Glass Break Sensor

The consensus I've gotten just from hearing opinions on the various dealer ad-ons is that it's just a padding for large dealer profits, and can be found after-market for less, though I wouldn't know how the installation would work.

And it's a security feature, right? So what kind of criminal will be able to successfully steal a Prius if the fob wasn't handy? I think it would be a liiiitle confusing, perhaps. :mrgreen:

 

We have it on our '02 but not on the '04. I don't really think it is that important. It only lets you know the glass is broken--doesn't prevent it--and once the theif is in they aren't getting anywhere. It came with our '02 and that is the only reason we have it.

 

My old car had a window smashed by thieves. When that set off the alarm, they scarpered instead of helping themselves to the contents. So I wouldn't say it's useless. Although I recommend not leaving items in the car if you have the option not to, of course.

 

The broken window on my Kia led to the stereo being removed. It was a 'stealth' type that became a black plate and wasn't removable in any normal way. Little did I know that thieves wanted them anyway. After that, I got a Rattler alarm. And a MP3-compatible stereo that I miss.

I've written to the Rattler/Viper people to see if one of their systems could be added to the Prius but just use the normal fob for everything. I'd prefer an alarm that gave notice of its existence if you tap the car, but without remembering to turn something off before opening the door.

Smart Entry has spoiled me: I'd rather live without a better alarm than compromise how SE works...

 

It came with my package #9. I'm glad to have it as another noise maker if someone breaks my window going after my "mighty JBL." My main question was how to make sure I even had it......it was on the window sticker, but.........

Eventually I tested it by getting in the car, having my wife chirp it and walk away. I waited about 30 seconds and banged two wrenches together. That single, high frequency "clink" set the alarm off like crazy!!

 

Toyota doesn't put them on at the factory, it had to simply be a dealer-installed option that they didn't make optional. :mrgreen:

 

Yep, they got me. I have to admit that in the overall scheme of things I was very lucky. My wife decided that I needed a Prius in late November. By checking around the DC / Baltimore area, we quickly found the long wait (advertized as 4 to 6 months back then) but I found a dealer in West VA that had a package 9 coming in 2 weeks at MSRP and I jumped on it. When I signed the papers, I found out that it had 2 port options on it:

$262 for a smokin' cargo net, first aid kit, carpet floor mats and cargo mat

$149 for Glass Breakage sensor

In the overall scheme of things, I fell pretty lucky that I wasn't screwed over worse in options or jacked up price.

 

Judging by the option prices, it looks like you got a fair deal!