Alarm Systems
 

I don't know a whole lot about alarm systems and I'm looking to potentially purchase one for my fr-s. I have had Clifford in two of my cars (only because that's what Car Toys has...) and wondered what else is out there? Or if anyone recommends anything? I would like to have something more than just a simple alarm if someone opens the door. I'm more worried about parts being stolen off of it. Thoughts?

What parts are you worried about being stolen? Your car also has a factory immobilizer which makes it pretty tough to steal, short of using a flatbed. Alarm systems are deterrents aimed at scaring away all but the most determined thief. Bottom line: if a capable individual truly wants your car (or something in it), they will take it. Alarm systems work by attracting attention to the 99% that aren't fully committed.

As far as the car itself being stolen, there are multiple things working in your favor. The immobilizer. These cars are new, so thieves are in experienced with them. The cars are currently rare, so they're hard to miss. All the factory panels have the VIN tagged on them which makes chopping one less attractive.

Nothing will stop someone from unscrewing your new antenna, license plate mount, or spoiler though. And in some areas it's not unheard of to find your car on blocks in the morning (if you're lucky, some just leave it on the ground!), or smashing your window and grabbing your purse. Just follow common sense rules: lock your doors, park in well lit areas, hide your valuables (or take them out of the car), etc.

I agree that it doesn't matter if you get a noisy alarm. They will still grab whatever they want from it. Best method is the keep the car clean and free of anything/everything. The car shouldn't be a long term storage device for anything anyway, that's why people have houses/apartments. :p
I even had a car stolen with one of those supposedly secure 'clubs' on it. The factory immobilizer is more than enough. If you need a tracking device on your car get a lowjack, not a silly noise maker.

I'm worried about someone snatching my wheels and exhaust. I have to park out on the street. And I work at a dealership where we've had stuff stolen off of our vehicles all the time. I'm not worried about the car itself being stolen, just stuff getting taken off of it. Which is why I was thinking of getting the big expensive system with sensors and stuff. But I'm still very much on the fence about it.

I find it very unrealistic to bring every single thing of value with you every single time you get out of the car. Items such as: GPS, radar detector, sunglasses, items for my work, condoms, etc etc. But I agree, things that aren't normally used on a routine basis that are in the car should be stored at home, like you have mentioned.

An entry level DEI alarm system with shock/tilt sensor would help with wheel and exhaust theft prevention, no?

I had someone break in to my car on Thursday of this week actually. Daylight hours, large parking lot. Keyhole/door handle busted. Security told me that someone reported a male walking off once my aftermarket car alarm sounded after he had opened the driver door. Nothing was stolen.

I'm a firm believer in aftermarket alarm systems now. Like mentioned earlier, we can only deter the lower 90-99%ish of thieves. There is no way we can realistically deter 100% of thieves.

My alarm has paid for itself 3 fold.

How about wheel locks?

I will probably get those when I get new wheels too.

Just had my BRZ broken into yesterday. Factory alarm was on. Doors were locked. Thief managed to get in without the alarm going off. The factory alarm is worthless to me now.

Any recommendations on high quality alarm systems that work great with our cars?

I know alarms just deter thiefs, but I need something that will alert me if my car is being vandalized. The factory alarm is a complete letdown.

it says you live in bellevue? then I really wouldn't be worried about all that crazy stuff. i used to live in redmond and there are times i've left my car unlocked overnight :bonk: but nothing ever happened to it. Like previously mentioned above wheel locks will keep your wheels safe. and i doubt anyone is going to be jacking your exhaust i've never heard of that happening.