Car Alarms: Alarm recommendation, battery backups, us mexico border

Question
Hello!

Really enjoyed your site...very informative!  I've got a '95 suburban with pw/dl and I'd like to put a reliable alarm system in it without a serious dent in my pocket.  I live on the US/Mexico border and Burbs are fairly popular theft vehicles.  I'm fairly handy with tools/wires.  I read your comments on underdash units though I'm not too familiar with how those are different from other units.  Loudness isn't important as like you said, it's mor a nuisance than deterrent, but I've also heard about piezo's and battery backups and I was wondering what your thoughts are about that as well.  Thanks a bunch in advance!!!

Mig1F16

Answer
Thanks for the kind words. The site keeps me
pretty busy.

To tell you the truth, in your
area/situation, I'd want to KNOW who and when
there is someone violating MY truck.

1st thing. Starter kill.
Necessary in this vehicle.

Then get a system with 2 way paging.

This way you will know number one,
that it's YOUR vehicle. Not some
arbitrary alarm going off in a parking lot.

Then if you are prone to leaving the windows down,
get a 2 stage motion sensor so you can
address "snatch n grab" type of car crime.

Finally, I add underdash sirens
and strobes just to piss off the guy enough
to make him want to move on. Fine
for truely expensive cars,
but annoying here I think. I would pass on
the underdash add ons, and opt for a system that
tells me the status of my car 24/7.
That has value.

If you want remote start, then add that too. A
lways nice. But have a look at them at
www.AUTOPAGER.com & www.PAGINGALARM.com .
It is a next level of security
without going into lojack and aftermarket
"onstar" like services, that require a monthly fee
to locate your stolen car.

I am more of a mind to catch the
basturd who's in my car red handed, and
contact the cops immediately
WHILE it's happening.
But again, that's me.  

Do what works for you. It's on you as to
what level of protection is required.

Again, thanks for the cudo's on the site and
please feel free to ask more questions
if need be.

Have a good day.

ALARMTEK