Alarm Systems

[Wisdom]

Tried the search for alarms, but most posts were 2-3 years old.

I just bought a 2004 coupe, now what are my options to protect it or at least minimize damage to it by low-lifes? The dealer wanted to sell the Lo-Jack system for $700. I've seen commercials for LoJack and the system seems OK, but I know they don't provide nationwide coverage (possibly a problem). And is the $700 cost a reasonable price for their system? FWIW, a Best Buy tech told my wife that he thought the LoJack company was out of business, but after doing a web search it seemed that the majority of installers seem to be car dealerships - that could explain the BB tech comment. Is this system worth it?

What about the proximity alarm systems? Several years ago I saw systems that would detect a human presense around a vehicle and would issue a verbal warning. Are those systems any good? What's worked for you? Any comments?

- Wisdom

 

[TooTall]

I had a "radar sensor" as part of the Alpine system I had on my MB SL It worked great had two settings, basically inside and outside, and a warning chirp before full alarm. Wish I could figure out how to get that wired into the stock setup on the C5

 

[atmmac]

Tried the search for alarms, but most posts were 2-3 years old.

I just bought a 2004 coupe, now what are my options to protect it or at least minimize damage to it by low-lifes? The dealer wanted to sell the Lo-Jack system for $700. I've seen commercials for LoJack and the system seems OK, but I know they don't provide nationwide coverage (possibly a problem). And is the $700 cost a reasonable price for their system? FWIW, a Best Buy tech told my wife that he thought the LoJack company was out of business, but after doing a web search it seemed that the majority of installers seem to be car dealerships - that could explain the BB tech comment. Is this system worth it?

What about the proximity alarm systems? Several years ago I saw systems that would detect a human presense around a vehicle and would issue a verbal warning. Are those systems any good? What's worked for you? Any comments?

- Wisdom

I have LoJack on my 97. My uncle the original owner thought it was a good idea. I think it is too. Yes LoJack is still in business these Best Buy guys are just trying to sell you there stuff. Go with the LoJack its the best way to protect yourself from thieves.

-Andy

 

[RedLdr1]

Wisdom,

I had Lojack in my 01 Cobra Vert but will not purchase it again due to the coverage reasons you have already stated. That lack of coverage is the main reason I was given by Allstate that they would not provide the discount for a anti-theft system. But I could buy any joke of a "talking" alarm for $39.95 and get the discount...since it is an active system unlike LoJack.

Although I do not like it I do see Allstate's point. If someone drove off with my Corvette while I was at a movie they could be well out of range of the metro Atlanta area before I would know it. For that reason IMHO LoJack is more of a theft recovery device than a theft prevention device..

I believe the experts advise a multi-layered approach with something like LoJack as the last defense. If you are looking for theft prevention do some web researching, and talk to your insurance company to make sure you see a $ return as well.

 

[cavettefan]

The theft deterrent system that is presently installed at the factory in the C5 is pretty effective - no key, and you have a boat anchor.

 

[Wisdom]

Thanks for the responses. I was just reading about the built-in system. While it does make the vehicle a boat anchor, it's only after someone gets inside. I think I would like to have the vehicle sound an alert if the break-in was being detected. I do like Lo-Jack's recovery idea, but the coverage is a problem if I leave the Houston area. I find it interesting that I find myself looking for a way to protect a 50 thousand dollar vehicle that I bought. If it's going to be messed with, the best I can hope for is that it happens at night at my home - and then I get a chance to protect it with my buddies from S&W!

So, it looks like I need to talk to the insurance company anyway and see if there is a discount for the intrinsic alarm system for the mean time. And then find a higher tech alarm system that can detect intrusion attempts. After some time then maybe Lo-Jack will be another layer.

- Wisdom