Prius 2010 and Alarm

[santos1958]

Hi:

I will get my Prius III this Saturday. The dealer told me that it does not come with any alrm system, only the smartkey. Someone on this forum mentioned that the alarm is installed, the dealer has just to actived it, is this true? I am interested on VIP RS3200, is this a good one? I like Clifford alarms, but the dealer said if I installed an after the market alarm, it will void my warranty, is this true?

[TKY]

Hi Santos1958, There are a number of discussions on PriusChat about dealers and what they say about voiding the warranty. I am not going to provide a direct answer; but if you search the forums, you will find a number of dealers who appear to have given buyers inaccurate advise about what actions will, or may, void the warranty.

If you have time, do an Internet search for the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and take some time to read through it. Or you could consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Good reading & good luck. --TK

[creativeguy]

The RS3200 integrates into the existing Prius security system, so you don't even notice it. For ~$300, it wasn't a major issue for me to have the extra theft deterrent. Not sure a 3rd party alarm would be as seamless.

[Blind Guy]

Originally Posted by santos1958

Hi:

I will get my Prius III this Saturday. The dealer told me that it does not come with any alrm system, only the smartkey.
* This is CORRECT.

Someone on this forum mentioned that the alarm is installed, the dealer has just to actived it,
* YES, and NO! The Alarm system is present in the 2010 Prius, however, it is ONLY compatible with the VIP3200 PLUS, and that system does involve some hardware (trim plates that go on the left lower dash and a Glass Breakage Microphone), otherwise, it requires some wiring connections and programming.

is this true? I am interested on VIP RS3200, is this a good one?
* The VIP3200 PLUS is a nice Alarm System, and it's advantage is it utilizes the Prius's existing Key Fob. Thus eliminating the need for a second Key Fob for another Alarm brand.

It is NOT motion sensitive and has a Glass Breakage Alarm, PLUS other nice features.

I like Clifford alarms, but the dealer said if I installed an after the market alarm, it will void my warranty, is this true?

* NO, and aftermarket alarm will NOT void you warranty. They will, however, NOT be compatible with the alarm that's already present in your car, and the VIP3200 PLUS uses the existing Key Fob, a BIG PLUS!

David (aka Blind Guy)

[hptsang]

There is an offical Toyota installation instruction for the VIP RS3200 in Prius Chat, just search for it. I bought it from internet and it only cost me like $238 for it, and I will install it myself. Others said the installation takes around 1.5 hrs and just bring it to NICE dealership to get it activate for about $50. Dealerships in my area are trying to charge me 2hrs of labor to activate the alarm even if I installed it myself. So I just ordered the mongoose mfc cable and going to activate it myself plus changing the customize setting myself and sell the cable out afterward. The alarms seems very easy to install, just some plug and unplug and it will be done. Even a caveman can do!!!!

[creativeguy]

Originally Posted by hptsang

Even a caveman can do!!!!

That is the fear! Looks like you have to open up pieces of the dashboard and doorsill and reroute some cables under the hood. I'd rather not disassemble my brand new car on my own.

[hptsang]

Originally Posted by creativeguy

That is the fear! Looks like you have to open up pieces of the dashboard and doorsill and reroute some cables under the hood. I'd rather not disassemble my brand new car on my own.

I bought a Nylon Pry Tool Set from Habor Freight for $3.99 to make sure I am not going to leave any scratch mark when I do it. So far that is what I used to pop the lens out for my interior lights and they works great.

[Bobsprius]

I would go with the Toyota Integrated unit myself. I like to be able to have the use of the Original Fob without any other Keyfobs!

2nd, I would install this if your in a high crime area and wish to deter someone from stealing your car, but the car itself, can not be started or hot wired very easily. It is very difficult. Even for pro's. This was per the Police Department in my area. So... I would like to think they are correct.

If you want interior protection, then go for it. If not, the car if broken into, is very difficult to steal... There are some posts on this topic as well.

[hotbrass]

Unless you live in a high crime neighborhood, and the car is in your garage, it is not worth the trouble. Nobody pays any attention to the alarm. After they break the glass anything you have sitting in the seat or floor is gone in seconds.

If you carry expensive items in your car, hide them.

Your car cannot be stolen without extensive knowledge and work to get it to run.

Honestly it just isnt worth it. Save the $300 for the replacement of your broken window if anyone should ever want to break into your car. An alarm will not stop them from trying.

[Croft]

Originally Posted by hotbrass

Unless you live in a high crime neighborhood, and the car is in your garage, it is not worth the trouble. Nobody pays any attention to the alarm. After they break the glass anything you have sitting in the seat or floor is gone in seconds.

That's probably true, but as someone once pointed out to me if you hear your own alarm going off you sure as heck are going to run out to find out what's going on!