best car alarm

Funny no one mentioned DEI products (Viper/Python/Valet) etc etc. they are one of the most reliable and quality oriented products I have seen..just not available easily for the Do-it-yourselfer or warrantied either... Then, again, on a $50k truck, a $500-$700 pro dealer installed alarm does make sense.. The comment with Clifford was a good one..truly a science of security as their motto stands. excellent products..lot of their features are todays manufacturers clones.. Hopefully DEI's takeover won't take them down the chute...too far ;) I just removed an avistart 6000 and an XL1000 Keyless entry/alarm unit from 2 different cars.. Working for more than 3+ years with zero issues, and I was the original installer, going to re-use them in different cars..at least the avistart unit. The darn things even feel right in my hands..solid built, clean connections..lots of mounting options (tabs, ears) etc. Even the brains did not even show signs of wear inside the units..(solders on board, especially by relays..high current) Something as basic as a mounting adapter for the shock sensor..I can convert it to a steering wheel mount from a flat firewall style mount... Actually compustar is the last thing I would recommend. Seems to be a lot of chest thumpers here for their product..however, the naysayers seem to have a lot to say for it as well. Never heard of this product lasting reliably on the field, only thing going for it is range.. It seems lots of folks like to start they car from the state line, however, there are a lot more aspects to an alarm/remote start than range..it's has to protect what it is remote starting !! Call me bitter, I just had a 1W900FM-AS conk the dust again..for the 3rd time.. POS.. Looks like they (compustar) like to resolder jumper wires in the brain for engineering oversight/shortcomings.. (If you are doubtful, take apart the CM-3000 version 1.x brains and look for more than just the manual/automatic tranny cut wire) I found it on every one of the 1W900FM brain that failed on me in multiples.. Don't even get me started on the bullsh*t CM-4200 brains which are nothing more than labels with new firmware... An of course, their remotes will always die a sorry death.lcd or no lcd.. Just try to decipher their remotes with their programming manuals..I had to call 3 times before they even admitted an issue with wrong manuals that they knew about on the 1WFM line... I would look at the clifford line..G5 Solaris, Clifford RSX 3.5 I would also look at the Autopage RS-855 (lots of channels..you can customize a lot of things) I would also look at the code-alarm line (not the circuit city line of products) Don't go to the dealer with the money is no object attitude. That is an asking to get overcharged and underappreciated. You know your budget limits..ask him what he/she recommends..and why. You would want your car to be protected more than just a shock sensor which most if not alarms come basic with. Granted you already have a factory immobilizer system with coded keys, there is always a smarter thief out there.. Look at the basic requirements.. Do you like to drive with the windows and sunroof open ? You want an alarm that will have the option of rolling up windows and closing the sunroof without you having to worry about it..automatically upon arming. Since the shock sensor is default (detects an impact to the car) you can investigate in a radar/perimeter sensor. Bear in mind these things can be overtly sensitive if improperly installed. However, they can do the job if installed properly and can warn potential unsavory characters who like to lurk around your vehicle. Does the car already have the basic factory alarm built in and will the new alarm/remote start talk to the factory alarm and play nice ? Again, if installed properly, this will become seamless. You would be surprised at how effective a factory alarm can be if the situation arises (triggering horn and lights, and also immobilizing all computers until the factory key is seen)Makes a big difference from a car that was stolen vs one that almost got away.. What else can you turn off with your new alarm ? Fuel pump ? Engine computers ? Custom stereo Equipment ? Can it deflate the tires like a lamborghini security system (pushing the limits here) What can you turn on with your new alarm ? Defroster ? Headlights/Parking lights ? Wipers ? All these things can be done..options nonetheless, but not impossible. Do you need them ? That is another story.. Bear in mind if you get a dealer installed aftermarket alarm, you are at the mercy of the dealer. If your sytem fails, they will always play middleman and won't let you talk to the place of install. They will "take care of it" You will of course be in the dark about the whole thing..like every good dealer wants you to be. Better to deal with a pro place on your own..after recommendations and investigations of course.. Good luck with your quest..

I don't like Coke or Pepse ............................. but I sure recommend Compustar units, the 8000 FM or the 900 FM are the ones that I would recommend.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Rob..looks like I was unlucky with the line.. Maybe firstech loves canadians more....(my wife is one) Maybe I will pick one up the next time I'm in vancouver..go there every year.. I do have to admit I like the way all their connectors are lined up on one side of the alarm so I can just wire loom one bundle...other manufacturers need to take note..