Vehicle Security

[Pento240sx]

Hello to all. I just wanted to discuss the possibilities for vehicle security. So I am looking into buying a security system for the S14 I have in Mexico, I was looking into the ones with GPS tracking and Vehicle Disable. I want to install it because the Mexican S14 is kind of rare(In Mexico) and they get stolen often. I have seen a lot of these systems in the market, but the question is there anyone who has tried a certain make/brand of GPS/Disabling systems on their cars?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I have not, but I've seen a lot of botched alarm system installs that end up being a nightmare for the owner and anyone they sell the car to, so be careful when bringing it to someone.

[Bubba1]

If you're concerned about your car being stolen, I would suggest a fuel cutoff switch before a car alarm. My feeling is if a pro thief really wants your car, an alarm will not stop them. That leaves kids/amateur thieves. And most of them are looking for something easy, so I think a fuel cutoff or pulling a fuse will defeat them. If you think about it, whenever a car alarm goes off, and it seems to happen all the time in crowded lots, I'm sure you've noticed they pretty much get ignored.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I wish there was a hidden switch that if you didn't disarm it, one of those fists on a scissor extension came out and repeatedly punched the offender in the junk.
Just don't forget to flip your own switch.

[Dattebayo]

I think what you need depends on what state in Mexico you are in. Anywhere around Mexico City, and the thieves will probably find a way to bypass anything you have anyway...

[Pento240sx]

If you're concerned about your car being stolen, I would suggest a fuel cutoff switch before a car alarm. My feeling is if a pro thief really wants your car, an alarm will not stop them. That leaves kids/amateur thieves. And most of them are looking for something easy, so I think a fuel cutoff or pulling a fuse will defeat them. If you think about it, whenever a car alarm goes off, and it seems to happen all the time in crowded lots, I'm sure you've noticed they pretty much get ignored.

Well that is one option. I have been doing a bit of research and I found some security systems that disable the car with sending it a text message. The problem is that most of the times the steal the car from you at gunpoint, that happen to a person I know who had his S14 stolen, it was Guadalajara, Jalisco(I live close by there). I know that it may be a bit too much, but I have worked hard to buy this car and don't want a damm thug taking it from that easily, plus the insurance in Mexico suck big time and would only give me like 15 to 30 percent of the cars market value(which is not a lot, since these cars where only imported in 1998). I only drive the car when I'm there on vacation, but I want to be able to keep on driving it without the fear of getting it stolen.

I wish there was a hidden switch that if you didn't disarm it, one of those fists on a scissor extension came out and repeatedly punched the offender in the junk.
Just don't forget to flip your own switch.

Now that would be a innovative, but dangerous system. It would be bad if it activated while driving.

[Bubba1]

There's always the "Denver jockstrap" anti theft device....

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5a_BmL0AfA[/youtube]

IF the car is going to sit there unattended for long periods of time, then making it more difficult for a thief to access is probably the best strategy, like keeping it in locked garage, disabled in a couple ways (like on blocks, with fuses pulled, etc). Car jacking is a different story, where a car alarm is essentially useless. Ifyou're worried about that, then you might look into remote mounted tracking devices like Lojack if any are available in down there.

Another way to look at it. If you're concerned about standard insurance policies screwing you on a claim payout for non-collectible car like an S-chassis, perhaps you could look into a different type of policy, one that's "value based", like what they do for collector cars. If something bad happens, you get the full payout instead of 15%. Your premium might be a little higher, but the trade off is peace of mind.

[nchopp]

A low cost tracking option I've been using for a few months now:

diy-iphone-4s-as-3-a-month-lojack-t600793.html

I moved it to an area much more difficult to detect\remove now that I know it works solidly. The only issue I've had is if the vehicle isn't started for a week or more the iPhone dies.

[Pento240sx]

A low cost tracking option I've been using for a few months now:

diy-iphone-4s-as-3-a-month-lojack-t600793.html

I moved it to an area much more difficult to detect\remove now that I know it works solidly. The only issue I've had is if the vehicle isn't started for a week or more the iPhone dies.

This looks like a nice set-up.

Well I have found this:
http://www.amazon.com/Real-time-tracker ... le+tracker

It has a lot of good reviews and seem to work well. I think I will buy and try this. It looks promising.