Miata Mailing List: May 1997, Message #37
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From: 	Rick Flashman <rflashma@mtholyoke.edu>

Subject: Re: Security Systems

Date: 	Thu, 1 May 1997 09:03:50 -0500



>I am the new owner of a 1997 M-Edition and am considering having an alarm

>system professionally installed (chalk it up to the paranoia of a new

>convertible owner). I have rewiewed the recent (February 1997) Consumer

>Reports that rated auto alarm systems and am considering either a Clifford,

>Viper or Python system.  Can any of you more experienced owners offer any

>advice to this novice?



I went against the trend and instead did two things:



1. I installed a Clifford AutoImmobilizer (www.clifford.com) for about 

$130 (including installation). This two point immobilizer (starter and 

ignition) is self-arming and uses a special key that you insert once 

before you can start the car (no remote). It has no siren to annoy the 

neighboors, just a good old auto-arm kill switch. This also qualifies me 

for MAXIMUM insurance discount. It also has a cute clifford labeled 

bright red blinking light that makes people believe it has a much fancier 

alarm system. There's even an easy to use valet mode.



2. I purchased a very small "club" type device. This one is a littel 

different and in most stores. It consist of a short straight bar, with 

two hooks on one side (sideways) that go around the steering wheel. Not 

only is it the small club on the market (so it fits perfectly alongside 

the inside side of the passenger seat back) but its double-claw design 

discourages attempts to cut the steering wheel to remove it.



Together these two items do a pretty good job of discouraging someone 

from stealing my car (at least as much or more than any fancy $800 car 

alarm).



I always leave my car unlocked, lock the armrest and glovebox, put 

anything valuable in the trunk. By leaving the car unlocked I will 

hopefully discourage any attempts to cut the top.



Rick

'93a Red (Landspeeder) - who's curious why she needs all this security, 

people that bad?

WMass