Would like member input on whether the basic security system is adequate on my 04 SL, or whether I should get a second one added (Viper, another brand?). The dealer told me the car's stock system was pretty secure already and didn't need anything else, but what do you think? (I waited this long because I'm giong to start driving my baby to work soon.)

 

depends on what you have in it... if its just stock then no lol... if you got rims, sound system, engine work done, body kit... tvs/dvd player... then i'd say yea... protect your stuff!

 

Depends on where you work too.

 

Check with your insurance company, just like you get a discount for window etching, ABS, etc, they may offer a discount with a better security system

 

the thing with after market security systems (at least the ones iv dealt with) are very temper mental. a lot of customers coming in with a no start issue or overly sensitive alarms. i just cut them out and return it to stock. but if your worried about someone messing with your car or parking in a crappy place in town get the dealer to do it. they can probably recommend a good one and install it properly

 

Im kind of interested in this too..

Guess the question is, How good is the factory alarm and if something happens like breaking a window, would the alarm go off?

 

No it wouldn't go off if someone busted out your window.

If they opened your door it would.

 

i honestly wouldnt rely on a factory alarm system esp if i gotta system in there costing couple G'z... i'd say go with aftermarket alarm just get a good one and a real good install for it not some1 that dont know what they doing... i know for the 07/08 max ... for the remote start part a special module is needed... i got the clifford matrix 50x5 2 way with remote start and lcd pager..workz fine for me

 

Thanks for responses. Let me reframe my question a little. Does adding an aftermarket security system add substantially to protection against car theft? I should add my car is totally stock, but it only has 31K on it, which is a major reason I would like to ensure it is protected well.

 

only response for that then would be depending on your location... if its a really bad area thats known for cars getting jacked then uh... i would get 1 with the lcd pager...

 

Depends on where you live, work, where/how your car is parked at night, and the auto thief rate in your area. The Max is hard to steal for the average fool and even with an expensive alarm system damage will happen until the alarm scare's them off. My only concern with some aftermarket alarm system is their ability to disable your car if the system becomes faulty. Plus the electrical systems are complex enough, I don't want to add to the problem. I recommend you buy a club and call it a day!!!

 

Are you worries about the car being taken or being broken into and stuff inside taken? Pretty much the stock alarm is just a glorified door unlocker. I have the Clifford with the 2 way page and if it goes off my remote beeps or vibrates and as most alarms it has starter kill which I don't think our cars have stock...

But if you are worried about your car getting taken then just get Lo-Jack.

 

all maximas after 99 have the immobilizer in them right? i know the 99-2003's do for sure. If so your car may get broken into and your stuff may get stolen but they arent taking your car unless they bring a tow truck or they steal your key.

so if you have something worth stealing inside go aftermarket but if there is nothing of real value in there the stock alarm should do the job

 

let your insurance company deal with it if the car is stolen/vandalized.

thats what we pay for.

 

"let your insurance company deal with it if the car is stolen/vandalized.

thats what we pay for."

That is exactly what I don't want to have happen (especially, stolen), because I've got a 32K mileage car and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't pay for another one (if they could even find one). It's almost 6 years old and the average car my car's age has 85K plus miles. The LoJack idea sounds interesting, as well as perhaps coupling that with a pager, so if it were (or being) stolen, I could have the police look for it immediately. However, I don't know how much those two things would cost. Last time I looked, LoJack was about $25 a month...

 

i got a 2way clifford matrix 50x5 security system & remote start with lcd pager installed for $450..thats a 1mile range... pretty good for when your in the mall or store or @ work..

 

well it depends.. if your car is stock then i think i'd stay with the basic but if you have additional goodies in the car then id go for the extra alarm.

 

http://www.stickdeath.com/2002auto.html Here are a couple antitheft ideas to concider. and this one: http://www.stickdeath.com/2004auto.html

 

.................... Messy, anyway to kill them before they get in???

 

i also have the clifford but g5 AvantGuard. i could leave all my windows down and if you put your hand threw the window the alarm would go off. like everyone else has said it depends on what you have in your ride.

 

I want ninjas who guard my ride. Midget ninjas to be precise.