on what I know about the models / option (w/ or w/o navi). For the check digit, there are tools available that would give me that, as well.

For those who post - cars for the Canadian market will have the first digit as an '8' - ie; 8xxxxx USDM models will have leading zeros up until the build sequence # - mine is '008661', for example.

If someone were to know your real name, and where you lived, they could acquire a new key, and your car could be stolen. Those are hypotheticals, but it could happen. That's why you often see people block out their license plates when they post pictures of them on the web. Google is a powerful tool - and the bad guys know how to use it, too.

There have been people who have had their cars stolen in the past, simply from people copying the visible VIN from the windshield. Supposedly, dealers have become more diligent about actually verifying that the person requesting the new key is actually the rightful owner. But why tempt fate ?

I've had a car stolen (not this way). It's not fun.

BTW - my car #8661 does *not* have the bug. Someone posted their vehicle #12xxx did seem to have it, but I'm guessing their display change was legitimate, from the way they described it, and they don't really have it (or at least, haven't definitively determined it yet).

The really valid check is at the multiples - 124mi, 186mi, 248mi, 310mi, 372mi, 434mi, 496mi
If you see a drastic change - not a tenth, but several integers worth of difference at one or more of those intervals - you've got the bug. It takes a lot to move the averaging display as you get farther and farther into a tank (assuming you haven't reset it since the tank started).

BTW - I thought 100km was 63mi, not 62 ? However, if you look at the display at 62, you're going to notice soon after if it does have the bug, so not a big issue.

Mark

Sometimes we could all use a little less

My hybrid automobiles:

Current:
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid (CVT, w/o Nav)
Magnetic Pearl / Blue - 008661, born 12/28/05
Mods: Neck pillows, Garmin C330 Nav, Draw-tite 1.25" hitch (for bikes, not towing!), Pioneer Inno XM receiver via Aux jack, OEM mud flaps, more to come!

Hypermiler status on 3/12/06 @ 3077mi.

Previous:
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid (5AT/Navi)
Desert Mist / Ivory - 001254
Retired 1/21/06 - LMPG 34.1

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