Best Alarm for <$200 for Y33

[Brokenbc]

So what are you opinions? What are you running? I'm about to buy an alarm due to the fact that I'm about to install a carputer and a nice stereo in my Y33.

I also want to add the remote start feature so thats a must. I really don't like the looks of those bulky 2way pager key fobs so I'm not sure I want one of those. There was one on eBay that had a really classy looking key fob but.... its Ebay. who knows how crappy it is. So let me know what you would install.

[BadQ45t]

Do you live in a really high crime area, Hilsboro as I recall was not. I have always found that as long as the stock unit works, just add a sticker to your rear window and/or an additional flashing red LED and call it a day. I have found most of the aftermarkaet alarms just false alarm way too much.

If you are dead set on it find a local place that does installs, no CC or Best Buy, go someplace that does car stereo and alarms only and will stand behind the produce if you have issues. I think you will need to spend $300-450 to get a good unit installed.

[qsiguy]

Remote start adds a lot to the installation and cost. A novice can make it through a simple alarm install but if you try a remote start without knowing what you are doing you can really mess things up and damage your car. I don't know your level of skill with electronics so I can't say you should or shouldn't do it. If you need to take it somewhere to get the alarm and/or the remote start installed you will be lucky to get it done for under $350-400. Most of the 2-way alarm/remote start systems I sell go for $500-600+ depending on the options and the vehicle. You can get it done for less but that's what we do it for. If someone buys one off e-bay or somewhere and they call us for install I will normally quote about $250 +/- to install an alarm/remote start if they supply it.

Obviously the big names will be good, Code, Audiovox, Marksman, and DEI (Viper, Python, Clifford, etc) but there are quite a few "no-name" brands I've installed and they seem to work well. I used to sell a lot of Crimestopper but over the last few years the quality seems to have dropped so I haven't sold them for a while unless someone requests it. The issue with buying off the internet for a product like that is that it's difficult to get warranty service, if you have one at all.

[Q45tech]

The best immobiler is one which doesn't exist commercially...............turning off the fuel pump so that the car cranks then dies moment later...........this could be designed so that it dies 30 secs to a few minutes later..........in the middle of road or highway.

A double system: hard to hot wire and crank then the time delay - whamo.

[yodawill2000]

That would deter car theft but not a broken window and a missing Carputer.

[szh]

The best immobiler is one which doesn't exist commercially...............turning off the fuel pump so that the car cranks then dies moment later...........this could be designed so that it dies 30 secs to a few minutes later..........in the middle of road or highway.

A double system: hard to hot wire and crank then the time delay - whamo.

This is a common system used in many third-world countries. My father-in-law has all his cars protected this way. You have to press a hidden switch to make sure that the car will not die 10-20 seconds after the initial start up.

Z

[qship96]

sounds like a perfect way to have your car destroyed in an accident by someone hitting it while it is stopped in middle of traffic,and a huge lawsuit to follow by the poor slob who runs into it disfiguring/killing his family

[Brokenbc]

I knew there was no way I was going to get one INSTALLED for less than $200. I'm just looking for the unit for less than that much. I have an Associates in Electronics so i'm fairly certain that I can figure it out ,though I do know alarms are the biggest PITA to install.

I would love to just use the stock alarm but... I want remote start and the auxilary outputs for carputer uses. just looking for recomendations on what to get thats all.

[qsiguy]

Kill switches can be done very effectively, reliably, and safely. I've done hundreds of kill switches and they are as effective as any high dollar alarm you can buy. As yodawill2000 said, they won't do anything to deter someone breaking in. The best system I recommend is a combination of both. An alarm, with remote start if desired, and a custom kill switch.

Most of the kill switches I do utilize an OEM button and latches ON once the vehicle is started so it's impossible for the driver, or passenger, to shut it off while the car is running. The only way for it to turn off is to turn off the ignition switch which will kill the engine anyway. Most of the time the OEM button functions can still be utilized by the same button. You are just taking a momentary pulse from the button and if you diode isolate the circuit it can still be used for it's normal function.

As for a recommended system, I'd say if you are going to install it yourself just find one with the features you want and the remote control you like at the price you want and get it. There are dozens of them that are the exact same system with different covers and transmitter cases/labels. They all work pretty good. Like I said before, the biggest drawback I see is that it could be difficult to get warranty service with any online purchase and especially with a DIY install. If you want something "cash and carry" I can get you something for the $200 range. E-mail me and we can discuss off the forum. My email is in my profile.

[BadQ45t]

An Associates in electronics, well professor, go for it. But i think you need to find a good shop that does these everyday, your going to spend three days doing what a pro (who probably didn't graduate from high school) can do in 3 hours. Go for a name brand from a shop that has been in business for along time with a no questions asked warranty, it will be worth the $$$. These are sophisticated cars with way too much going on to be done by DIYers IMHO.