Viper or Clarion Alarm?

[NetViper]

I don't have a lot of choices around here, but the two main offerings are an alarm system from Clarion (MS2000) and one from Viper (600esp). The prices are about the same, and they both do Keyless entry, keyless trunk, light flash, starter kill, etc.

Anyone have any suggestions or horror stories?

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1993 White NSX, 70K miles and running STRONG!

[This message has been edited by NetViper (edited 21 June 2002).]

 

[AaronR]

In a former life (ie college) I used to be a salesman at a high end car audio store and I sold both of those products. The viper is the way to go no question. DEI (who makes viper, python, sidewinder, etc) is a company with one main focus, auto security. Most of the features that you see on today's better car alarms like non code grabbing ability, programable motion sensors, blah blah) were designed by DEI. They have the largest in house r+d department of anyone on the market, probably becuase they control and dictate the auto security segment. The install is much more straitforeward for your installer. The vipers must be installed by a dealer, that is the only way they are allowed to be sold. The clarion by comparison, is what it is. A secondary product from an audio comapny. They are popular becuase a small stores that do not carry many lines can sell their alarms without opening an account with a whole diffrent company specifically for alarms. A way inferior product. Hope that helps. If you have any other questions, feel free
Aaron
94 green/tan #268

 

[NetViper]

I think I will go with the Viper. He said it will take 3-4 hours to install, which I thought sounded high, but I have no idea how long these things take.

 

[AaronR]

3 to 4 hours is correct. Make sure that they will be soldering all of your connections. You don't want them using scotch locks, t-taps or butt connerctors.,
Aaron

 

[NyC NsX]

if those are your only choices go with the viper....btw u forgot to mention clifford...i belive DEI also makes that, a well respected brand in car security.....my personal choice would be the COMPUSTAR 2WSS...its a two-way alarm with spread spectrum technology and has a optimum range of over a mile and the remote is also a pager which alerts you to any changes in the cars status as well as its alarm state ig.armed or not armed...i highly recommend this unit with the addition of a proximity sensor. Btw the way they won a design award 2 yrs straight at the ces show 2001 n 2002.....if ur interested heres there web site WWW.COMPUSTAR.ORG

 

[NSXlent in az]

To those that have aftermarket alarms installed or that do installs:

How much should a typical install of an aftermarket system cost? Labor vs. parts? I don't have keyless entry on my car, and would really like to have a few more features. Window rollup, proximity, trunk release, light flash, etc. I have a 97/T if that matters. $Even 350 for the factory systems seems like too much for the features it (doesn't) come with...

Thanks for any advise,

-Shawn

 

[NetViper]

For the Viper 600esp, I am paying about 260 plus tax including labor. As the OEM system is 200 bucks, I think that all the extra features are worth $60.

 

[SNDSOUL]

I sell the Compustar it is awesome. If those are your only choices, go with the Viper, UNGO(Clarion) is crap.

 

[NetViper]

How much is the Compustar? I didnt see any prices..