Thread: 2001 Nissan Altima security system...

I would recommend going with any DEI (Directed Electronics Inc) alarm, which includes the following brands, Viper, Python, Clifford, Avital and a few more. I would stay away from Audiovox. I have not heard of Compustar. I would recommend the Viper 560XV alarm with autostart. I believe one can be installed for around $350-$400. No pager with it though.

The key to a good working alarm is in the installation quality. If there are poor connections your car might false alarm in the middle of the night or not even start. I would have it installed by an authorized dealer because most alarms bought from an authorized dealer will come with a lifetime warranty, which comes in handy if there are any problems. It's usually hard to get a Joe Blow installer to attend to a problem in a timely fashion if you ever have a problem. Plus he/she might want more money to fix a problem that should have not been there in the first place. I have used DEI products for at least 10 years and have great luck with them.

As far as the pagers go, I once had a pager also and found out I really didn't need/want it. I'm not the type to want to encounter some thiefs in the middle of the night one-on-one. I suppose if you live in an area where you can't hear the alarm sounding you might be able to call the police if your pager goes off, but I would only call if you are positive it isn't a flase alarm. Alarms WILL false every now and then (Thunder, loud motorcycle/car exhaust etc) A professional installer should tape all the wires up under the dash and hood to make it look like stock wiring and hide the siren as best as possible. A thief would not stick around long if they have a hard time de-activating an alarm. If a PROFESSIONAL thief wants something in your car, he will get it even with an alarm or pager. A pager can't hurt though, so if having one makes you more comfortable, then go for it. But I would make sure to have a good alarm, with the pager system installed separatly.

Circuit City carries DEI alarms...
http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.js...&oid=83461&m=0

I'm not sure if they install them. And plus, it doesn't have a trunk release which is stupid.

Originally Posted by IamMBS

I would stay away from Audiovox.

Why do you say to stay away from them?

I only have installed 1 audiovox alarm w/autostart, it had problems reliably starting the vehicle. It varied according to ambient temperature. It did not monitor the engine RPS's correctly to verify IF the car had actually started. Also, sometimes it overcranked, meaning it kept the starter engaged for a bit when the car was running already. This alarm was installed junt 6 months ago, so I'm not sure if they still have the same problems today. DEI is known for reliable alarms, they have been making them for a long time.

The alarm you linked above to circuit city is one of the most low-end alarms DEI makes, it's only $59.00. I'm not sure why they don't show the "viper" line of DEI on their site. Adding trunk-pop to a "viper" alarm is a snap, because they usually have 1 or 2 more auxilary channels to use. I'm sure they sell them. I would call. They do install alarms, and I would recommend them because they offer coast to coast lifetime warranty on alarms. By the way, that alarm you linked to does not include installation, which installation/warranty is most of the cost when buying an alarm. Good Luck

I just figured out why circuit city doesn't list the "viper" line of DEI on their site. Viper alarms must be professionally installed by the store that sells the alarm, so circuit city can't sell viper alarms online.

Originally Posted by IamMBS

I just figured out why circuit city doesn't list the "viper" line of DEI on their site. Viper alarms must be professionally installed by the store that sells the alarm, so circuit city can't sell viper alarms online.

So should I call/go in and see if they do sell them? The closest place on DEI's website was 30 minutes away. So if CC doesn't have them, I'll call around to see the best price I can get.

So what's the verdict on the 2 way pagers? Are they not worth it?

I'm sure Circuit City sells viper. I would call to check prices. I personally wouldn't get the pager system, but it can't hurt to have one.

The thing with DEI alarms is that they are almost identical between brands. Python, viper, hornet, and valet are all going to be basically the same alarm electronics. However features will vary between brands. I agree with the stay away from audiovox statement. I've worked on several of their alarms in customers cars, all were professionally installed and still had problems (most were also removed in favor of a DEI alarm). I've had my Hornet alarm in my 98 Tacoma since it was new and other than needing to readjust the shock sensor because it got a little sensitive after the first year or so I've had absolutely no problems. DEI has been the top manufacturer of car alarms for better than 10 years. I would recommend a professional installation if you're not comfortable doing it yourself since they can be kind of tricky. Plan on spending more than $50 to have it installed though, I charge $100 for car alarms when guys ask me to do them. It takes roughly 3 hours to get one installed & adjusted sometimes longer depending on the car.