So my S2k has actually be garaged for a while at a family member's house. I drive it when I visit. My brother has been out of country for several months, so I've been using his Accord as a daily driver, keeping up the maintenance on it, etc.

Within the next few months, I'm going to be doing the LED upgrades to my S2k, and I'm going to get some new speakers as well. My bro will be coming back to the country, so I'll be returning his Accord, and my S2k will come back as my regular-use vehicle. So here's the deal. I'd like some input from you guys.

- I've got wheel locks and seat locks at this point.
- I have the LoJack as before.
- I will have full coverage insurance on the S2k.

So now here come my options:

- I can park the S2k at my apartment again.
- I can park the S2k at storage facility gated outdoor lot ~3/4 miles away ($110/mo).
- I can park the S2k at a storage facility single garage unit ~1/2 mile away ($225/mo).

Now, as much as I'd like peace of mind knowing my S2k is safe inside a garage, $225/mo is a LOT to be paying just for parking. My apartment is a good deal relative to most of the region so I feel like I can throw a bit of extra cash around, but even so, that's $2700/yr. The outdoor lot is ok, as it's gated with security systems, but it seems like it really won't be much different than my apartment, and could be worse, since it's far away from me. There's also the convenience factor. Parking 1/2 mile away is annoying.

I've considered getting back on the commuter train to get to and from work. I wouldn't really want to leave the S2k at my apartment all day, because all the neighbors are gone, so that probably won't happen if I don't use one of the other options.

My initial thought is this: for 1300/2700, I can have a VERY good alarm system with a 2 way remote, proxy sensors, etc. installed by a professional shop. Since I'm already paying a lot for full coverage insurance, if something does happen, I should just file a claim. The alarm will give me more peace of mind everywhere I drive, whereas the parking options only help when I'm not out and about.

Also, it's not like I'm hearing gunshots or broken windows at night. The area I'm in has some shady people, but I haven't any actual experiences to support my paranoia beyond here-say from a neighbor about some suspicious dude. So my feeling is I should probably just suck it up, get a good alarm, and not worry.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Who knows. Maybe this neighbor was the one looking at your car?

Get a two way alarm/pager and a 9mm.

 

Sounds like you have a lot of preventatives already. LoJack, Brake Pedal Club, Seat Locks (on the way), Wheel Locks (on the way). I supposed you could add a boot to the wheel if you really wanted to get crazy. If this was a rare or classic... I could see spending lots of money any anti-theft equipment. But for this type of car, worst case they manage to bypass all those measures and get away with the car... you collection the money and go find another one. I know it's a pain in the ass, but considering the money it costs to add all these preventative measures... it's not always viable.

 

For all of you saying G17 FTW...you have it all wrong. G36 FTW!!! Much smaller and easier to conceal (if your state offers Concealed Carry Permits). Plus if you can't cure it with 6 rounds of .45 ACP you aren't going to cure it with 17 rounds of 9mm.

Just my $0.02
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Thats too many shots, you can be prosecuted for it. You need to be able to take only 2 or 3 shots and accomplish your goal. My 357 magnum only takes 1 shot, so long as its a good one.

 

I live in California. First of all, I'm limited to a 10 round mag. Second, if I went outside and started shooting to protect my car, my a** would be locked up with counts of carrying a loaded firearm, probably concealing a firearm, brandishing a firearm, discharging a firearm within city limits, and probably manslaughter. At least I'm not within 1000 ft of a "school zone." The only exception for firearms laws in CA is when you are in grave danger.

 

Ya, I see what you're saying. I think for peace of mind, I may just add an alarm, and probably call that, and the other security stuff, enough. I was thinking briefly about getting some storage space, but as I explained in the long post above, I really don't think it's worth the financial burden. I don't have a problem putting an alarm on, since it's a one time expenditure, and I've been wanting one for a while. I do have a problem with adding 1-2k+ in annual cost to the car. If something happens to it, I'll just have to sort things out with insurance and go from there.

 

I think that's the right choice. As much as we do cherish our S2k's, they aren't exotic or expensive enough that a thief is going to want to stand around messing with Seat/Wheel Locks, The Club, and a good Alarm. It's much easier to find another S2k that doesn't involve them standing there for 20+ minutes removing preventatives. It's not a guarantee, but make no mistake the things you have are a strong deterrent.

 

Fine then. Get a giant f@#king tazer.

 

Can you rent a garage at the complex? That's the ultimate deterrent. Out of sight out of mind.

My Glock vote goes to the Glock 21 I have within arms reach of the bed. Florida has some VERY progressive laws on protecting your home/family, even prohibiting retalliation etc. from the deceased victim(s) family.

 

Unfortunately no. As I said, the nearest garage I've found is $225 bucks. I've decided that's not worth paying every month on top of insurance, even if it provides peace of mind. I'd rather just get a good alarm system, and deal with some level of risk.

I have a FL CCW, so I'm aware of Florida's defense laws. The defense laws there are very good.