In another attempt to add another layer of security, I'm considering a tracking device.

Although Lojack get lots of love, I'm not too keen on the price. I searched "tracking device" and a few from ebay came up. Does anyone have any direct experience with standalone tracking devices, which one do you recommend?

Looking for:

Portable
Trackable on smartphone and pc
No monthly fees
Battery life of at least 24hrs

 

you get what you pay for

 

years ago I had a BB pearl hardwired to 12v hidden in my s4. It allowed me to view its location on a website ( install third party free app )
You just had to pay for service on it.

 

What is the appeal of recovering a stollen vehicle? Why would you want it back after someone most likely drove it like they stole it? Plus they might have damaged things while getting in and taking it.

I have near zero fear of my car being stollen. It probably won't happen, and if it does, thats what insurance is for. It's just a car, I can get another one.

Do products exist with zero service fee? How would that work? Presumably you would need some sort of cellular connection on the device, and that would have some minimal fee. Unless you want it to rely on connecting to open WiFi, that sure sounds reliable.

 

I have a viper alarm, 5701 to be exact, with viper smart start, I can track it on my phone, as well as remote start, lock/unlock and pop the trunk using my phone, i love it, I pay $70/year for the service. Well worth it
As for battery life, it runs off the juice of your cars battery, if that's disconnected I have a backup battery that'll keep it on for a few hours