I'm looking to get an alarm for my car but I'm not sure what to get. I have number of questions and I'm hoping you guys/gals can help me out w/ as many as possible.

1. I am undecided on the brand. I first thought about going w/ an Alpine but then I heard from someone that the install for these is more difficult than other brands. Is this true or are all alarms basically the same when it comes to the install?

2. While looking on Ebay it seems that almost all of the better alarms have the big remote w/ the display. Does anyone have a picture of one of these w/ keys on it or any pic that shows the actual size. I really don't want this feature because of the size but like I said, it seems that most decent alarms on Ebay come w/ this type of remote.

3. When installing the alarm, is all of the wiring done under the driver's side dash? Or, will I have to remove door panels, etc. to get at the wires I will need to connect. I guess the siren and power wiring may have to go through the firewall but how tough is the rest of the wiring?

4. What company seems to have the best installation information available through either written instructions or a tech line?

5. I am considering getting the remote start feature but how much harder does that make the install?

The features that I am looking for are as follows;
door lock/ unlock - NEEDED
hatch release - NEEDED
2 stage shock sensor - NEEDED
glass sensor - NEEDED
remote start - MAYBE
That is basically all that I am looking for in an alarm. What system/model would you guys/gals suggest?

Thank you very much for any help or info you can offer.

 

DEI is a good manufactor, they make clifford, viper, hornet and a bunch of other alarms. I have the clifford matrix rs3 remote start alarm has pretty much everything you are looking for except the glass break sensor. this alarm is about $450. or you can go with the matrix rsx 2.5 for about $350. but it doesnt come with remote start. try checking out www.directed.com as for the installation difficulty if you buy it from a retailed the price usually includes installation.

 

Due to the fact that I HATE other people touching my car, I was hoping to do the install myself. I've been checking EBAY and they seem to have some good prices but they say that since it isn't installed by a dealer that the warrany is only 90 days. Head units, electric water pump and other basic wiring I have no problem doing and I understand that an alarm is much more involved. Since it seems that most of the DEI line is supposed to be installed by a dealer, does that mean that the instructions or sustomer support will be lacking in detail or assistance?
Thanks

 

Installation is not that difficult, just a lot of wires. Most under the dash or under the kick panels.

The problem is I don't know if most alarms you buy typicaly come with the intall manuals.

When I bought my alarms (two Alpine systems) for both of my cars at the same time I told them, no installation manual, no sale. They let me borrow theres and run out to copy it.

Most will probably void the warrenty if not professionaly installed, however most electronics isn't going to fail in 90 days anyways. And by installing it myself I know where everything is in case of a problem.

If you find an alarm you like, try a search to see if anyone has a web page up on the install.

 

Thanks. What Alpine systems do you have?

 

Alpine SEC-8058 Alarm w/ SEC-8205 Pager

They're about five years old though, so I doubt that you can still get them.

 

I just bought an alarm from ebay. It had most of the options on it including remote start. It came with the installation instructions, wiring and programming. I just then had to get the wiring for the car. It took me 2 evenings to get it all wired in and working right.

Like others have said most of the wiring is either under the steering wheel or the passenger kick panel. As long as you have the time and patience, it's not that hard. Just make sure you have a couple spare relays, connectors and tape. Sometimes alarms use external relays, but they don't supply them.

It came with the little FM LCD remote, I can take a picture if you want, just drop me a message.

 

Which alarm did you buy on Ebay? Pictures would be great, thanks.