alarm recommendations for an 08 CTS

frank.dux · #1 (**permalink**) 07-15-09, 11:12 AM

I'm looking for recommendations on an aftermarket alarm to install in my 08 CTS. Any feedback?

Domasac · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-09, 11:28 AM

Anyone who tells you to get anything but a DEI simply doesn't know about alarms. Just get yourself a nice Viper and be done with it. Lifetime warranty, best alarms around.

Dom

reciprocity · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-09, 02:05 PM

Dom,

How do the DEI Viper alarm systems integrate with the factory "Keyless Access" option? Can you still walk up to the car and open a door or the trunk without pulling the keys out of your pocket or do you have to manually disarm the alarm with a secondary remote?

Thanks for your recommendation.

John

Domasac · #4 (**permalink**) 07-16-09, 11:46 AM

There are a lot of BCM issues with installing on the newer CTSes. Code errors, dash lights freaking out, DEI says it is an ongoing issue, there are bypasses for keyless remote systems, I don't know them well offhand, all the work I've ever seen done to them have been on the cheaper CTSes without that feature. I would be careful regardless.

reciprocity · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-09, 11:54 AM

Thanks, Dom. That's what I figured, but since you recommended the the DEI Viper product, I figured I'd ask in case they'd come up with some miracle product that integrated seamlessly.

Maeztro · #6 (**permalink**) 07-16-09, 12:36 PM

Doesnt the CTS include a pretty thorough anti-theft system? I mean I am sure there are always more robust options out there, but at some point you are teetering on overkill. Besides, 99% of the people out there ignore car alarms anyways...

Mr Snappy · #7 (**permalink**) 07-16-09, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maeztro

Doesnt the CTS include a pretty thorough anti-theft system? I mean I am sure there are always more robust options out there, but at some point you are teetering on overkill. Besides, 99% of the people out there ignore car alarms anyways...

100% agree.
After market alarm systems are worthless. All that happens is you end up annoying a lot of people with the alarm and F'ing with your cars integrated network...for what?

Same goes for LoJack....if they steal my car, i don't want it back...that is why I have insurance.

Domasac · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-09, 05:41 PM

I couldn't disagree more, an aftermarket alarm system is an excellent investment. The current alarm will let you open / close your hood / trunk, will allow your car to be locked and armed even if the door is open without triggering, the motion sensor is worthless, factory alarms are crap.

Your possibilities are endless with an aftermarket alarm, significantly better range, ability to be alerted on your remote, control over each door, hood / trunk trigger, expandable channels, if you add the remote start, it is the most beneficial over our 10 ft range we get now.

They make bypasses that seamlessly integrate, I've seen them on toyotas/volvos I just do not know what the market holds for the CTS.

And as for the LoJack comment, best service ever. You may not want your car back, but you're definitely not going to want it back after the thief takes the car for a week, crashes it into all sorts of things and leaves it at a gas station once hes run out of gas. LoJack will have your car back before the thief has time to damage your vehicle. The chances of your car being stolen and not recovered are slim to none anyways.

I don't know where you guys get this stuff.

C "T" ess · #9 (**permalink**) 07-18-09, 09:47 AM

On Star can also get your car back, they have slow down feature that allows them to locate the car and disable it.
I also agree, that if my car is gone, I don't want it back. It's a car; a car that I very much like and plan to have for awhile, but if someone decides they want it more than me then by all means. They will make more and I'll just buy another.

JohnCTS4 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-19-09, 01:13 PM

Domasac, sounds like you are in the business because you sure took the comment pretty personal. I already have remote start on the car and I do not want to walk around with two remotes in my pocket. Why spend extra money when the car comes with an alarm and OnStar will locate the car? Show me some real data or studies that the factory alarm is garbage, not your personal opinion. If you tout LoJack, then you think your aftermarket alarm doesn't stop thieves. Your car can be stolen if someone really wants it, regardless if it is fatory or aftermarket alarm.

C "T" ess · #11 (**permalink**) 07-20-09, 10:46 AM

There's no car that can't be stolen. Just hook it up to a tow truck or low boy and you are done. Even if the alarm goes off; ever see anyone running after a tow truck?

Mr Snappy · #12 (**permalink**) 07-20-09, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domasac

And as for the LoJack comment, best service ever. You may not want your car back, but you're definitely not going to want it back after the thief takes the car for a week, crashes it into all sorts of things and leaves it at a gas station once hes run out of gas. LoJack will have your car back before the thief has time to damage your vehicle. The chances of your car being stolen and not recovered are slim to none anyways.

I don't know where you guys get this stuff.

Really?
So, After you notice your car is stolen, you call LoJack and activate tracking, hope you live in a community or area that the cops have the LoJack locator system, Find cops who actually care enough to stop eating donuts or giving out parking tickets long enough to find my Cadillac, hope they find it before it is trashed or parted-out?

You sound like a marketing rep for the industry. LoJack sounds good in theory, but unless you live in NY, CHI, or LA, I don't think the time to recover your vehicle is that good....maybe not at all.

Up until January, I was a Corvette owner. I knew of a guy who spent over 3K on his alarm system and you know what happened? The used a 2-foot drill bit and drilled straight through the front quarter panel directly into the battery. The theives came back several hours later and towed off the car once the battery had died from the drill effects. He had about 50K wrapped up in engine mods and his car in general.

As someone else stated, alarm systems are a waste of money, they are going to get your car if they want it bad enough.

Justajock33 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-22-09, 01:27 PM

I am middle of the road on this one, and by no means an expert. My CTS is my first NEW car, and first large inestment. I trust the factory alarm, but went with LoJack as well. The money it saves me in insurance alone is worth it. Only reason i decided to use LoJack is because they can now track into Mexico. Living in San Diego, thats where most stolen cars end up. As always, your car, your money, your choice!

Maeztro · #14 (**permalink**) 07-24-09, 12:10 PM

Doesn't the keyless ignition thwart 99% of the thieves anyways? I remember back in high school it was the knuckle head kids who stole cars on the weekends and took them for a joyride. These kids would have no idea how to start a computer controlled ignition.

I realize a professional thief probably has no problem at all with this, but the majority of cars are probably stolen by 'un'professional thieves.

Also, I get way more than 10 feet with my remote start...

All this being said, if my car did not have a factory system like the CTS, I would probably get an aftermarket alarm...I have no problem with them, but it seems like overkill for the CTS...