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Problems with having radio stolen

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by DumbMike, Nov 11, 2010.

  1. DumbMike

    DumbMike Active Member

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    I only have the stock radio in a Prius II (thus no JBL or any other fancy thing). I'm actually very happy with it (my hearing is going downhill). I was thinking about installing a radio/GPS/DVD/kitchen sink (as it will get my girlfriend off my back about not having such delightful things in my new car vs. her Mercedes, blah, blah, blah). But was wondering whether I'm setting myself up for some drug addict to break into my car to steal the unit. I know it can't be 100% fool/burgler proof, but maybe because it is built into the dash, that there is a lower liklihood of such break-ins?

    I have no problems when it is parked at home (in a secure car port) or at work (in a secure garage). It's just when I park on the street or wherever.

    Just looking for some opinions and information and maybe some statistics. Thanks.

    Dumb Mike
     
    #1 DumbMike, Nov 11, 2010
  2. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    From what you said in your post why do you want to install another radio in "YOUR" car? Anyways if you upgrade to a nice after market radio the chances it will get stolen will go up. but chances are it wont.
     
    #2 adamace1, Nov 11, 2010
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my hearing is going downhill and i can hardly understand the lyrics on the stock low end jbl. i would think a very good, but not over the top, aftermarket unit, wouldn't be a target. and buy your girlfriend some flowers.:)
     
    #3 bisco, Nov 11, 2010
  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    If you get some fancy in-dash 21" DVD/Mobile PC/espresso machine in your car, then yes...you'll be slightly more likely to have some cretin bash in a window and not-too-gently "uninstall" it for you, but on the whole this type of theft has declined a LOT. Interestingly enough, 2 cars just outside my office just got broken into and DVD players were none-too-gently removed. Meanwhile, MY car was left alone---and the $30,000 test set, some 10K in parts, and other sundries were left untouched...well OK, the fence helped... :D

    If you're going to marry your girlfriend anytime before you sell your Prius, all this is moot. You KNOW you're going to wind up putting the DVD player in her other car, so you might as well get her to pick out a unit she likes and get a reputable install shop to put it in.
    Good Luck.
     
    #4 ETC(SS), Nov 11, 2010
  5. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    My hearing is not going down-hill but the FM stock radio of my "CD-only" Prius is pretty bad. There is a whole thread about it.
    If you install a stock Navi unit from Toyota, nobody would really have interest in stealing it. If you buy a non-stock/Toyota-for-Prius radio, it might attract burglars.
    In the EU, in some markets, they used to sell radios with removable front displays that would render the main unit un-usable when such displays are removed.
     
    #5 pakitt, Nov 21, 2010
  6. ootyboy

    ootyboy New Member

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    Just installed a new Kenwood 6960 -- Navigation, IPOD, Bluetooth, Backup Camera -- less than $1500 installed on my brand new Prius II. Did not want to pay the insane rates for the Toyota system. It was way too expensive, for very little features.

    Great system so far, but I've only had it for a few days. As for getting it stolen, I think that is the risk you take each time you drive your car out of the garage!

    BTW: My first post to the forum..I love the information on this site. Very insightful.
     
    #6 ootyboy, Nov 21, 2010
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    :welcome:
     
    #7 bisco, Nov 21, 2010
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