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Originally Posted by sandsmuseum
The one field I decided not to let you edit, because it is the column that gets indexed for those of you that understand databases, was the VIN field. Of course, that is the most difficult to enter reliably.
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Perhaps reconsider using any of the entered data as your immutable key field. Just pick a random or sequential key and allow the VIN to be just another data field. The key need not be meaningful, and you can still stort by anything you like.
I usually enter a VIN "close" to my own, and still valid. If there are other people like me, then you will get collisions, right?
But back to the Published VIN issue, I have mixed feelings about it myself. On one hand, it's on every windscreen. On the other hand, it's not currently online in a public-accessible way. If there is some nefarious use for a VIN number, you would have to hack into the DMV or drive to my place to find out what mine is.
There have been other cars where incompetant or corrupt dealerships would cut keys given just the VIN number, perhaps with a bit of social engineering. That was one of the most commonly stated reasons for keeping the VIN as unpublished as possible... a thief would then have to visit the car twice, once to get the VIN first, then cut a key and again to steal it. Is this a valid concern? Does a published list of VINs make any thief's job easier, or is it just tinfoil hat paranoia?
Second, there is increased concern that insurance companies and car dealerships will use public information to refute claims. "This shady 'Ground Loop' character attends races, posts pictures and videos of him doing it, modifications to his car, and his VIN is confirmed right here. Clearly we can't honor that warranty/insurance claim." Real or imagined risk?
And yes, a model year and four-digit serial number is identical to a VIN.. the rest can be computed on the back of an envelope.
Personally, I'd rather that information be available only to people that visit my car in person.