Alarm suggestions

Alarm suggestions

I have a '03 LE and I'm looking for a pretty basic alarm system, something that will incorporate the remote lock/unlocking features (with rolling code) as well as some kind of immobilizer (to keep the car from driving away by itself). Is there a better brand than others? I would like to hear what all of you are using.

I also have a similair question, Should I fork over the money and get a Rs3200 "VIP" plus security system for $300. My mom has one that came with her Rav4 but I want to get the Rs3000 plus model which actually chirps when you lock the car and is supposedly more safe, but i mostly want it because it chirps (to have the feeling of a more expencive car ) O and by the way does anybody know how much it costs to install one of these things?

I could care less about the chirp... in fact I would rather have an alarm that silently arms... it draws less attention to the alarm

bimmernut do you want remote start capability?

03ToyMan,

Won't that compromise security? BTW mine's a stick. Does that make a difference in remote starting? I thought that feature was only available for slushboxes... automatics

I was just going to suggest the same alarm system I have...the Viper 550. But it has remote-start capability, and why pay for something you wouldn't use.

Don't think it (remote starting) would comprimise security. The same relay they use to energize the starter relay to start it, they disable when the alarm is sounding. May actually be a plus for security (no start car, no drive car).

In another post I said how lousy a job Circuit City did putting the alarm system in my last car, and how good a job Best Buy did straightening it out and reinstalling it in my 03. Circuit City hit me for $160 to do a lousy job, Best Buy got me for $140, and did a excellent job. But others here have good luck with CC. But that gives a idea of install costs (with remote start anyway).

Neither is "allowed" to install a remote start in a manual car. But I'd bet if you got the right installer...

03ToyMan,

I will be going to a "pro", an installer that does some crazy custom jobs and I know that he didn't fall from the turnip truck yesterday only to start installing stereos and alarms today. I guess I was interested in the "brands" that have the best reliability. They sell Clifford. Have you heard anything about this alarm maker?

Excellent choice on going to a pro installer. Wish I'd had that option where I currently reside. We have one up here who claims "pro" status, but I have heard horror stories about him too. Would have done it myself, but that voids warranty, both alarm and car. Also Allstate won't give the passive alarm device discount for self-installed units.

Honeslty can't say I've heard of Clifford. I went DEI, mainly because that's what was available. Haven't had any issues with the actual alarm unit, but did have serious issues with the install job (I.E. alarm triggering while driving, failure to release when applying brake, alarm leads chaffed thru insulation in firewall opening).

You seem to be more upper scale than the "Joe Average" auto buff. If I may be so bold, check out www.griotsgarage.com

I've ordered from them, pretty top shelf. A little overpriced IMHO. But good stuff.

BTW...tnx for the PM on the 9005 swap. You've planted a seed.

03ToyMan,

I have ordered stuff from Griot's before (their aluminum floor jack is trick!)... They are overpriced but do carry some pretty sweet stuff. I have been looking around the roadfly boards and it seems lots of bimmer owners use Clifford (no relation to the big red dog ) I have also heard some good things about Viper alarms, but the place where I'll probably take my Corolla to only sells Clifford alarms. A plus is that they'll will warranty the alarm and the install for the life of the car. And you're correct... remote starters are only available for auto boxes. Another positive for the indy shop is that I have a good relationship with the manager (head) installer and he's responsible for some of the $40k systems... I think that the extra money ($329) will be well spent.

Agreed. I'd gladly spend a little more cash for a job well done!

You're welcome about the PM regarding the bulb mod... maybe this can be part of the DIY on this site.

I have the clifford RS3, great alarm with 2 way... The remote got f****ed tho :cry: ... So waitin on replacement remote... Make sure u have a nice trusted place do it, not bbuy or cc, as some of em cant do shits worth of work... Tho they have some good installers...

Yeye,

Do you get good range with your clickers/remotes? And where was your receiving antennae installed?