[JZA70]

As some of you know, I have been waiting forever for the dealer to get their hands on a Scion Security system. Well, I'm on a time frame so after bugging them a bit about it, they gave me another option; a Toyota "Automate" made security system with immobilizer, shock sensor and alarm.

My question for you guys is where can I find more information on security systems such as this "Automate," the Scion Security system and aftermarket ones?

thanks
danny

 

[Eric]

To be perfectly honest, I don't trust any dealer installed alarm. I've had Clifford and will probably have Viper on the tC. I've been told that thieves actually look for the dealer alarm stickers because they're easy to beat. But, like I've said before, if someone wants what you have bad enough, they'll get it. I'm sorry that I can't give you any other advice, but when I talked to an officer w/ the Auto Theft Task Force here, I was a lot more confident knowing he had the exact same alarm system that I had.

 

[JZA70]

Is it possible to setup the Viper system without having an additional remote?

 

[Eric]

You mean arm/disarm it through your key? I doubt it...

However, w/ Viper you can get a 2-way remote & see exactly what's going on w/ your car up to a 1/4 mile away

 

[JZA70]

boooooooooooo

so heres the latest:

the aftermarket lady had me faxed the owners guide for the "automate security system" and it turns out its not even a security system, but a remote start system. are these guys serious with this crap? from my experience, it seems that half of the people there probably don't know the first thing about cars. that's just sad....

anyway, i told the lady i would get back to her today, so after digging around some and being disappointed by the fax, I decided to talk to a scion live operator and then he directed me to their phone number. i talked with two pretty helpful guys there and one of the "scion specialists" is looking into the situation for me at my dealership now and will call back later.

it makes no sense that i already paid for the security system and after a month, it still isn't installed. if they cannot get it for me i will probably demand my money back and get an aftermarket security system after doing some research.

 

[imasaf]

Demand for your money back and go get a clifford or viper installed. I wish I never bought mine... except for the fact that my doors now autolock, the security system is not any better than the stuff offered by others...

You will not be able to use the arm/disarm function from the key but its not a biggy. For $500, you can get the controls that shows you where the alarm is being set off on your car...

 

[Eric]

Originally posted by imasaf@Aug 12 2004, 08:58 AM
You will not be able to use the arm/disarm function from the key but its not a biggy. For $500, you can get the controls that shows you where the alarm is being set off on your car...

I found a place that will do it for around $400 installed.
I'm not going to go that route just yet, but w/ some models, you can get the module later and upgrade to the 2-way remote

oh, and as far as I know, any decent system should auto-lock your doors for you

Plus, w/ an aftermarket system you can get more protection: hood/trunk pins, backup battery, backup alarm, failsafe, motion detectors, breakage sensors, window rolldown, trunk pop, autostart, etc.

 

[SHAGGY]

If they want your car bad enough they will take it, or whatever is inside.

 

[JZA70]

so now the scion specialist called me back because he finished talking with the dealer, who told him that the part came in yesterday.

if that isnt shady, i don't know what is.

 

[Eric]

riiiiiight

 

[JZA70]

Are there any convincing arguments for Viper vs. Clifford?

 

[basilisk4]

I'm having a really hard time finding anyone who is willing to install a Viper system on a tC -- apparently they don't have the diagrams and such yet. I downloaded the diagrams from the web and am going to bring them in, and hopefully I can get them to install it over at Circuit City (since they are an authorized Viper installer -- otherwise, it voids your warranty from DEI).

 

[JZA70]

they have scion tC specific diagrams available online already?

 

[Eric]

My take on Viper vs. Clifford - they're basically the same. Both are made by Directed Electronics, Inc. I believe... I've tried Clifford & now I want to try Viper & I think I found a good deal on an alarm I can upgrade to the 2-way for the same cost, or less, than the full 2-way system elsewhere

A couple years ago I was told that the Viper's auto lock function was more reliable & hopefully it's true...

 

[JZA70]

I'm going to call a local place and find out more about the Clifford G5 series alarms and ask about pricing and specifically on installation in the '05 tC to see what they say. It appears that my options now are have the "Scion Security System" installed tomorrow by the shady dealer once they decide that I'm worthy enough for them to call me back sometime today

-OR-

Demand my money back and install a high-end aftermarket alarm after my car is done being donored to Krazy Kustomz...

 

[whosthatrussian]

option 2 sounds way better imo. F$#% the shady dealer. I'd take my money and run. Plus aftermarket alarms are simply better, and offer you hell of a lot more features.

 

[JZA70]

I agree. I'm going to mess with them a bit and then demand my money back... I hate those shady people. They don't even know what's going on in their own dealership. Thats just plain ridiculous.

Oh yes and I will also talk with their Customer Relations Manager with a full list of complaints bwahahah