From digest.v7.n348 Thu Oct 2 03:08:37 1997
From: Dean.Schreier_at_pscmail.ps.net
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 1997 11:43:00 -0500
Subject: Re: Alarm Systems

     You mentioned that you get a 35% discount for the "Lo-Jack" and that 
     it would pay for itself after 4 years.
     
     Not TRUE!!! The 35% discount only applies to the Comprehensive portion 
     of your insurance rate (usually about 1/2 of the total). And the 
     Lo-Jock will require an on-going monthly fee of $15-30 depending on 
     location and type of service. This quickly eats up the discount!!! I'm 
     not saying don't get a Lo-jack, but don't expect to save money by 
     getting one.
     
     Also, DON'T get a Viper alarm...You will be sorry!!! I used to sell 
     these things and they are low-end!!! You really want an Ungo or 
     Clifford alarm. 
     
     Comment on the installers:  Just because they do work for the 
     dealership, DOES NOT mean they are good (or competent). It just means 
     they don't tear up the car and that they cut the dealer the best price 
     (dealer makes more reselling this way) over other shops. We had 
     dealers leave us over price and start using VERY imcompetent shops 
     based solely on price (sometimes just a few dollars). Many dealers 
     came back to us...
     
     Buy a system with a lifetime warranty on the equipment and find a shop 
     that has been on business for more then a "day", that will stand 
     behind the install (Lifetime Warranty on Labor). It's also a good idea 
     to find installers who solder ALL connections, instead of using crimps 
     (and even worse, Scotch Locks)...
     
     These are just my opinions (based on 9+ years experience in this 
     business) and I am no longer in this business...
     
     Dean ('96 M3, factory alarm w/ added sensors and insurance discounts)