Can't decide whether or not to get an aftermarket alarm system
 

I'v gotten a lot of varying opinions on whether or not it is worth it to get an aftermarket alarm system. If i got one it would most likely be a viper alarm system with a tilt sensor. I called a shop today that installs alarms and the guy I talked to was actually trying to steer me away from getting one saying it's not worth it. I feel like it's worth it even if all it ever does is give me piece of mind. What do you guys think?

just depends on where you live and where you leave the car...i always had an alarm on my cars, untill my last move, now not a problem.

Got the Viper alarm with pager and tilt sensor after my Z was broken into. Haven't had a new incident since (been over a year and a half). Is the alarm the reason? I don't know. But if it deters even one would be scumbag away from my vehicle and on to something else, then it's worth it to me.

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Really matters where you park your car.
I'd recommend a viper alarm with SmartStart. That way when you are out of proximity of the remote, the activity can hit your cell phone. You'll know if anyone is messing with your car.

I to have been debating this for my altima, its difficult to decide what I want to do.

I would only put another alarm in my car if I lived in apartments, parked in bad parts of town or otherwise had my car in bad places on a regular basis.

I had the top of the line Viper on my last Z (remote start, two way, 3rd party shock sensor etc). Honestly, the best feature of any alarm is the little blinking blue light. That's the difference in deciding to target you or not.

IMO, if you get one, don't waste your money with something crazy expensive. Just get something that makes your car a less attractive target than the next guy. If you have an aftermarket stereo, try to make it as stealthy as you can and don't roll up into places you frequent with it turned up. Most of all, don't leave ANYTHING in your car, ever.

Very wise words here...

One other thing I would add is if you dont have the luxury of a garage, like a lot of us dont, park your Z where there's very good lighting. Just something to think about.

I was going to do it, even got the specific parts I wanted, but for some reason all the installers for viper systems in this area are either questionable or want nearly 400 to do the install.

I only have one thing to disagree on.

Yo can control where you park and sleep at night however when you go out you may not have full sight of your car "bar, movies, mall, and so on" So i would want one to know if someone was messing with my car when i am not around or hit it.

I had a problem with a road rage driver Saturday night before I was getting ready to head into the movies. Even though it happened a few miles from the theater it was still pretty close. I needed up having a friend of mine pickup my car. He took it too his house while I was in the theater. :tup:

It never hurts to have an extra layer of protection and it would be highly recommended IMO. I have a Roadster and I have both the factory and an old but very reliable Alpine unit with Radar installed. It does give an extra layer of security and peace of mind. That said, no system is really theft proof nor vandalized proof. It is merely a deterrent. If the object of desire is tempting enough, thieves will do whatever necessary irrelevant of the obstacles.

One thing we need to understand is that while modern factory alarm systems are very effective against theft of the vehicle (unless being towed) as it is designed in conjunction with engine management, it is powerless against theft of ancillary items (wheels, interior items or vandalism). This is because most if not all factory systems do not have tilt, shock or glass sensors to detect intrusion. The reason behind the omission, is the potential maintenance involved since these sensors can cause issue with false alarms. The majority of the public does not understand the limitations therefore manufacturers do not want to deal with headache hence have limited various monitoring sensors to meet with everyday life. Additionally, OEM systems are by designed generic and if thieves are well versed with the system's design, they will easily defeat it given that every Z, Maxima, or GTR will have the same X unit installed in X location.

What a good aftermarket system will do is to enhance the protection IF it is installed correctly. IMO, only two sensors necessary are shock and radar. Again, this must be well adjusted and configured. A good system will only activate when there is a threat and not cause constant "ignore-me or I hate my neighbor piece-of-****" car false alarms. It should not trigger on bird droppings alone. The worst systems are those that cause constant false alarms because it breeds contempt, apathy and ignorance.

Above all, common sense is prevails. Do not invite thieves to break into your car by affixing break in my car stickers - AKA stereo brand name stickers on windows. Park in well lit high traffic areas and turn off your booming stereo a block or two before you park.

if i had to park outside with popular factory wheels, i would DEFINITELY get an aftermarket alarm with tilt sensor.

or park near a security camera with night vision with motion detection. :p

I have the Viper 5901 and LOVE it. I highly recommend it. 2 way paging system that works up to 1 mile away. I had a shop install it but bought it from amazon. I am looking to add the iPhone SmartStart feature because sometimes when I'm in the mall/restaurant/theaters the remote is still out of range because of the thickness of the walls or electronics interferences around. It does work very well though. Also I had them wire up the trunk pop so when I'm getting groceries I can pop the trunk thru the Viper remote :)

I'm a big believer in the blue light deter feature as well. Thieves know there could be somebody near by and have the 2 way paging system ;) and that person might potentially come out and kick their butt, or be packing heat.

Like I said, it all comes down to how you use your car and where you go. I would never take my Z to any of the places. If I go to a movie, a bar or the mall (very rare anyway), we usually take my GFs car.

The two way is nice but in reality, all it does it tell you your car has just been assf**ked. It's not like your ever going to run out of the mall and catch the guy.

Don't get my wrong. I loved my Viper alarm. I just think most of the high end features don't add an ounce of security. They just sound cool.