I want to get a new alarm system for my car. I got remote start added to the factory unit. I was wondering if there would be anyway to use this remote start with a new alarm system. I also want to be able to roll the windows up and down. Does anybody have any suggestions on a alarm system. any good installers in SO CAL

thanks

------------------
ankit

 

I used to be in Car Audio and Alarms and I found the best all-around alarm would be the Clifford Avantguard 4. It's a tad pricey, but you get two window roll up, remote start, keyless, ign kill, starter kill, practically everything all in one package. Comes with battery back up siren so thieves can't just cut the power wires and get in. Also, it comes with a dual zone radar (inside car it does a full alarm / outside car it buzzes if someone is too close) and digital tilt/motion sensor so if someone tries to jack up your car to steal your rims, the sensor will read the sustained lift over 3 degrees and set off the alarm. Pretty slick, and it never falses (even with semi-trucks driving by, earthquakes or lightning storms). I'd add the Omnisensor for the few extra bucks to have an impact sensor.

If you want to do more, you can add SmartWindows 4 to roll up/down all windows, sunroof open/close options, !!MEMORY SEATS!! (called the "RAMS") and about a million other things. Clifford really made their products work together well with their new digital link system... it's almost like USB for car alarms.

I opted for the Clifford IQ8000 because it has motion (I added impact) sensors, it was easy to install (i'm lazy and i had to do it myself), I could add remote start or windows roll up/down at any time.

I'd recommend going to a smaller local shop that has an excellent record (ask around) instead of the bigger companies... the big ones tend to cut more corners (experience with that one almost burned down my second car - i won't say who but i'll tell you their name begins with "the good" and ends with "guys").

Hope that helps...
-Ryan

------------------
**
2000 Acura 3.2 TL Black
Hopefully rims someday, springs too, inspire tails would be nice, dream list goes on.........

 

But Clifford isn't being produced anymore, they were bought by DEI. So buying a Clifford may be bad if it ever dies - you would have to get a whole new alarm.

 

Nate,

Very true, but I talked to our Clifford rep down at CES in Las Vegas in January and he said DEI is going to keep producing and selling all Clifford products because it is too much of a good name to give up. They will honor full warranties for any Clifford product bought AFTER the purchase of the company, anything before is now limited to a 2 year warranty (sorry). They will offer a trade-in program on out of warranty defective alarms to a new Clifford or DEI alarm for 50% off the cost. Any Avital (made by Clifford) alarms owners are SOL (this may change).

I bought my IQ8000 on a DEI employee purchase for 50% of dealer cost. Which puts it at about $85. The Avantguard 4 is about $150 emp. purchase. DEI sure took care of us - just don't try to talk to their customer service techs, I was on hold for 50 minutes waiting for a them.

-Ryan


------------------
**
2000 Acura 3.2 TL Black
Hopefully rims someday, springs too, inspire tails would be nice, dream list goes on.........

 

great info! thanks.. think i'ma get the Avantguard 4 ... how much is it around?

 

I'm a few months out of selling them, but they retailed for $999 installed + options. They are a PAIN IN THE A*S to install (can we swear in the forums?), usually taking a good part of the day (if not more depending on the options). We had a 00 Lexus for a week because that car is a wiring nightmare (a computer in each door controlling door locks and window controls and of course it used a digital data bus meaning a simple negative pulse or positive pulse would fry the computer, so we had to create a computer interface for each door; and that was just the start! ). Luckily, our Acuras are pretty straightforward.

I could probably arrange a deal for anyone wanting one in the Seattle area (or any stereo stuff in general)... my ex-boss is pretty cool about giving deals to me and friends.

Hasta, Ryan

------------------
**
2000 Acura 3.2 TL Black
Hopefully rims someday, springs too, inspire tails would be nice, dream list goes on.........

 

I got the clifford millinium and with everything such as windows, remote start, truck, etc... it hit me for about 750. as someone else said the install is a *****, the alarm alone was only like 350, ther rest is all labor.

 

I'd say Avant Guard 4...and they aren't a pain to install...most installers charge $800 installed plus options..and can get them done in a little over half the day...And yes Clifford was bought out by DEI but they are just funding Clifford...everything else stays the same...meaning you fry your Clifford, they send you a new Clifford system...you don't need to buy a new one....

------------------
1996 2.5 TL Dark Green
HKS Powerflow, HKS Fuel Pressure Regulator, Sebring Exhaust, Jacobs Pro Street, Apex-i AFC, Jet ECU, Powerslot Rotors, Axxis Metal Master Pads, PIAA 1100x, Clarion 9255, Tube Driver Amps, Boston Pro 10's (2) , CD Technologies 6-4-2, Clarion MVA6491 (3), Valentine 1, Cliford Avant Guard 4, Monster Capacitors (2), Jacobs Accuvolt, Trunk and Underdash Neons...
AlbumIndex?u=1530721&a=11664800&f=0