smart car alarm - aftermarket or dealer installed

Carnut · 02-12-2008, 03:34 AM

Can anyone say for sure if the dealer can install the "factory" alarm system? Any idea on cost?

Would one be just as well off by buying an aftermarket unit, or will an important feature (motion detector?) be lost?

spdickey · 02-12-2008, 07:27 AM

No, they can't install the factory system aftermarket. I added a LoJack for $499 in lieu of the factory alarm I forgot to configure. It slips inside the battery compartment. No switches, its not seen at all. It doesn't honk the horn when bothered, but it does get your car back (hopefully) if someone carries it off. Gets the insurance discount, too.

I'm happy that at least the panic alarm is still there, and that a little light flashes on the lock button when the car is unattended. It looks like there's something "armed." Hope that works!

Karl Roth · 02-12-2008, 07:46 AM

Do the non alarm cars come with the immobilizer, seems so looking at the manual. Thanks karl

spdickey · 02-12-2008, 07:49 AM

No key, no move.

Karl Roth · 02-12-2008, 08:00 AM

That satisfies me for security. Spending the 160 for the alarm was for insurance discount only and now seems like a good deal. Thanks
karl

Carnut · 02-12-2008, 08:25 AM

Thanks Steve. I know you negotiated the Lojack down to 499 by mentioning you could get it on the web for that price. Can you share the website as I can't locate one in that price range. Thanks.

gamernotwatcher · 02-12-2008, 11:04 AM

I know it was mentioned earlier, and early adopters were configuring blindly, what are the cool features of the alarm? Non- alarms have the panic and the immobilizer what else? Thanks in advance

Karl Roth · 02-12-2008, 11:12 AM

Anti-Theft warning system with Tow away alarm and interior motion sensor
hope that helps
karl

SmartAzz · 02-12-2008, 11:14 AM

Are you guys certain that the non-alarm cars come with the immobilizer? They might but I'd check that out first before relying on what the manual says, I've had car manuals misstate information like that before (sometimes they simply include facts for all cars with all equipment and/or European models, etc).

In any case Gidget's adventure shows the benefits of having an audible alarm

Karl Roth · 02-12-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

Are you guys certain that the non-alarm cars come with the immobilizer? They might but I'd check that out first before relying on what the manual says, I've had car manuals misstate information like that before (sometimes they simply include facts for all cars with all equipment and/or European models, etc).

that is based on two delivered cars one with one without the alarm option
karl