hi, i have a 99 f-250 super duty 4x4, and a 2002 mustang. i want to put in an alarm system/remote starter/keyless entry. i have been looking at the crime stopper brand, and want to know if anybody out there already uses them and if they are any good. i called the manufacturer and got the msrp on a couple different models.... and then i found the same ones on ebay for about 100.00 less for each one. just wondering what i should go with........ or even another brand? i dont have much knoweledge on the alarm industry.... thanks !!

 

Personally, I would never trust the reliability of ANY cheap alarm system. A much safer bet would be to go with a proven and well known auto security system made by DEI (www.directed.com) These include Viper, Python, Clifford, Hornet, Avital. These will run you at least $200-300 installed. An alarm system's effectiveness is mostly in the install and not the brand and model. That is, a poorly installed $1000 system is not going to be nearly as effective as a well installed $200 system. Among many other things, a good install involves hiding the alarm brain well and camouflaging all its wiring. I've heard the installers at most retail chains will just zip tie the alarm brain in plain sight underneath the dash. A thief wouldn't have to be a genius to figure out how to defeat an alarm system installed in that manner.

Here are some good links offering advice on alarms and car security in general...
http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubb/ult...c;f=9;t=001941
http://www.directed.com/security/sec...e/article3.asp
http://www.directed.com/security/sec...e/article4.asp

List of recommended alarm systems...
http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubb/ult...c;f=9;t=002432

 

stick with a big name alarm, i have the audiovox prestige APS996 on my 2002 F150, the key fob has a pager in it that goes off when the alarm does. Viper also makes a great alarm system. both companies offer them in a wide range of prices, it just depends on what features you want.

 

I had a crimstopper alarm on one of my trucks and ever had any problems with it.

 

www.autoloc.com sells some nice alarms, I installed one in my own truck before. It has a good adjustment for the glass breakage without tripping a false alarm in a high wind.

 

the masstart2003 alarm/keyless/remote start is $100 and the bypass module needed is about $50. its a no brainer on programming too.
they are at www.bought4less.com