What's the best alarm to get?

Considering my car, etc.

I want to install it myself, preferably. I don't trust anyone to do anything right anymore... LOL

I'm considering the DEI AvantGuard 4.

/aac

 

....and what options are important to you.

Dude did you get that thing in the mail?

 

Price: doesn't matter, as long as it's excellent.

Options -- umm, i love dual-zone radar so people can't lurk real close to the car, lean on it, etc. Obviously good (but smart) impact/glass break system. Ability to lock doors and raise windows automatically. Close sunroof: bonus. Smart engine disabling: good. Carjack protection: good. Good remote that will do everything my current remote does and more is essential. Ability to wire into my strobes: very very cool.

Remote start: don't care.

What thing in mail?

/aac

 

I had a DEI/Clifford on my Caprice and did not have a problem with people trying to steal the car (well at least when I didn't take the fuses out(long story)). The alarm you are choosing has a very good reputation for security and can be very feature packed (I wanted one with the GPS tracking feature). Plus, you can program many of their alarms using your PC at home.

 

The Avant Gurard 4 will set you back about $1500 dollars installed. Last I checked DEI was still selling it under the Clifford name. One step up from my alarm. INCREDIBLE.

 

I had an avant guard 3 on my 95 max. It worked flawlessly for 5 years. While in college I worked for a high-end car audio store and I installed many of these systems. The harness is pre loomed from clifford in a rubbery jacket and can be extremely difficult to work with. Especially when passing through the firewall, I recommend using water proof grommets that are available at any car audio store. You might have a problem finding a dealer willing to sell the unit without installation, we only sold the unit installed. This system has lots of wires to hook up. Have fun.

 

Thanks for the info. My main problem is that I have been sooo jaded by installers and people screwing up my car. I would honestly consider installing it myself before letting an installer do it... unless I found someone I really trusted.. damn i sound like a jilted loveR!!!!! pitiful

 

I watched my alarm get installed and I would NOT recommend attempting this procedure unless you are very proficient with wiring in the car. The brain to my alarm is located behind the stereo and all the wires run from there. You have to tap into the tach wire which is in the gauge panel and you have to remove the entire dash to get to it. Also, the max has a cold start/warm starter and you have to make a relay. Also, the Avant Guard comes with the remote starter which means you will have to bypass the chip in the key if you want it to work. Another also, you also get window roll up built in which means you have to run wires to the doors. If these features are overkill then you might want to downgrade to the Clifford Intelliguard series, like a 7000, otherwise seek a professional and good luck.