can our S be stolen?
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
hmm.... methinks we have a vigilante on our hands...
I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I would not want to meet up with the $**t-heads who would dare steal my wheels. That's a matter much better left to the police.
Seriously, though, I think the issue of total car theft is an interesting one (vs. vandalism, that is). I'm not sure this is a valid generalization, but real thieves wanna get the most bang for the buck. I think they go after the higher-end cars, but usually ones with big production numbers. With those, it's easy to get black market parts into circulation. In the case of the S2000, that wouldn't be easy at all. I think in this case, having a limited production car actually *helps* us. What do you think?
Lately, the issue of S2000 seats seems to be the hot theft thing. That's probably because they retrofit aftermarket-style into lots of different models. What REALLY bothers me about this is that folks who buy them should KNOW they're getting stolen stuff. ERRRRRRRR
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I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I would not want to meet up with the $**t-heads who would dare steal my wheels. That's a matter much better left to the police.
Seriously, though, I think the issue of total car theft is an interesting one (vs. vandalism, that is). I'm not sure this is a valid generalization, but real thieves wanna get the most bang for the buck. I think they go after the higher-end cars, but usually ones with big production numbers. With those, it's easy to get black market parts into circulation. In the case of the S2000, that wouldn't be easy at all. I think in this case, having a limited production car actually *helps* us. What do you think?
Lately, the issue of S2000 seats seems to be the hot theft thing. That's probably because they retrofit aftermarket-style into lots of different models. What REALLY bothers me about this is that folks who buy them should KNOW they're getting stolen stuff. ERRRRRRRR
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Registered User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Mine was stolen and recovered with the seats missing. The theft itself doesn't bother me since I'm insured, but the hassle associated with the theft does:
First, the insurance company will insist on waiting for 3-4 weeks before declaring the car stolen.
Second, if recovered, the car will be in the shop for a month or more. And its likely you'll have the joy of fighting with your insurance company regarding the damage.
Third, you'll need to pick the car up from the city tow lot, fight towing fees and parking tickets, etc. That will take a day.
Fourth, during that whole time, you can spend your weekends taking trips in the Dodge Neon or whatever other rental car your insurance company provides (definitely won't be comparable).
And finally, during that whole time, you'll need to make your car and insurance payments (in addition to the deductible).
BTW, the stock immobilizer is worthless.
First, the insurance company will insist on waiting for 3-4 weeks before declaring the car stolen.
Second, if recovered, the car will be in the shop for a month or more. And its likely you'll have the joy of fighting with your insurance company regarding the damage.
Third, you'll need to pick the car up from the city tow lot, fight towing fees and parking tickets, etc. That will take a day.
Fourth, during that whole time, you can spend your weekends taking trips in the Dodge Neon or whatever other rental car your insurance company provides (definitely won't be comparable).
And finally, during that whole time, you'll need to make your car and insurance payments (in addition to the deductible).
BTW, the stock immobilizer is worthless.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
Hmmm, 12 bidders already:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=1858301267
I actually like the idea of a homebrew tracking device. It seems like it shouldn't be TOO difficult to whip something up. You just pick a hidden place in your car, and install a cell phone and GPS receiver linked together with a custom circuit. When your car is stolen, you call the phone in the car (ringer turned off of course), and the phone keeps the call active by sending back coordinates from the GPS every 30 seconds. A simple voice synthesis circuit wouldn't be that hard to make up.
Then you can have fun recovering the car yourself.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...item=1858301267
I actually like the idea of a homebrew tracking device. It seems like it shouldn't be TOO difficult to whip something up. You just pick a hidden place in your car, and install a cell phone and GPS receiver linked together with a custom circuit. When your car is stolen, you call the phone in the car (ringer turned off of course), and the phone keeps the call active by sending back coordinates from the GPS every 30 seconds. A simple voice synthesis circuit wouldn't be that hard to make up.
Then you can have fun recovering the car yourself.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island
Guys really if your car is stolen why would you want it back. If they stole your car it was for a reason by the time you find it, it will be in no condition that you would want it back. If a thief wants your car it is gone. I had a mercedes c43 with the stupid lazer cut keys and all that onstar bullshit that tracks the car and the benz got stolen. Full coverage insurance is the only way to keep your car safe.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: SF Oakland Pleasanton
"Then you can have fun recovering the car yourself. "
The idea of coming to there chopshop and beating the shit out them and recovering your car is cool and all, BUT!
1.they maybe armed
2.they will retaliate if they get caught
3.they will most likely know where you live from the where they stolen it or from the cars paper work
4.endangering your family
leave it to the Cops...thats what your tax is for
The idea of coming to there chopshop and beating the shit out them and recovering your car is cool and all, BUT!
1.they maybe armed
2.they will retaliate if they get caught
3.they will most likely know where you live from the where they stolen it or from the cars paper work
4.endangering your family
leave it to the Cops...thats what your tax is for
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: anchorage
Hello,
I am new to this board, I have been checking it out almost daily for the past couple of months. I am seriously considering purchasing a s2000 by next summer.
Regarding theft of your s2000's, there are only a couple security systems I would consider if your are truly serious about keeping the car from being stolen. One would be a Viper 700esp, the other would be the clifford ag-4. Both the systems offer several kill points on your car. The ag-4 actually has a wireless immobilizer system so even if the thief finds the brain he still cant start the car. The ag-4 is easily the most serious stand alone system on the market.
Make sure they have several years of expierence of installing this system berfore turing them loose in your car. It is a totally different install situation than doing regular alarm system with on average 9-12 wires to interface in the car.
The 700esp would be my second choice, not nearly as complex but if installed properly would give great protection. It has three kill circuits built into the brain also comes standard with a backup battery siren , and all the security wires on the brain are black. This would be my choice if I didnt have a installer with which I personally knew and had extensive knowledge of his work.
On the tracking devices Alpine had one, it was called Mobile mayday but was pulled from the market about 1 yr ago. Dei is coming out with one hopefully by 1st half of next year.
The only current one that I know of is Intertrak. I dont know much about it but here is a link:http://www.trackmenow.com/.
Hopefully this info will help.
I am new to this board, I have been checking it out almost daily for the past couple of months. I am seriously considering purchasing a s2000 by next summer.
Regarding theft of your s2000's, there are only a couple security systems I would consider if your are truly serious about keeping the car from being stolen. One would be a Viper 700esp, the other would be the clifford ag-4. Both the systems offer several kill points on your car. The ag-4 actually has a wireless immobilizer system so even if the thief finds the brain he still cant start the car. The ag-4 is easily the most serious stand alone system on the market.
Make sure they have several years of expierence of installing this system berfore turing them loose in your car. It is a totally different install situation than doing regular alarm system with on average 9-12 wires to interface in the car.
The 700esp would be my second choice, not nearly as complex but if installed properly would give great protection. It has three kill circuits built into the brain also comes standard with a backup battery siren , and all the security wires on the brain are black. This would be my choice if I didnt have a installer with which I personally knew and had extensive knowledge of his work.
On the tracking devices Alpine had one, it was called Mobile mayday but was pulled from the market about 1 yr ago. Dei is coming out with one hopefully by 1st half of next year.
The only current one that I know of is Intertrak. I dont know much about it but here is a link:http://www.trackmenow.com/.
Hopefully this info will help.