I'm a newbie and I have searched numerous topics on alarms and have found that the products available today are extensive compared to the last time I purchased an alarm. I went to 3 shops today (1 highly rated online, another a part of a small specialty chain, and another (independent) with a website showing some exotic cars that they had worked on - or so they claim). In order, the 1st shop, highly rated and has been around for 30+ yrs, recommended an Automate RF-420 2 way at $350 installed. This shop said to pass on the interior sensor as they false alarm too much (leaves, hard rain on top, etc. set them off). This shop also said Viper, etc. are overpriced, over-rated, their remotes break very easily and cost +- $100. to repair. Also, claims to have an installer that owns an S2K so he knows the car intimately. Shop 2 (ok, Al & Eds) said the interior sensor would be fine and that I should consider an external battery (under the hood) that has a krytonite-type key lock. Their quote was +- $450 for a Viper 350 Responder 2 way, I believe, with back-up battery. They claim installers have been working at this shop for many years. Shop 3, an independent, on Harbor in CM or NB, suggested a brand that I can't recall the name of but also had the same Viper 350 Responder for $350 installed. The owner was out and the guy on the floor was not sure about the concept of an external battery. It was late in the day and the guy in the shop was finishing up a beemer (back seat out, etc) and I didn't want to disturb him. I told the shops that I did not want remote start, etc. I wanted an alarm that would activate if someone opened the door (all do this), respond to shock, that would page me within a reasonable range, and would continue to make an obnoxious noise even if the wires were cut and even if no one paid attention. I am not planning on any major modding so I am just looking to protect the seats, discourage criminals, overall, and feel comfortable if I need to run to the grocery store for milk and don't want to remove the boot and put the top up. I would appreciate any feedback for system specifics in the +-$400 or less price range and if anyone can recommend a shop in SoCal (between Long Beach and Irvine, North to Anaheim, etc.). Effectively, I am willing to travel +- 30 miles from Long Beach to get it done right. Thanks and sorry if this is a rehash of a recent post.