Rep Power: 0

What's up everyone, I going to get an alarm for my car because vehicles keep getting broken into at my GF's place and I was wondering if I should try to install one myself or get my local shop to do it.

First off, I have plenty of experience with installing crap in my car (e.g. all new speakers , two amps, sound deadener all the way around [yes, everywhere], M3 Mirrors with lights, CD player, etc...) but I hear that installing one may be a bitch.

I've looked on Ebay and it seems as if I can get a good one ( I don't want remote start, don't need it here in Texas) for around $150 -200. I saw a Viper 5000 (??) for $199.99. I would like one with sensors in both doors and the trunk if possible.

Has anyone installed one themselves? In hindsight, would you have taken it to a shop? Any recommendations on how you would do it again?

Local shops look as if they want at least $200 for the basic system and install. I would appreciate any recommendations on what alarm to buy also. Thanks.

 
Rep Power: 369

Installing an alarm is different from and a good amount more difficult than installing audio or lighting. But the basic concept does remain the same - tapping wires and the like. If you're good with wiring diagrams, a soldering iron, and stripping wires, you can do an alarm install in an afternoon. The biggest advantage of going to a shop for this sort of thing is that they know the tricks to hiding the alarm, backup batteries, etc etc. I would suggest doing a little more research, particularly on the12volt.com for tips, before you start stripping and soldering wires.

 
Rep Power: 0

When my friend was installing my HU he said that my car had looked to have had an alarm in it before. I guess the dealership must have taken it out when they sold it to me. Does this make putting an alarm back in any easier considering all the wiring should be done? Hit me back.

 
Rep Power: 290

^i doubt that would make it easier, unless you happend to get the same alarm. also depends on how and what they removed. i'd just take it somewhere.

 
Rep Power: 0

I can tell you from first hand experience that installing an alarm iis a bitch, especially as they get more advanced, it can be done, but then again you can also install an engine yourself.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok man, thanks, I think that my best bet is to go to my local shop and get them to do it, I think that would be best. I could do it myself for about $150,but when it comes down to it, spending the extra 50-80 dollars will be well worth my time.