Why not a cheaper aftermarket alarm?

Question

I was just quoted $400 from the dealer for a passive "Subaru" alarm. (Okay, he quickly came down to $300, and Subaru says they don't sell a passive alarm, but hey). I checked

formatting link

and they have an alarm for $100 (Crime Guard AL-100C) that is passive, starter-disabling, and ties into the Subaru remote. Am I missing something? Is there a reason I should go with a Subaru alarm? Is there something better/cheaper out there?

I was told by Subaru, btw, that installing the alarm myself will not void the warranty.

Advice? Andrew

Tony Hwang · Accepted Answer

Hi,After market ones are better/cheaper. Some like Omron made Subaruones any way.TonyAndrew Hess wrote:

H. Whelply · Answer

What's a "passive" alarm?Thanks.HW

Brian Wasson · Answer

I got my OEM Subaru alarm for around $130, I believe, online. Pretty easy to install (search the archives for many posts on this topic, including my post a month or so ago about installing it). I've been pleased with it so far.

Brian

Shamus in CO · Answer

"Passive" *used* to mean that the alarm would arm itself about a 30-60 secafter you shut off the car.  "Active" meant you *had* to use the remote toarm it.  FWIW, the OEM keyless (MY97) I found online for around $40 has allthe pinouts for a siren and starter kill.  Pretty sure it's a Code-Alarm.Shamus in CO

David & Caroline · Answer

Well - I don't know about all of the Subaru alarms, but the one for theImpreza lists for $189, can be had online for $145 or less, and does indeedhave a passive arming mode (with a 1 minute delay) - even for an installedprice, $400 is highway robbery!  $300 is even a tad unreasonable!

foxmon · Answer

well....the oem alarm is actually made by alpine.  At least it was for my 99 gtsedan.so you might be able to use an alpine alarm."Andrew Hess"  ???news:     ???...

Mike B. · Answer

$400 - $300 for a dealer installed piece of crap.. no. For that you can get a auto starter/alarm (be careful there are just auto starters). The only thing about the factory alarm is that would be covered by the dealer

3-36K warranty but fobe batteries will not. My battery has to be replaced every 3-4 months.

Mike B. · Answer

The alarm in my '01 is a little box that plugs right into a factory harness. No big deal. Getting to it requires removing the stereo... a 1/2 hour challenge.

Why not a cheaper aftermarket alarm?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?