Toyota Alarm or Aftermarket?

TeryT

TeryT

New member
The dealer charges $299 to install the Toyota alarm system. I think this is a pretty basic system, and it's about all I really want (had my fill of false alarms with "sophisticated" units). Seems like having the Toyota dealer install theirs is the thing to do, as they don't have to fool with the key transponder or other integration issues.

If I get a basic aftermarket alarm - just to alarm the doors & hood + major shock, I'm thinking it will cost more than the Toyota, and not integrate as well.

What's other's thinking on this?
 
Register to hide this ad
i had a viper alarm put into mine and after installation, it cost me about $275. added keyless entry, shock sensor, and window sensor. i personally like it. could add the remote start, but not with my 5spd. all in all i have been happy with it. oh yeah, starter disable as well. this allowed me to save on the insurance as well. my old car had a crimestopper in it, and that had motion sensors along with the shock, and door and starter kill. however, i feel the viper is a far superior product. that was $175 after install. plenty of options. just do your research. i think you will find that viper is a pretty sound investment.

brian
 
Which year 4Runner did you put it on? Did it already have the keyless entry/ignition kill (key transponder)?

I assume you wound up with only one remote too.
 
98, base 4runner. bought it used, and did not get any keypad with it. wasn't worth hasle of finding code and what not, so i put in the viper. and yes. one keypad. plus extra button for the remote start.
 
$299 isn't bad at all. I have the factory Toyota alarm on mine, its not the most sophisticated alarm, but it's good enough for my purposes. If a thief wants my car, he's going to get it no matter what alarm I have. The Toyota alarm is very discrete, you really don't know its there and the glass breakage sensor is a nice touch. I got mine for less than $200 on eBay brand new and installed it myself. I do wish it had a shock sensor though.

My dealer wanted $499 for an aftermarket system that they had already installed on my car. It used the same remote as the factory and integrated nicely, but not nicely enough. When locking the car, I would get a beep from the keyless entry and 2 honks from the horn and two beeps and one honk when unlocking the car...very annoying. I told them I didn't want it and had them take it off.
 
the viper can be silenced. the only draw back is the brightness of the led. they mounted mine right between the shifter and the tray under the e-brake. even with the tinted windows, you can see the flashing light. one thing is for sure...people know you have something going on. good or bad, i am not sure, but i can say that my runner is still just that...my runner.
 
Decided against added alarm

Just an update on this. My dealer said a factory alarm is not available once it leaves the factory - so only an after-market can be installed. I've basically decided against any upgrades. I had both the deal & a freind who installs radios & alarms ask me, "Why do you really want an alarm?" Both said the vehicle already had a decent theft deterent in there (key transponder & blinking light), and my insurance should cover anything inside that walks.

Also, there's issues with that back window on the remote. I guess it can be done after-market, but an additional module has to be placed on the rear window for another $100 yada yada yada.
 
My $.05 worth (inflation)

I'm looking at the same options as you... My take on this is that a thief still try to steal your car - even if it has an alarm - if he really wants it, but putting an alarm in it will either significantly decrease his chances of taking it QUICKLY or increase his chances of getting caught in the act. Taking stuff from the inside of you car can't really be prevented 'cuz they can shatter a window and have that stuff out in no time, even if the alarm is sounding.

The two quotes I got would each be around $600 for either a Viper or Prestige (made by Audiovox) system... that is with remote start and 1000'+ range. I plan on having about $1500-$2000 of A/V equipment in the vehicle, but I still don't know if $600 is worth it.


Remote start is an excellent option to have up here in the NE, and since I don't have a garage, it's a MUST for me.

Does anyone know if I can integrate one into the current stock keyless entry system?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 3,869 (members: 2, guests: 3,867)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,120
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top