Aftermarket alarm

[Kerry_T-5R]

Does anyone know how difficult it is to fit an aftermarket alarm? I have seen several kits for sale and wondered whats involved in fitting them.

Or as an alternative, does anyone know a decent alarm fitter in the south of England for a Toad or something similar?

Cheers,

Kerry

[Ang]

I should be able to put you in contact with an alarm fitter, though saying that my other half should be able to fit one for you. If you are after a certificate you are probably best with a company. I will ask my brother if he can get a discount of our local firm, it may be a possibility.

[macca]

They're not really hard to install, depends what you are going for. If you have good wiring diagrams of your car then that would make it a lot easier too.

As Ang said though, if you want a certificate then you'll have to get it done properly to please the insurance people.

[AndysR]

Heard good things about Toad AI016, i think thats the model, as a few people I know use them. I had a Cobra on mine and for the 6 years it was on the car I had no issues with it and only one false alarm. Never even had to replace the battery in the remote. Mitsubishi fit Cobra alarms to all new car's and have done since before I started working with them and tbh they very rarely go wrong. The only alarms I have heard bad things about are Clifford's but im not sure whether that is because they are bad alarms or people can't work complicated alarm remotes! :rolleyes:

The Cobra I had fitted on mine was done by a company called Sounds Alarming and they fitted it at my local A1 motor accessory store as they sub contracted it out to them, I bought the alarm through A1's, and a few years after it was fitted I stripped the interior for the retrim and the wiring/alarm install was nice a neat. I think they are based Kent way so might be worth a phone call ;)

http://www.soundsalarminguk.com/

If you fancied fitting the alarm yourself I see no reason why you couldn't then take the car along to an alarm installation company and get them to inspect and certify that the alarm is correctly installed and functioning correctly for a small fee. We do it from time to time at for our Mitsubishi customers and then provide them with a letter headed piece of paper which states that alarm xxx is fitted and working correctly on vehicle registration xxx and the customers insurance company are happy with this. :cool:

[macca]

Toad AI606 is probably the one you're thinking of Andy? It's Cat 1 approved if installed by a certified installer. Very good alarm.

I'd steer clear of Cliffords from my experience. They look good and have lots of features but they're a bastard to set up, and unless set up properly they're over sensitive. My friend has one on his MR2 and it's been a nightmare the whole time.

Good point there too Andy, I never had a certificate with the Cat 1 on the Supra, but the local bodyshop certified it as installed and working and the insurance company were happy with that when I renewed!

[AndysR]

Toad AI606 is probably the one you're thinking of Andy? It's Cat 1 approved if installed by a certified installer. Very good alarm.

I'd steer clear of Cliffords from my experience. They look good and have lots of features but they're a bastard to set up, and unless set up properly they're over sensitive. My friend has one on his MR2 and it's been a nightmare the whole time.


Yeah thats the one! I think they are based on Cobra technology is that right? Don't quote me just something I heard somewhere... :not:

Good point there too Andy, I never had a certificate with the Cat 1 on the Supra, but the local bodyshop certified it as installed and working and the insurance company were happy with that when I renewed!

That's reason we do a few alarm inspection's because the previous owner looses the installation certificate and be honest how many people would remember or even think to ask for it when they buy the car second hand!?


I'd steer clear of Cliffords from my experience. They look good and have lots of features but they're a bastard to set up, and unless set up properly they're over sensitive. My friend has one on his MR2 and it's been a nightmare the whole time.


I was going to say that but generally Clifford owners get upset when you start mocking their alarm!

[macca]

When you've been fleeced for that much money for something that is essentially moody and crap.. You'd get upset too! ;)

Not heard about the Cobra thing, but quite possibly!

[AndysR]

When you've been fleeced for that much money for something that is essentially moody and crap.. You'd get upset too! ;)




Good point! PMSL! ;)

[Ang]

Clifford alarms in the past for us where far too sensitive, they can be adjusted. We ended up ripping one out as it peed us off so much.

Over the last couple of years been really impressed with the clifford alarms we've had, the one that is on the gto its a clifford concept (can't remember off hand which one), it has so many little extras including the turbo timer. It never goes off for stupid reasons. Really easy to use. So the point is don't be put off them, imo I think they have much improved.

I think that what was said is right with an alarm like a clifford it's vital that you get someone who knows what they are doing to fit it ie someone that knows the make and model. Not the sort of alarm to fit by yourself.

Just an addition if you have an alarm on your car and you want a spare fob they can be easily done by most fitters (even if they didn't do that job themselves). It's always good to have a spare fob.

You can get one that has been fitted by yourself checked but generally if they certify it they will strip it back and fit it to their standards. You could buy your own alarm/imob and get it fitted by someone.

I spoke to my brother tonight and hope to get up a contact for private jobs that can certify for a good price (someone with good experience and does it as a trade).

May or may not be useful to you.