What's the consensus on the 02' S2000 factory alarm? I was able to negotiate the price of that option out and didn't have to pay for it. It's in my car now but was just wondering if it would be beneficial take that out and install a better one. Is that alarm worth $700+?

I garage my S2K everyday and seldom park it in high risk area...(actually almost never)

Thanks

 

No factory alarm (actually a dealer-installed alarm) is worth $700... I used to work at Circuit City back in the day and there are a ton of great manufacturers of alarms, most of which offer basic protection around $250... add a couple bells and whistles, though, and the price goes up of course... Clifford, and DEI product line, Alpine... all good alarms. The only catch is that any alarm is only as good as it's installation. If you do go out looking for alarms, ask about code-hopping (ACG technology), how and where the alarm will get 12 volts, starter kill, and installation and product warranty...

Just my opinion. If it's safe where you are, then pass on it all together and hope the basic key chip will prevent any theft... (come to think about it, there are very few S2K thefts that have come to mind that weren't tow truck thefts... in which case any alarm is worthless against)

good luck....

 

I was once a car alarm rep and also managed a few car stereo/alarm stores, and I agree with Ricklobo on all his points. 1) the stock alarm is usually just a simple system designed to help the dealership make more $; 2) far better units can be had for far less $ from a professional car alarm business, and 3) the installation is really on of the most important parts of the alarm.

A simple $200 alarm system will likely deter the same amount of theft attempts as an $800 system. the only difference is how easily it can be bypasses or circumvented. A basic system with an LED indicator will typically deter the amateurs. Its easier for them to find a car WITHOUT an alarm to mess with.

If you got the factory system for FREE, then at least you'll have THAT level of protection. many of the added costs are the bells and whistles, many of which the factory system includes, but a few others like motion sensing of the interior and proximity, are not.

The first line of defense is beingcareful where you park, but after that the basic alarm system will likely be fine. If you want an advanced system to help you feel more at ease, PM me and I will refer you to a local store (Eastbay) I used to manage, where I have had all my own cars in the past alarmed at.

 

sorry to bring up an old post, but i have two questions regarding the oem alarm system.

1. when you turn off the alarm/unlock the doors, is it normal to hear a continous *beeeeeeep* noise until you start the car? and the noise will not stop until you start the car. so even if you untrigger the alarm, close the door and then you open it again, it'll continue to make the noise.

2. can you increase the brightness of the alarm indicator? my indicator is located right next to the change pocket & behind the ebrakes and you can't really see it very well. since i can't move it (myself) to a more noticiable location, i'd like to make the flashing brighter or maybe even change the color. how easy/difficult is it to do this?

my alarm manual doesn't cover this stuff.

thanks for your (any!!!) help