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Alarms - which one do you recommend?

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 1:45 pm
by Matt&JoyBongling
Can you recommend an approved alarm system with remote central locking?

I have been looking at the Waeco Magic Safe MS650 for around £110 - having been impressed with Waeco's cruise control. However, it appears to be twice the price of CAT alarms and I cannot tell if it is approved for insurance, nor can I find any reviews. If you have it, what do you think of it?

If you have a different system, can you share your reasons for choosing it, how easy it was to fit etc?



Cheers :)

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 2:10 pm
by stringman
I always go for Meta alarms. They are very reliable and simple to use and never seem to false alarm.

If you want a Thatcham approved system it must be fitted by an approved, trained installer and I doubt that you will get any change out of a couple of hundred quid.

I know a company in Leighton Buzzard if you want a quote

Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:06 am
by Matt&JoyBongling
Thanks for your reply; I'll have a look at them.

I've also seen alarms recently that come as part of package that includes remote starting - if they do not invalidate my insurance, they appear to be quite useful.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:56 pm
by neilfraser
Hi

We went with a Toad ai606 with addition remote locking motor. Cost about £250 including fitting so a bit more expensive but Thatcham approved.

Interestingly our insurer didn't mind if we had alarm fitted or not !?!

Regards

Neil

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:00 pm
by bigdaddycain
Same here neil... My insurer wasn't bothered about the alarm/immobiliser...but i did! I didn't like having to put keys in the doorlocks either :? (i'd got too used to remote locking)

I have a toad cat 2 fitted to mine,there was a special offer on at the time,£180 fittted.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:27 pm
by neilfraser
I too feel happier with an alarm/immobiliser - I use the bongo as a second car and it would be inconvenient for it to have been stolen!

Central locking is also useful if that what you're used to (and I am!)

Also useful is that you can't set it if you have left a door open - don't walk away from van with side door half closed anymore.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:38 pm
by Muzorewa
I had a Hornet CAT1 fitted which was over £300 but I reckon well worth it. Remote lock & unlock plus immobiliser. Also warns if you haven't shut any of the doors properly.

Hornet Security & Convenience System, Directed Electronics UK Office
Unit C Longmead Business Centre, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9QQ
Phone: 0800 929949
http://www.directed.com

Don't forget if you want remote locking you need an extra motor for the driver's door.

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 1:57 am
by Matt&JoyBongling
I like the idea of remote locking so that is on my list. I will ask Lifesure about the alarm and see if it gives a discount, although as we live in a low crime area (touch wood), it might not make much of a difference to the premiums. I will also ask about remote starting - it would be quite convenient to have our bongo warming up as I load up Jnr in the morning. I do short journeys to work when I drive there and wonder if it is better for the engine to be a bit warmer to reduce excessive wear & tear.

Coincidently, there is a similar thread in the bongo chat section and another contributor has stated that his alarm makes an annoying bleep after 15 seconds if the vehicle is not locked - this would be real pain for us when we are camping as we are in and out all the time - is this common?