Alarming!!

[Scotster]

Hey guys, i've just joined so please excuse all the "dumb" questions but the car i am getting doesn't have an alarm and obviously i instantly want to get a cat 1 alarm and immobiliser into it. I know a few people that can help me out and i could probably get one supplied and installed for about £150 but..... What sort of toys can i get if i broaden my horizons? I have heard some talk of alarms that have "start" or something like that. Does this mean that the alarm actually starts the car to heat up the car, and the turbo, or am i missing something. If this is the case, what other things can you get nowadays. I don't want an alarm that says anything or does anything when someone is near it or when they brush against it (just attracts kids and kills the battery lol) but i would like something that sends me a warning either to my mobile or the keyfob (read something about that a while back too)

Basically i'm just looking for ideas and rough prices including fitting if at all possible.

Thanks

Scott =oP

[KiwiMR2]

Unfortunitly I can't comment on the brands availible in your part of the word but can say the "remote start" and "paging" features are pretty cool. My alarm has these and I use the remote start all the time. More so in the winter but it's nice being able to start the car a few mins before you want to leave, means it's usually a tad warmed up prior to you getting in and taking off. With mine the car will start & stay on for 8 mins in total (unless I turn I cancel it OR get into the car) then shuts off, the whole time remaining completly armed. I have a safety switch installed so that it WILL NOT start if in gear. The pager beeps every 2 mins to remind me it is running.

The pager feature is nice as well, with the amount of false alarms on cars these day's it has got to the stage were most car alarms are ignored, mine has a range of 2000 meters for the paging system & 500 metres for the remote start (enviromental factors dependent of course). Essentially if anything happens to set off the alarm my pager goes off and I can attempt to run to the car to "assist" the would be assailant

I have to use decent batteries as the pager can go through them at a decent rate (aaa batteries, usually have to change them once every 2 months odd) however in my opinion it is a small price to pay for the extra security.

Interior microwave sensors are another option I would like, if someone smash's your window and the alarm doesn't trip they would play a handy role. obviously at least one preferably more imobilisers and the most important thing........a DECENT install, you could have the best alarm money can buy but if it's a crap install with crap wiring etc. it will be probmatic.

Cheers
KiwiMR2

[Scotster]

Thanks very much for the detailed info. Whats the damage with a good system with professional install. Any ballpark figures? I would assume were talking serious cash here but at the end of the day i hope it would be worth it.

Scott =oP