VW Alarm Option - any good?

[JIMMYP]

Does anyone know if the factory VW car alarm/security is any good? Or would I be better getting an aftermarket alarm/security system for my Golf VI such as:

http://www.ryda.com.au/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HPB6+GOLF

Thanks alot!

JIMMYP

[Maverick]

Does anyone know if the factory VW car alarm/security is any good? Or would I be better getting an aftermarket alarm/security system for my Golf VI such as:

http://www.ryda.com.au/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=HPB6+GOLF

Thanks alot!

JIMMYP

Forget an aftermarket alarm, they're don't integrate into the car like the factory one and you'll only end up with a car with electrical gremlins.

The factory alarm uses the factory wiring harness, has a battery backed up siren, tow protection, interior sensors, bonnet sensors etc and has buttons on the B pillar to disable the tow and interior protection.

The factory alarm also has power saving and will disable parts of it to save power. You can still use features like auto rain closing window and sunroof with the factory alarm.

If you have a tow bar the trailer is protected as well when connected.

Aftermarket alarms are ok for older cars or ones without canbus but the electrical system is too complicated for most installers and the chances of having the integrity of the factory wiring compromised is too high.

[gregozedobe]

If you want an alarm then as Maverick says, get the factory installed job - less potential problems, much better integration.

Just so you know, without one of your keys it is very difficult for a thief to start up and drive away a VW (the immobiliser cuts the engine out after 2 seconds) .

Of course they can still damage it in situ (but an alarm probably won't stop that as so many people ignore car alarms these days). It seems the trend these days is for the thief to either steal the key from your house or threaten you with violence and take the key from you. They can also winch your car up onto a flat top truck or trailer and take it that way.

It depends on what risks you are trying to prevent, where/when your car spends its time (ie how vulnerable it is), and how much time and money you want to spend. The cheapest thing to do is to NEVER leave anything of value visible to tempt thieves.

[JIMMYP]

Thanks fellas.

Do you know if insurance premiums are less if you have an alarm fitted?

[Maverick]

Thanks fellas.

Do you know if insurance premiums are less if you have an alarm fitted?

There would be bugger all difference as in the past having an alarm meant you had an immobiliser but as all? cars now have immobilisers there is little extra protection from having an alarm. Maybe in some areas there would be a bigger drop but not enough to cover the cost of the alarm. I like the alarm and wouldn't have a car without one as it will make a thief think twice about spending time searching a car he's broken into so unless you leave something out in the open chances are it will be there when you get back.

The alarm doesn't add any extra protection from theft (of the car) but purely adds the alarm functions with noise and sensors, you use the same remotes and the car uses the same transponder (rfid chip) to start the car.

[STV4SYT]

If you are really concerned then get a tracker device fitted.

Otherwise, when is the last time anyone actually paid attention to a car alarm going off in the street. waste of money IMO

[Treza360]

There is a reason VW rates as one of the hardest car manufacturers to steal.
Cheers,
Trent