Hey guys,
I recently purchased a 1996 240sx SE, and it's got its host of small littleannoying kinks. One of them is that the original keys has been broken byits 2nd previous owner, and the owner before me has only replaced fromNissan the ignition barrel with a brand new key. This car's keys aren'tdocumented with Nissan, so there was no reliable way to get another workingkey. The two parts of the broken key have been brought to a locksmith manytimes and finally i get something that can reliably open the doors andglovebox, but still not smoothly, and not the trunk at all.
I also live in NYC, and being here, I think having a functional alarm systemin the car is a priority. I don't need something fancy, just something thatrivals OEM setups is alright. Extra features are a plus.
That being said, while looking through eBay for salvage parts to get my newcar back closer to stock reliability and presentability, I have come acrosstheir alarm systems, going from $20 shipped to $90 shipped.
Please keep in mind that this project car needs alot of funding out of mypoor college student pocket, and that I only need something that works well,not the name brand or insurance that comes with it (although I do plan oneventually upgrading).
These eBay alarms all come with starter kill, and are at least 3 channel,for lock, unlock, and panic. Another common feature is starter kill.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItemThe $20 system is basic.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItemThe $50 shipped model comes with remote start.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...wItemThe $90 shipped model comes with remote trunk release [channel only], autowindow rollup, and a 2-way pager, as well as valet mode, etc.
The main question I'm asking is if anybody has any experiences with thesealarms and their functionality. The main concern on my mind is if thesealarms use a code generic enough that they are able to be unlocked bysomebody walking around with an RF scan transmitter aimed at these cheaposystems. I know that I should "do it right" and get a ViPER or somethingsimilar, but something close to factory alarms minus immobilizer is all thatI need for now.
Please advise
eBay car alarms...
Re: eBay car alarms... (p0onsta)
it just depends on how much peace of mind you want... I've had all sorts of alarms in my car at one point or another... the most important thing is the installation, and other things, like what you have exposed on your car (nice stereo, lots of change in the ashtray, stuff that someone can take from the inside or nice rims, etc).
If you install it well, it will serve its purpose.
If you install it well, it will serve its purpose.
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Silvia2b
- Posts: 783
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2002 9:33 pm
- Car: 95 240sx se / 07 G35s cpe / 2009 G37s sedan (rear-ended R.I.P.) / 19 Q50 rs400AWD
- Location: Portland,OR.
Re: (p0onsta)
I wouldn't recommend E-bay for security or electronics. Spend a bit more money & get something with a lifetime warranty.
It will save you many hassles down the road. I'd recommend anything new made by DEI/Clifford
It will save you many hassles down the road. I'd recommend anything new made by DEI/Clifford
Re: eBay car alarms... (p0onsta)
A friend of mine had a Thor alarm on his Mitsubishi Montero, and he was quite happy with it. I'm not sure if you can get that from ebay. I live on a military base in the suburbs, and my car is still in the early project stages, so I haven't had to worry about alarms personally yet.
I would get an alarm from a company that will be around in 5, 10, 15 years. Someone that will support the alarm "brain". (ex... Viper, Python, Clifford, etc...) I have seen people that have used no name alarms before and totaled their car because of crappy wiring. Adding an alarm is tricky business. It is pretty much "automotive brain surgery". Mess it up, use strange equipment, and you will have a nightmare. If anything, get an alarm that is the low end of a good brand if you want to save money. And a tip... keep the box, manual, and anything else that comes with it. You'll be glad you did.