additional car alarm on top of anti theft system

The car itself is almost impossible to steal, but there have been reports of stolen headlights. How an additional blinking light is going to save you headlights, I don't know, but you could probably add a fake one without having to install another alarm system. And who pays attention to alarms nowadays?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamarimutt @ Jan 11 2007, 05:12 AM) [snapback]374030[/snapback]</div>

Why are thieves so interested in the headlights?

 

As far as stealing wheels is concerned, you could get wheel locks. The TPMS makes wheels more expensive to replace. I bought a 20-pack of Gorilla brand locks for $35 so that every lug nut is a wheel lock.

 

Headlights and tires? I think your dealer is reaching here. The types of people who are going to try to steal tires and wheels are likely not in the market for 15" rims. Besides, if they steal your Integrities you should be thankful.

 

I suspect the dealer was trying to sell you the glass breakage sensor. In my opinion, this device is "too little, too late". The would be thief has already cost you $400-500 by breaking the glass, and the honking horn only makes it worse. They panic and rip out whatever they were after.

Now if you installed an "electric fencer", with a capacitive switch, that might be effective. Energizes the car when someone touches it. Little hard on dogs that try to pee on the wheels, though.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Walker1 @ Jan 11 2007, 06:12 AM) [snapback]374054[/snapback]</div>

I understand that the HID headlights are expensive to replace.

 

HID lights are fairly expensive, and apparently sell well on the black market. However, there are two questions to answer first:
1. What's the rate of this type of crime in the area you frequent? If you live in a safe neighborhood, keep the car in a garage at night, and have decent security at work, you probably don't have much to worry about.
2. Exactly what does this additional alarm system do? is it just a glass breakage sensor? does it have sensors elsewhere in the car? can it detect when people rip out pieces without breaking into the interior of the car?

 

My package 2 Pri came without the alarm. As part of the purchase, I convinced the dealer to add the VIP system (including alarm).

It was just installed, and I note that, while the alarm does work as advertised, I can't tell by observing lights if the doors are locked or unlocked, or if the alarm is set or not set. I'd rather there be better feedback. For me and for potential thieves.

It seems to me that the alarm system is not really to protect the car. The engine immobilizer already does a pretty good job at that. The alarm system, for me at least, is to help protect the contents of the car.

jh



<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(chuperman @ Jan 11 2007, 03:32 AM) [snapback]374029[/snapback]</div>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(harsh (pri touring '07) @ Feb 12 2007, 01:25 PM) [snapback]388969[/snapback]</div>

How were you able to convince them? I can't get any dealer locally to install the VIP-RS3200 plus security system (V5) that Toyota claims is an accessory for the HG. I would agree that is just makes noise when the car is disturbed. The smart key does the rest.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sven @ Mar 10 2007, 11:06 AM) [snapback]403391[/snapback]</div>

Me too, I am having the car ordered .... 2007 touring Package #2 and the dealer was going to give it to me at invoice 119$ but they ended up telling me thaty it could not be added? They said they could not add in via their ordering system or something.

 

My dealer is charging me $695 to put in an alarm system. Is this a rip-off? And should I even bother installing an alarm?

 

Hmmm...We bought an alarm system for one of my old cars a few years back. That quote seems pretty high... I guess it depends on all the bells and whistles.

 

The best anti-theft system is, don't get the HID option. They can't steal or vandalize what is not there.