Hello, Thanks for being such a great resource to Prius owners! I'm charles from California and I just bought a new 2011 Prius III yesterday. I have a question about RS3200 Toyota Alarm system. I was charged almost $1000 and I had it added on my finance contract with Toyota Credit. The alarm system has not been installed, they said it needs to be ordered and a certified toyota mechanic are only allowed to install this alarm. Anyway, I feel it's very pricey and is it possible to return this item? Or do you recommend I keep this Alarm system? My Insurance company appears to give discounts only to teletrac, or lo jack systems. I'll call the Dealer tomorrow. Thanks again!
Prius usually is not a big theft target. Unless you have a particular reason to be concerned about 1) the car being dragged upon a flatbed truck or 2) someone breaking window glass to enter, I would say additional theft protection is unnecessary.
check with the dealer and if necessary, the ag/consumer affairs. in mass, you have 3 days to change your mind on any contract, including the whole car purchase. all the best!
I thought about it and decided against it for now anyway, my parking at home and work are both relativly secure. As mentioned above unless fuel skyrockets I don't believe the Prius it a target for theft. I would also think the SKS is a theft deterrent, it would take a tech savvy crook not a screwdriver wielding amateur to drive of with it. One of my coworkers bought one and installed it on his Tacoma he said it was easy and the instructions were adequate. He said it went I right behind the glove box and was plug and play. It is for sale in the PC store for 259.99, PriusChat Shop : 2010 Toyota Prius RS3200 VIP Security System w/ Glass Breakage [PT398-47090] - $325.00$259.99 Don't let the dealer snow job you.
Sounds like a good choice. One of the least stolen cars in the country, the Prius is: In Pictures: America's Least-Stolen Cars - Forbes.com
Congrats on your new 2011 Prius and welcome to PriusChat! Don't buy the alarm system. IMO, you don't need one. If you keep the Prius locked, the only way someone can steal it is to pick it up and put it on a flatbed. Your insurance covers that. As far as window smashing, etc., an alarm is not going to prevent that.
After reading everyones reply, I decided against keeping the Theft deterrent system. I was able to get my finance contract, re-written and the optional Toyota RS3200 alarm system removed. last night. It wasn't a pleasant experience at all. Thanks for the useful information!
Wondering about this issue... what are city dwellers saying? Think VIP secruity worth it? I know my old vehicle was broken into many times... they did not steal it but maybe sat in it? We have a detached garage. I now care because it is a nice car, my new Prius V.
Heck, not too many people even carjack Prii. http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Naked-carjacker-9-1-1-tapes-161141225.html
Did the law change up there, and when? This is the info I found - Chapter 5 - Handling Purchase Problems - CARSMART 2006 by Massachusetts Consumers' Coalition
