Security System

[RockXP]

Im gonna get the VIP Security System Plus ($359) then I saw the glass sensor $165 extra and I am wondering if I do really need this. According to Toyota.com they said


The glass breakage sensor is an important enhancement to your factory alarm system. This added safety feature includes a small audio sensor that detects breaking glass and activates your alarm.

If I get the regular security system without the glass sensor and someone does break into my car and the glass is broken my alarm would go off. Why would I need this glass sensor? It doesnt make sense to me.

[02whiteLE]

Without the glass sensor, if your window is broken, the alarm would not go off. ie, if a person broke out your window and reached in the broken window to grab your wallet of the passenger seat and a couple of CD's without opening the door, the alarm would not go off.
If you upgrade and get the glass breakage sensor, then it would.

[pjp]

That is correct, without the glass breakage sensor your alarm would not go off unless some forces the door open after beaking the glass. or something like that.

I think of the GBS as protecting the contents that you leave on the seats of you car, within reach of a quick smash and grab. Then again peeps should not leave stuff within easy reach....

[[SMAN]]

$165 for a glass break sensor seems a bit high. These things should be under $50

[88 LE]

If the system comes with a shock sensor, a glass break sensor is not necessary.

If someone smashes a window hard enough to break it, the shock sensor will pick it up and the alarm will go off.

A glass break sensor is one of the things I put on my useless list along with proximity sensors and talking sirens.


Any reason why you want the Toyota VIP security system? You can get better aftermarket units for cheaper.

[WhiteRabbit]

^then can use ceramic to break your windows no problems

there are also other tools that create almost no shock when breaking windows

[JMSinMD]

The price of the alarm, etc is just as negotiable as the price of the vehicle. Jon. p.s. check out edmunds.com

[lollonais]

White rabbit is right. Take the ceramic part of a spark plug and throw it at the glass. The ceramic would go right through with no noise and crack the glass. You can find this info if you google it.

[WhiteRabbit]

damn, i just saw the price...$165 for the sensor?!?!?!?!

i got mine for under $40 from DEI

[RockXP]

Dei??

IMHO I don't think the glass breakage sensor is worth it. If they see something they want they will find a way into the car or break the window anyways and still get away with it.

[WhiteRabbit]

its so they cant get into your car unoticed and start taking your headunit/speakers/amps/hotwire

but yea, if its smash and grab, you are SOL

DEI - Directed Electronics

they make Viper, Clifford, Python, etc

[RICO8458]

do they have security system with GPS, that you can link up to your cell phone and sort of find where your car is if they steal it? that would be cool.

Originally Posted by RICO8458

do they have security system with GPS, that you can link up to your cell phone and sort of find where your car is if they steal it? that would be cool.

I sorta have that with my early warning LoJack system... it calls, texts and e-mails me if my car is moved without the little lojack keyfob that i have on my keyring... it's pretty sweet.

[WhiteRabbit]

the glass sensor works very well, i barely tap the window with my keys and it sets it off. but if i pound it with my hand, itll take the shock sensor to sense it.