Your Anti-theft Solutions?

[adrift]

I had a 2008 Mercury Mariner and had an incident where it wouldn't start in a shopping center parking lot one very hot 100+ degree day. We thought it was because the factory security alarm triggered, though it turned out that wasn't the case.

In the process, however, I researched resetting the security system with the coded keys, even called Ford, and found out that if this happens you are stuck - the only way to reset the security system to start the car is to have it towed to the nearest dealer and have the dealer reset it. Wow!! That's just shocking, meanwhile your day is totally disrupted, you may have to pay for the tow and you likely have to pay the dealer.

The disruption is the big thing for me, every security system has "false positives", and there is no way I want to suffer through that to protect my insurance company. You probably already have full coverage - I say keep any security system that locks down the car so, I don't want it.

Note: It seems in the 2015 Mustang manual that this problem is a function of the coded keys and not the alarm system itself (see page 62-63 in the pdf below). Not a design I am happy with, resetting shouldn't be so difficult.

http://www.fordservicecontent.com/F...-Owners-Manual-version-2_om_EN-US_12_2014.pdf

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[Kahboom]

Got mine with a LoJack from the dealer. Argued that I did not want it and was not going to pay for it. So I ended up getting it for free. Plus got the enhanced security. Its going no where unless they really really want it.

 

[mvp90805]

Do what I do.....sleep in it!

 

[Rhys]

A clutch...

...

...

(ﾟヮﾟ)

Thats it right there!!:cheers:

 

[Lord Thunder]

I just went with the factory systems, which should be enough. Extra alarms are nice and dandy, but like someone said, when was the last time you went and checked out the cause of someone's car alarm going off? The only thing I did order was a set of wheel locks, as there seems to be a trend here to not to steal the car out right, but just parts of it. Rims and tires being obviously a prime target. Other than that, when at home it'll be parked in a private garage and my insurance will cover the new price for 3 years if in fact it does get stolen.

PS: I did consider having the additional alarm installed. Some insurance companies give you a discount on your insurance if you do, but the factory alarm is not (yet) certified by them, so no discount.

 

[mikef523]

Does anyone still use the "Club"? I have had one in my car for over 10 years, but rarely use it. Usually just on trips, when I stay in a hotel.
Any thoughts on whether or not this is still a deterent to theft? I think it may be. Doesn't hurt to use if you have one. I think I will keep it in the new Mustang....

 

[WatchSquid]

While its parked at home-2 dogs.
While Im in it - Kimber 1911.
Alarms and locks keep honest people out.

I have a close option. Ruger SR40C. ;)

A clutch...

...

...

(ﾟヮﾟ)

Truth there. :lol:

 

[Lord Thunder]

Truth there. :lol:

Having a clutch doesn't seem to work that well on this side of the pond.

You could always try yo park near easy targets such a BMW X series (electronic locks are hacked in 10 seconds) or any of the VAG brands (rumor has it, car thieves have 'universal' keyfobs).
Or is that just me being evil?

 

[B-52 Jetman]

One of the reasons I drive a Manual.

 

[Asharus]

Does anyone still use the "Club"? I have had one in my car for over 10 years, but rarely use it. Usually just on trips, when I stay in a hotel.
Any thoughts on whether or not this is still a deterent to theft? I think it may be. Doesn't hurt to use if you have one. I think I will keep it in the new Mustang....

the club is useless, all the thief has to do is cut the steering wheel and off it goes.

 

[Sig556]

Smith and Wesson 9mm Shield with Laser sight. For distance, Bushmaster 5.56mm. Just in case you may have to reach out and touch someone.
All kidding aside if someone wants to steal your ride they are going to get it. The factory security is pretty good and honest people will never bother you.

 

[mikef523]

the club is useless, all the thief has to do is cut the steering wheel and off it goes.

I agree Asharus, and I understand that. Any pro car thief will certainly come with the tools needed to get the job done, especially if he is "intent" on getting your particular car.
But do you think it might be a deterent to the typical group of "thugs", just out to steal whatever car is easiest to steal in the least amount of time?

 

[Asharus]

if i was going to steal a 2015 mustang, i wouldn't be worried about a club, i'd be worried about getting a key so i can start the car since it needs that rfid chip nearby to even start it.

and if i have the tools to clone a key, i certainly would've thought about bringing a hacksaw or a cutter to get thru the steering wheel to remove that silly club.

or, to avoid all this hassle, just bring a flatbed.

 

[elfiero]

Let 'em have it. For a thousand bucks, I get a new one- it's called replacement insurance.

 

[Justpassingas]

nothing. the car has very good security features from the factory

I agree.....if it gets stolen that's what insurance is for IMO

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