Factory or Aftermarket Security?

[davidl78]

Hey guys I have a couple questions,

I lost my keyless entry remote and just found out that it will cost around $100-$120 each to replace them! Because I've only had my car for a few weeks and the alarm never got tested I wanted to ask you guys how is the quality of the factory keyless entry?

Should I invest the $200+ for another pair of remotes of just go ahead and purchase an aftermarket alarm system? If so what are the better aftermarket brands and models I should consider?

Also because of the existing factory system already in the car will I run into a problem and be charged extra? What am I looking at for installation once i buy the aftermarket alarm? Thanks guys.

 

[D'Ecosse]

If you add an after-market alarm, it can easily work in conjunction with the OEM alarm - so you get the bonus of all the features of the new device (lot's of possibilities - 2-way paging remotes; door lock remotes/arming; trunk open; automatic window roll-up; battery back-up siren; remote start; proximity detector etc; etc)
I have my CrimeStopper wired up with a very simple mod so the OEM is armed along with CS - it also will automatically disarm the OEM during a remote start while keeping the doors locked & the CS alarm armed. (see my thread on how to safely wire up and interlock a remote start onto a manual transmission car)
So you don't have to disable your OEM at all and you get all the above features (selectable of course depending on what model you buy) for about the same price as your OEM keyless entry.
It's really not that difficult to wire up an after-market alarm - I can offer some help in locating the appropriate wires to tap onto.
If you do go the shop installation route, they really should not charge any more to accommodate the OEM being there - however it may not be enabled when they get done.
DEI's are the most popular & have the most accessories available - however all those accessory modules pretty much work with any alarm.
DEI is Python, Viper, Clifford etc.
Also comparable are Crimestoppper & compustar. I don't believe any one is better than the other - they are all only as good as the installation!

Most shops that will do an installation will expect you to buy their kit (probably a DEI) & the installation will be "free". i.e package price.
Check around but I woud expect that many shops will not be interested in installing one that buy from say EBay.

I can't remember exactly but I think I paid about $350 for a Viper with power door-lock module (had none installed OEM) and battery back-up siren, installed in my daughter's Civic. Based on E-bay prices, I would say the install portion was probably $100 - $150. (She lives in a different State to me or I would have done it myself)
When she was at her High School, thieves tried to steal it in broad daylight - they broke into the car, ripped out the alarm module (it was no-where to be found) and the only thing that prevented them taking it was the battery back-up siren screaming inside the car. No-one can stand to be in proximity of that for long! The shop replaced everything for free afterwards too. Message - definitely get the BB siren & locate it INSIDE the car in a difficult location to get to.

 

[davidl78]

If you do go the shop installation route, they really should not charge any more to accommodate the OEM being there - however it may not be enabled when they get done.
DEI's are the most popular & have the most accessories available - however all those accessory modules pretty much work with any alarm.
DEI is Python, Viper, Clifford etc.
Also comparable are Crimestoppper & compustar. I don't believe any one is better than the other - they are all only as good as the installation!

When you mentioned an installer can accomodate the OEM being there but it may not be enabled when they get done confuses me? Can you explain that for me please. Are you saying that they would but leave the old siren in and disable it then put in the after marketunit and use that as the alarm?

Also you mentioned the unit is only as good as its installation, can I go to a place like circuit city or best buy since its a standard installation and won't need creative modifications like a custom stereo installation. Or do you recommend I got to a shop that specializes in car audio and security? Thanks, still trying to learn the ropes.

 

[D'Ecosse]

When you mentioned an installer can accomodate the OEM being there but it may not be enabled when they get done confuses me? Can you explain that for me please. Are you saying that they would but leave the old siren in and disable it then put in the after marketunit and use that as the alarm?

There is no siren on the OEM - it uses the horn. No, I just mean it won't likely arm the OEM when you arm the new alarm.

... Or do you recommend I got to a shop that specializes in car audio and security? ....

definitely! Be sure you get to see their shop, some work in progress & which installer specifically will be working on your car - you don't want some hack carving into your wiring!

Also, do some research first to determine what features you really need/want. Some people like the proximity sensors but that was the first thing I ripped out when I first got my car - they are too susceptible to "falsing" and just become annoying. Do you want any of the features listed in my earlier post? Don't be sold more alarm that you really want - the "top of the line" model will give you exactly the same basic protection as the lower end models, but with more "bells & whistles". If you don't care about remote start or 2 way paging, then don't get that model.
See DEI site for all the differnt options available & have a good idea what you want before you seek out a store.