Security System

PreciousMetal

For the last 12 years, I have been driving Subaru WRXs with a rather sophisticated, integrated alarm system which came fitted by Subaru Australia in later models. I think my 370Z would be just as desirable to car thieves, joy riders and car jackers, though the lack of rear seat and boot space might make it less attractive to ram raiders .

The "not so sophisticated" security system on the 370Z does surprise me. All someone needs to steal our cars is the key/transponder. Leave the key in the car, on the kitchen bench, in your bag at the gym, pool or beach and an opportunistic thief can drive away. By way of comparison, later model WRXs (after 2001) have been fitted with a keypad. Even if you have the key, if you can't enter the 4 digit code, the car won't start.

Another feature I am missing is anti-hijack. Someone can pull me out of my 370Z and drive off in it. Even more surprising is that the car can still be driven off if the owner is left by the side of the road with the key in his pocket ! As far as I know the car will continue to run with the "No Key" warning flashing until the engine is turned off. Starting the car later might be a challenge for the thief, but they could be hundreds of km away by then.

To the best of my knowledge, theft deterrent is limited to the sticker on the B pillar. I don't think my car has a siren or will sound the horn if someone breaks in, but I will be happy to be told otherwise.

Certainly, these security features on the WRX were not always appreciated by owners. The need to enter your code each start was considered a pain, remembering your code and punching it in on that little keypad was difficult when you were drunk , it was easy to accidentally trigger anti-hijack by mistake by unbuckling the drivers seatbelt and opening the door. But, in a very short period of time, it addressed the problem of theft of these cars.

So, I feel the need to enhance the security of my car as I'd hate to lose it. Has anyone gone down this path ? Any recommendations ?