Just had ~$7000 work done on this car which has a bit under 36k miles on it. The car had a 3rd party security/keyless entry system that stopped working reliably a few years ago, by Crime Guard. I called Crime Guard several times trying to find out why sometimes the system would not chirp or alarm go off. They said they suspected a short somewhere. The keyless door lock/unlock continued to work, although sometimes in colder weather I still had to use the key to get in. The ignition wouldn't start the car if the remote didn't turn disarm the system, which appears to be a feature that was working even though the siren wouldn't chirp or go full blaring.

A week ago I went to the car and the battery was 100% dead. I had not left the lights on, so something was draining the battery. I'd also had problems getting the system to disarm and allow the car to start the previous few weeks. I figured these issues for a fault in the Crime Guard security system and had an auto electronics specialty outfit recommended by the garage that did summary repairs a month ago rip it out, that being Hi-Tech Car Audio. Hi-Tech recommended installing a Viper 3103v 1-Way Keyless Entry Car Alarm System, I was quoted $450 plus tax including their installation. A guy at Hi-Tech said I could also go with a keyless door entry/lock system for $100 cheaper. But car break-ins are rampant around here so I figure spending $100 more for the features of a security system is best.

Now, I see info online that the Viper systems have had a lot of problems.

I see stuff about remote start, but figure I don't need it. If it's because of very cold or hot weather, that's not a problem here in Berkeley, CA.

Thanks for info, suggestions and recommendations.

 

So, I do some more online research, watch a couple videos too and call the auto electronics store, Hi-Tech Car Audio and talk to one of the two guys I'd talked to. I say I saw stuff online about problems with the Viper systems. He says he has 2 of the Viper 3105v in his vehicles and has had no problems and recommends it over the 3103v I was recommended by his coworker. Says it'll cost $550 installed whereas the 3103v would be $440 ($10 less than the other guy quoted me), but he says it has a superior sensor and shock sensor system and better remotes. I asked him if they'd install a system I bought elsewhere and he tried to talk me out of that saying they'd charge me time if they had to work on it after installation.

I saw stuff about Compustar earlier today and the video I watched went to other brands. I suppose I don't need 2-way. I figure want mostly reliability and something that would help protect against break-ins.

 

So, I searched and found and watched this video:

Viper 3105v Car Alarm Review
In it, the guy mentions he got some help from Best Buy to install part of the system. So, I checked out Best Buy and they are offering the Viper 3105v system for $219.99 installation included, with tax $242.54! But the page said installation not available. I called my local BB and they said I could get it installed at a store 10 miles from me. I buy online and got the installation scheduled for about 3 weeks from today and the unit will ship to me, to arrive tomorrow, for free. Don't know how good the installation will be but for all I know, better than the other outfit. I won't have the benefit of lifetime warranty, which Hi-Tech would have provided. But I save well over $300 on the purchase. The other place wanted $550 and that probably doesn't include tax.