Hey everyone, I just checked out a local stereo shop and they recommended the Viper 600 ESP and they have it installed for $349. First of all, is this a good alarm? It sounds like it has some good features and it overall looks like a pretty good alarm. Also, is this a good price installed? It just about everything except it has no hood pin thing but that can be added for extra money. Im very interested in this and I'd love to buy it very soon so please respond ASAP. thanks in advance...

 

349? man that is kinda expensive.. only thing with 600 esp is that it has built in relays and more aux options.. but those are all add on.. if u are getthing just basic alarm. just get a 300 esp....... or if with remote start 550 esp.

at my shop we sell 300 esp for $200 installed.. and if u want hood pin $20 more and trunk release if u car already have a button for it like some cars do out there. we'll make the relay for another $20.. thats about it..

Right now i ahve a used 800 ESP with A Remote starter module. for sale.. im askin only $350 obo for it..cuz im going with a new setup alarm

 

I have this alarm in my car, installed it myself. If you're gonna hook up domelight supervision and channel 2 (trunk pop etc.) than it's worth it. The built in relays make it a 5 minute hookup for those two options. The 300ESP comes with an onboard shock sensor which is tough to adjust right. As far as price, you should actually want to pay more since it indicates a better install (usually.) Alarms are all about the install, ask questions beforehand. Here's what you should ask for:

1)Hood pin switch and battery backup
2)Brain not up under driver's side dash
3)Siren inaccessible from top of engine compartment
4)Well blended wiring
5)Door and trunk triggers hooked up
6)Starter kill relay hooked up (and well hidden.)

 

agreed.. I replied to a few other alarm threads and basically this was the same advice I had (its friday and I'm lazy to type Lolz..) do a search..

 

Alright, I went to another alarm shop nearby my house and they have the 300ESP 2 (the guy says it has a different antanna) for $199 installed and they will add the backup battery and a hood pin and a glass break sensor for a total price (installed) of $300. Which alarm system is better for the money? Is it worth paying the extra $50 (doesnt come with a hood pin or backup battery) or should I just stick with the 300 ESP 2?

 

The only real difference between the 300 and the 600 is the 600 has the built in relays for the power locks and had nicer transmitters with more outputs.

 

The 500/600/800ESP have external shock sensors. These can be placed in a better location so they work better. They also have the 4 button remotes that look better. That's really the only difference, the 300 is no less secure. Just make sure they hook everything up, a lot of basic installs aren't that secure. For $200 I'm betting they will do a $hitty install (keyless entry, door trigger only, siren out in the open, brain up under dash.) Ask them how much to do the things I specified, say you're willing to spend a little more. Trust me, a poorly installed alarm (95% of installs) is just a noise-making keyless entry system.


[Modified by ME, 4:36 PM 6/15/2002]