Lock / Alarm questions

[sip]

1) Can a Mazda 3 with immobilizer and / or after-market alarm system be you hot wired ?

2) How would you know that alarm is on if you are away from hearing distance? Would the remote receiver beep?

3) Are car alarms effective given the the false alarms and tendency to ignore them?

Recently my GPS was stolen from my car which was parked overnight on the driveway. It was my fault because the car was left unlocked but I wonder how the thief knew my car was unlocked. I am not sure whether I should get an alarm or a low cost alternative such as club. I figure club is better than nothing. I am not crazy about spending over $400 for an alarm.

Your advice will be appreciated.

[Turok]

1) I'm not sure, probably some info on the forums or you can google probably
2) I don't know never tried it :)
3) I think there somewhat effective.. ya they tend to get ignored because it could be a false alarm. But I myself if it was going off I would check it out because I'm not lazy and if its a false alarm oh well better safe then sorry is what I say.

I installed a shock sensor on my car recently.. I guess you could get one of those from the dealer. They sell for $40 and you can adjust the sensitivity on it, so it goes off with a slight bump to the car. Easy to install and a cheap way to an additional deterrent/security.

[gabbygenier]

1) if you google it wouldnt suprise me if almost any alarm can be bypassed somehow.

2) you wouldnt unless you get a 2 way alarm

3) i have a viper one and its pretty good. only time it goes off as a false alarm is when a huge truck or dumptruck goes by the road and shakes the hell out of it. but most times i can feel it inside so i know. most good alarms can be set for the sensetivity and im pretty sure most 2 ways can be set with the remote for the sensetivity.

i think the person that stole your gps is just a stupid kid that does what most other thief's do. they just walk around looking for unlocked doors. most are stupid ppl and dont know what htey are doing.

what i do is never leave anything of value in plain vue and always lock your doors. that is all you can do really.

even if you have an alarm. if someone wants what they can see in the car or the car itself. they will get it no matter what it takes. the installer that installed my alarm (sponsor on here) says his wifes car got a window smashed and gps stolen out of it. the worst part was the doors were unlocked, that just goes to show you how stupid ppl are and they will get what they want.

[TheMaterial]

If its a pro your car can still be hot wired, there is always a work around.

You want to spend the extra money and get a 2-way. It gives you a remote and goes ballistic if something is happening to your car. But they do have a range. Option 2 is the new Viper Smart Start. If you have an Iphone or blackberry your phone can act as a remote for the alarm. It doesn't have a limit as long as your car can receiver a text message. Very nifty to have and you will use it when you least expect it, like I have.

If you have the sensitivity set correctly you will eliminate the majority of false alarms. But some people like to have there alarms set so sensitive you can flick the car and the alarm goes off which is not necessary.

I would recommend to everyone to atleast get some sort of alarm on your car, but just remember even an alarm is useless if you don't arm it.

[htc***]

Alarm/no alarm. Never leave any valuable in sight, they can smash your windows then you have to replace it. I have a friend who forgot to left a pack of cigarette in plain view and they smashed his window for it.

[PearlM3]

Pros do something with the battery which will fry your alarm and locking mechanisms. I had a buddy who used to steal cars and I always thought my car was safe. He went through it with me and in like 45 sec he would hve had my car. I would not waste the money on an after market alarm if your getting it because of theifs it will not make a diff

[Turok]

Alarm/no alarm. Never leave any valuable in sight, they can smash your windows then you have to replace it. I have a friend who forgot to left a pack of cigarette in plain view and they smashed his window for it.

My friend had a similar experience he left an old Subway gift card in his cup holder, it was there for months and months.. then one day someone smashed the drivers side window out and the only thing missing was the gift card which had no credit on it anyways.