FACTORY ALARM

Is this factory alarm worth the cost or does an aftermarket one make more CENT$. I would like to have one control for the alarm and not an added remote. Does the factory alarm have a sensor in case the truck is jacked up to remove the wheels. Tks TW

 

Not sure what features the factory alarm has in the 2016 models. But one thing I can say being a mechanic is with factory it's all plug and play. With aftermarket they cut into the wiring harness and unless the alarm tech is a perfectionist it's a horrible job Alot do.

 

All I know is I got out of the truck my wife and kids were in my truck. Joking I locked the truck with the key fob. Next thing I know my alarm was going off. My wife was moving around and set it off. Works good enough for me

 

depends on what features you want. I've installed dozens of alarms through the years, and the aftermarket ones are only getting easier to install. If you find a decent installer it can be done well. It's certainly not a hack job. In terms of another key fob, if you get an aftermarket one you would likely replace the factory one depending on what system you have (do you have push-to-start?). I've had an aftermarket alarm on every car I and my wife have owned (9 cars over the last 12 years), and while I installed them myself I've not had a single issue with the interface or a failure.

 

I agree with this statement. I too also install alarms. While I have seen some poor installs over the years I've seen some good ones too. I personally don't care much for alarms and most factory I feel are suitable, however most don't have shock and tilt sensors. Most aftermarket alarms will atleast give you a shock sensor. Some cars it's extremely hard to mount them where they will pick up the shock evenly. One area might be overly sensitive and another not nearly enough. I'd recommend getting one that uses a data module and picks all the door triggers and controls the door locks through the data system. A lot less wiring that way.

 

Thanks TW , I will more likely go for the factory alarm based on your responses.

 

Sure, go for it. I guess for 2016 it's the same RS3200 VIP Toyota has used for many years. It's a good system but no tilt alarm. Hood, doors, and glass breakage sensor tied into the horn and turn signals. Either the remote or manually locking/unlocking the keyed doors will activate/deactivate the alarm. I believe the glass breakage sensor is adjustable somewhere in the steering column.

 

I have the factory alarm and all it mentions is that if the doors are opened without a key present the alarm sets off, no mention of glass breakage or tilt.

Oh, and hood open sets it off too.

 

The truck doesnt come with an alarm from the factory? I was almost certain every car comes with an alarm nowadays i know you cant not have an alarm with a subaru or vw

 

There is a factory alarm, at least in Canada. If an attempt is made to open the door or hood, after the lock is set, the horn goes off. Sticker on the window says " Toyota Alarm System" or something similar to that, not in front of my truck at the moment, so not sure exactly what exactly the sticker says, but it's there.

 

Thanks, it is the RS3200. was hoping it had a tilt or motion sensor. in the end I still need something though and would prefer a plug and play.

 

Wait, so do the TRD ORs in the US come with factory alarms? It was my understanding that they did...

 

I was told that all cars on Toyota's lots have a factory alarm installed, when you buy the vehicle you have the option of keeping it ($$) otherwise it's deactivated. Maybe that's just referring to the GPS/shut off alarms, the basic panic alarms must be standard then?

I signed a contract and purchased the factory KARR alarm on my truck when I bought it; basically it can't be driven if it's activated (ECU will shut off). A thief would have to flatbed it away if they wanted it badly enough, in which case the alarm company would reimburse my deductible after insurance covers the vehicle. Hopefully I never have to go through that though, lol.

 

Never had a car alarm make me any Cents. Would be nice though...especially if it made a few Dollars.

 

That's why I'm asking, Which alarm will save me some dollars, factory or a better aftermarket alarm. Make sense? (cent$)

 

Well....I'll admit I got straight robbed when buying my factory alarm from the dealership when I purchased my Tacoma. I didn't learn until after the paperwork that I could have negotiated it way down, live and learn...

That said, it depends on what kind of deal you can get with your dealer versus what you can get aftermarket.

 

KARR is a basic alarm.

Aftermarket will be full featured depending on your budget.

If you want tilt sensors and the like, go aftermarket - Viper of Clifford - installed by a competent shop.

Better system by far and slightly more expensive.

 

Thanks

 

What did you pay and what would have been the price after negotiations?

 

I paid a little over $500 for it, found out later (on this forum) that others have gotten it installed for half that. Wish I found TW before I bought my truck

At any rate, factored into my financing it was just a couple extra dollars per month so I consider it worth the peace of mind, and will be the wiser for it next time I deal with buying a vehicle.

Oh, and initially they wanted $800 for the same alarm but with the name of it "etched into the window glass" rather than just having a sticker. Didn't fall for that one at least.