Car alarm help?!?

dunitt_e36 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 03:04 PM

Hi all,

Ive been thinking about getting a new car alarm lately, but dont really know what sort of stuff i should be looking out for. I have found kits that can range from around $100 up to around $700+....so just wondering where these sort of kits differ?

Can anyone tell me how a kit such as this one that ive seen on ebay, differs to something like a "viper" alarm, or other ones that you can buy @ car audio shops, etc. for say $500+?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....tem=4566909702

It seems to have ALOT of different little functions, but is pretty cheap....just wondering if there is anything it does not have, or if there would be any reason not to buy it, as compared to other, more expensive brands.

Dont really know much in this area, so any help would be appreciated

Cheers,
Daniel

1q2w3e4r · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 03:10 PM

You'll get what you pay for. Not saying spend $700 but don't think that something for $100 is going to give you as good security and features as something for $700.

My cousin has the best alarm I've seen on her 200sx. It's a remote that goes off on her key chain if someone get's too close to the car, it also has remote start so she can kick it over outside the car

Bavarian Falcon · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1q2w3e4r

My cousin has the best alarm I've seen on her 200sx. It's a remote that goes off on her key chain if someone get's too close to the car, it also has remote start so she can kick it over outside the car

Just make sure it's in neutral if it's a manual!
I just got an engine immobiliser with remote door locking for my car. $260 installed.
I think alarms are over rated and just annoy the crap out of people.
Just my 2 c.

Jay-684 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 05:10 PM

The best alarms I've ever heard of (besides Quicktrac and other GPS tracking alarms which cost up to $2000 + monitoring fees) is the Brant Nemesis

6 point immobilisation, pin code entry, internal and external siren (just make sure it doesnt go off when your in the car!) keyless entry, boot release, automatic door locking on engine start, window operation from outside the car, lifetime warranty

http://www.brant.com.au/

I was going to get one for my old 180SX when they were around the $1100 mark. think they're around $800 now

Technik · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 05:32 PM

$200 alarm with general basic feautures doesn't work IMO, you need an alarm with at least 3 points immobliser and ultra-sonic (i.e. a microwave senser installed inside your car)

Most professional thiefs are able to break in your car without activiate the alarm (e.g smash ur windows glass and climb through the window) for more info - I recommend you to check out the forum at www.caraudioaustralia.com

[XRSIST] · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2005, 09:16 PM

IMO I'd put it simply anything up to say the $700 mark you mention is only a
deterant/alert.. While anything above this would be say.. designed for car theft proof..

Think of it this way.. if the majority of joe blogs out there can install basic alarms by
simply looking for the right wires, how easy would it be for a pro to get around this.

If your worried about your interior stuff eg. stereo leather seats etc.. then get an
alarm. An expensive/cheap one will only do the same thing.. alert you/people nearby

If your worried about your car getting stolen, then install an immobizer somewhere not
common.

oh and btw.. the range on those things 2ways realistically is only about 150m...
The remote engine start is great when its really cold or hot outside and your
too lazy to go out to start the car to turn the air con / heater on! (note: it is illegal to have your car running without you in the car these days)

dunitt_e36 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 05:38 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys

I guess ill save up for something a bit better then...i just dont wanna spend say $700 for a "brand" such as viper, if im going to get the same features as a $200 ebay brand kit. If it is actually a better kit, with more features, more security, etc, then i can justify it...ill just need to save up a bit more

I guess a good theif can get past anything if they want it that badly...one of the main reasons im after the alarm is just to keep the amatures away...and the little punks who are after a BMW roundel to put on their wall...there is only so far you can go to protecting your car

BTW, on alarms with pagers...do any of them show on the remote if the car is locked/unlocked. Sometimes ill leave the car, and think.."sh*t..did i lock my car??"...itd be nice to be able to have a look on the remote, rather than run back to the car

Cheers,
Daniel

herrk02 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 07:08 PM

We just got a quote for dads new toy which was basically 6 point alarm. Then for 180 includes control over windows and 130 for tilt control so that if someone tries to jack up the car it will also set it off. Also includes sensors under the bonnet and boot so if someone tries to do somethere sets it off.

So i would say that would be your 700 dollar alarm. Oh it also ties in to the immobiliser and keyless entry.

[XRSIST] · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunitt_e36

BTW, on alarms with pagers...do any of them show on the remote if the car is locked/unlocked. Sometimes ill leave the car, and think.."sh*t..did i lock my car??"...itd be nice to be able to have a look on the remote, rather than run back to the car

Cheers,
Daniel

I'm just gonna assume your refering to the 2ways.. For all the ones i've looked
at and used, they all show if the car is locked or unlocked on the remote.

[XRSIST] · #10 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 07:48 PM

[quote=herrk02]We just got a quote for dads new toy which was basically 6 point alarm. Then for 180 includes control over windows and 130 for tilt control so that if someone tries to jack up the car it will also set it off. QUOTE]

6 point.. dammm... sure gonna charge an arm and a leg to install
that.. I noticed you mention control over windows.. Are you refering to the
auto window windup kits?? or something else?

herrk02 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 08:13 PM

yea auto uplift kits. Once car is alarmed windows automatically goes up.

DCR62 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 08:42 PM

Regardless of what alarm you buy, you need to make sure it has a minimum 3 point immobilser feature or it is useless.

Crusher_13 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 11:42 PM

My car has an alarm, is just a pain on the ass. its cool and all to have your car beep at you, but when it starts going of in your drive its annoying.

immobiliser and central locking is all you need.

Jay-684 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-20-2005, 11:44 PM

just checked and the Brant Nemesis is $990 installed (6 point immobiliser)

brocky_85 · #15 (**permalink**) 08-21-2005, 01:25 AM

one of my mates put one of those alarms from ebay, and he got it for about 500 i think. it has 3 point immob. remote start, heaps long range (until he broke the aerial on the lcd controller), sensors in each panel that sense if someone is touching the car (sensitivity can be changed as loud cars going passed can set it off) tilt sensor, remote locking, the whole deal basically. it was an awesome investment, as i have been with him on several occasions and had to chase off would be thiefs. the biggest problem was the installation, enough to send most auto sparkies nuts. if your plannin to install it yourself goodluck cos youll need it.