'05 Tacoma factory alarm?

Hey security gurus,

Is the factory alarm offered with new vehicles any good? The option for this truck is $450 or something close to that. It seems like a lot, but at least I can toss it in with the financing. I can possibly save on theft insurance and it's better to have two alarms if I decide to add one later right?

I would imagine that factory alarms offer better protection than nothing, but the pros most likely master these ones first.

I would most likely add the aftermarket alarm myself unless it was insanely complex. I'm not interested in remote start or too many bells and whistles, maybee pager notification so I can take out my agression from all former thefts and break-ins on some unsuspecting vandal.

thoughts, opinoins?

You're right, judging by some of the junk I've seen with new cars, it's probably nothing special.

I have a '93 3000 GT with factory security. This car has both doors, trunk and hood wired with pin switches and starter kill, It is keyless entry but it makes no noises unless it's set off. When it set's off, you know it's been set!

The starter kill that came with my dad's cavalier was a piece of crap.

If I get a new auto loan through the credit union, I can save some extra cash to buy the alarm and a few other goodies for the sound.

I think the mitsubishi imobilizes when it's activated, this car has a real factory installed alarm. It must've come standard with 3000 GTs, but I wouldn't be surprized if it could be undone with a master key in the door. I've set it off a couple of times by reaching inside the open window and popping the hood or opening the door. It was loud and obnoxious, but the protection is weak, something must be openend to set it off. No one has ever attempted to steal the car so far.

Believe me, I'll do my best to secure a new truck. I'll have it covered, but that's besides the point. Chances are I'll add some off road items and stereo equipment, that's what I need protection for.

I'd love to leave a thief with hearing problems, I'd like to leave a couple of set bear traps on the floor too. A silent pager alarm and an bat is my security system of choice, I'd like to take my aggressions out on one of these low lifes. Then I would lock them in the tool box with a bunch of broken glass and hit the trails! Call me a nut, but that's only what I'd do if I were in a good mood.

By the way,

Can anyone tell me what milage I can expect from one of these? I'm looking at the V6 with the 6 speed manual, 4x4. I've been driving an '89 corolla, but I''m prepared to pay more for gas. Then again, my corolla doesn't even burn the gas until the motor warms up....maybee it would even out.

What can I expect from the factory CD player? They seem ok, but naturally I'll be boxing that stuff up and adding my own sound. I'm not getting the '480 watt' premium sound option...that's definitly not worth the money

Sorry, it's snowing, I did not visit the dealership yet.

Just test drove the '05. It's pretty nice. I'll probably stick with a 4cyl 4x4 though, more practical for my purposes. The stereo sounds ok, but I still declar it JUNK.

The sales guy told me the 'power package' is what covers the security system, that includes the power windows, locks and keyless entry for $650 or something like that.