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Car Chopped Shopped, better alarm needed

Discussion in 'Prius v Audio and Electronics' started by deerblue, Mar 8, 2013.

  1. deerblue

    deerblue Junior Member

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    My Prius v 2012 was parked in front of my house in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles. During the middle of the night, thieves dismantled it and took the front bumper, engine parts, seats belts, etc. They tried to take the rear bumper but ran out of time. The car is in the shop and this weekend I am going to look for an aftermarket alarm system. My insurance suggested alarms not tied to the power. Any suggestions on systems or brands?
     
    #1 deerblue, Mar 8, 2013
  2. parnami

    parnami Member

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    Do you already have the Toyota VIP alarm?
     
    #2 parnami, Mar 8, 2013
  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    That's horrible and surprising. Usually it seems thieves target older cars (presumably for spare parts to be used on older car that need it).

    You can get battery backup sirens for alarms. They'll go off if the power's cut/battery's disconnected as they have their own battery. I got that on the alarms I had on my previous cars. I have no aftermarket alarm on my Prius. Problem is, they can still smash the battery backup siren.
     
    #3 cwerdna, Mar 8, 2013
  4. deerblue

    deerblue Junior Member

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    Thanks for your replies. It is horrible. I have the Prius V Three, which according to Edmunds has the V.I.P. alarm system. I know the car was locked because they jimmy the driver's lock. I went to Ed & Al's, a car stereo/alarm shop and was quoted $1050 for a alarm system. Considering it since I am already out the pocket for my deductible of $500 and sales tax on auto rental. If in LA, any alarms shops to consider?
     
    #4 deerblue, Mar 9, 2013
  5. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    Not familiar with any good places.

    Try Fry's Electronics. They Are in LA area.

    Can you garage the car or also park it in a well light area.

    Motion alarm may help.
     
    #5 JMD, Mar 9, 2013
  6. parnami

    parnami Member

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    Five
    Check to verify that you do have the VIP system first: Roll down window, exit and lock the car, remove your smart key from the vacinity, reach in the window and open the door from the inside. If the horn blow, you have VIP alarm and it's operational. If it doesn't blow, either you lack it, or it's not working.

    I live in Philly and bought the alarm to discourage vandals. If you have it and it made no difference to the thieves, then it's worthless. If you have it and it's non-operational, then before spending money getting an alarm, you're better of getting it fixed under warranty.
     
    #6 parnami, Mar 9, 2013
  7. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    The dealer may be able to activate it.
     
    #7 JMD, Mar 9, 2013
  8. sdtundra

    sdtundra Senior Member

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    #8 sdtundra, Mar 9, 2013
  9. JMD

    JMD 2012 Prius 4 Solar Roof

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    #9 JMD, Mar 9, 2013
  10. HawaiivGuy

    HawaiivGuy On the Way

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    Aloha,
    Installed a Hornet 700T in my 350Z roadster. Perimeter and interior sensors, glass breakage and vibration sensors and a battery back up. Also installed a "pain generator" (120db + high freq. car interior horn). Activation was through the factory door lock function, so no additional key fob was needed.
     
    #10 HawaiivGuy, Mar 10, 2013
    JMD likes this.
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