Hi All

I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for an inexpensive anti-theft GPS tracker.

My first thought was to use a poor man’s version, the Apple AirTag. The pros are it’s cheap and easy to hide. Also because so many people have iPhones, if it is stolen the chances of finding it are pretty high. The cons, you would have to activate the lost mode every time you leave the car. Also, if the thief has a iPhone he will get an alert that a AirTag is following him. So before you stick one in your car you will need to remove your speaker from the AirTag. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that shows you how to do this. The battery life is about a year but if you activate it frequently it may reduce the battery life.

T-Mobile also has a plan that cost $10 a month. However, it requires you plugging the tracking device into your car’s computer diagnostics port. I’m not keen on this for several reasons, I don’t want outside software interacting with my computer. Also if a thief is competent, that will be one of the first places he may check for trackers.

There are also many personal tracking devices but most have to be recharged every few day.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

I use the Vyncs device in a few of my cars. Purchase for around $75 and service is renewed annually. My insurance dropped by same amount so is essentially free.

It plugs into to the OBDII port for ease of install, which can be a negative. I’m not concerned with its “interaction” with the vehicle. I know there are other hardwire units you can obtain that are harder to find that are standalone.

I have hidden an AirTag device in the vehicle after pulling out the internal speaker as a secondary device.

Best Hidden Car GPS Trackers For 2023 – Forbes Home

Cheap is relative, 40k vehicle, $600 is nothing in comparison.

Compustar makes a few alarms with GPS trackers. Probably the best way to go since the deterrent of the alarm and notification is key.

My Compustar T13 can notify and track directly through my phone anywhere in the country. Plus the key fob has 3mi range by its self. Also has a remote start.

On a related note a friend of mine had their car stolen recently. When the car was recovered they found the thieves had cut all the wires going into the overhead console and rear view mirror and also removed the car insurance OBDII module. The thieves clearly knew what cut regardless of whether it could phone home or not.
A third party solution hidden elsewhere in the vehicle may be the best option.

buying comprehensive car insurance is probably the most efficient method. If my rig gets stolen which is unlikely I don't want it back. who knows what the vehicle was used for: drugs, crime, etc. probably will be hacked to pieces when it comes to wiring

by the time you realize your vehicle is stolen and contact the police, find the airtag location, either get to it yourself if you can or if it's far away in another city get another PD to do something - you're one step behind at that point. sure some people have found their vehicles this way but it's uncommon. this is part of the risk of owning an expensive vehicle that is a theft target. you're going to be paying more in annual subscription fees and the initial product set up than your increase in rates if the vehicle is stolen

Not just this, but who wants their stolen and likely beat to shit car back?

I’ve tried a few options, and for an inexpensive anti-theft vehicle GPS tracker, I’d recommend the Pocketfinder GPS Tracker. It costs around $99 and has a monthly fee of $14. It plugs into the OBD2 port, which is super easy to install and doesn’t interfere with the car’s systems.

Another option is to disable the starting / ignition circuit by installing a hidden switch. This would prevent someone from starting the vehicle and driving it away. Doesn't help if it's towed. Searching for a switch would maybe take time thieves wouldn't want to spend.

I use a TRAK-4 device.

Trak-4 - GPS Tracker and Location Monitoring

IF I was that concerned I think this is a route I'd rather take. Have heard of people adding a hidden switch to cut the fuel pump so the vehicle can't even be started. Love my 4Runner, but after it's been stolen it's not my problem anymore, I'm not tracking it down and attempting to get it back. At that point it's between the police and my insurance company.

I’ve had success with devices from Tracki and LandAirSea. They’re small enough to hide easily and provide real-time tracking. One of my favorites is the LandAirSea 54 – it’s magnetic, waterproof, and the battery can last for weeks. Plus, it’s easy to hide under the car or in a discreet spot inside.

Also, I once installed a hidden GPS tracker inside the dashboard of my wife’s car. Brands like SpyTec offer such hidden units, and they’re quite effective.