I'm wondering if the OEM alarm is good enough to protect the car or should I go for an aftermarket alarm instead. Currently I do not have an alarm on the car, just the cheap remote. Does the OEM alarm chirp when someone bumps the car? or does it only sound the horn when the doors/trunk/hood get forced open.

 

Personally, I think that the stock alarm does not do it. I haven't installed a new one yet though. With the top down, I can reach in and open the door from the inside while the doors are locked and the alarm is on. I don't know if you can call that an adequate alarm.

 

One of two things ... either the OEM alarm you have is not connected properly, or you are confusing the remote entry as a factory alarm. The OEM alarm will sound if the door(s) are opened if the alarm is set. The OEM alarm will monitor the doors, trunk and hood with the optional hood pin. Not saying the OEM alarm is good or bad, just clarifying that even though you may hear the horn when you press the remote entry "lock" button twice - this is not an alarm.

 

After someone used a knife to "open" the plastic window on my S2000, reach in, open the door and the trunk using the release in the glove box - all with the alarm on - I do not think it is adequate.

Not being an alarm expert, can you get alarms that would detect the intruder in this situation? I am in the market for something better.

 

s2k,

I had the same question, read this post, maybe the info will be helpful for you too.

 

No alarm is fool proof, so the definition of "good enough" will be based on what you are trying to acheive, ie what are you trying to prevent. Since the car comes with an immobilizer chip, hotwiring the car to steal it is not an option. However, that will not stop a towtruck from towing it away with the alarm blaring.

The factory alarm (not just the remote entry system that comes with the car) is a basic defense against someone opening the door/ trunk/hood. When any of thise points are openned, it sets off the horn. It will NOT prevent vandalism, cutting of the top, etc, but it does reduce the amount of time one has with your car before the alarm draws some attention to the car.

Aftermarket alarms have these functions and the ability to be expanded upon. They can be set up to protect the interior space with a motion sensor, a perimeter sensor can warn people away from the car. Additional features can cover motion, impact, sound, and supply convenience features. Vehicel pagers are also available for those who are prone to confront their burglar.

Tracking systems such as Lojack can also be added so that if the car is stolen, the car can be recovered quickly before it is stripped of its valuable parts.

All of these options will not really prevent vandalism, nor any serious attempt to steal the car by professionals, BUT they will make it more difficult.

For those looking for an upgrade alarm, please be advised that most high end alarms are dependable and will supply the needed features; but a really important part of getting the alarm is the quality of the installer putting it in. be sure to get a qualified experienced tech with good references. Alarm techs that take their work seriously will not cut corners and you will have less problems in the long run. So picking a great installer is key.

Good luck.