when i bought my 06 civic hybrid, the dealer said that the alarm system that is built in isn't really an alarm system. it will lock out the engine if an attempt to start the car is made without the key and the stereo won't function but they said it doesn't detect a break in. so, they recommended, and i bought a honda upgrade. does anyone know anything about this upgrade. i'm having second thoughts about it since it seems that the stock system will do me just fine.

cheers,
neil

 

I'd like to know also about the upgraded alarm system. From what I've heard it adds a motion sensor, or something to detect breaking glass? Price I heard was approx. $500.00? Way too much, if that is true.

 

Whatever it is it will be cheaper aftermarket.

Dealers charge way too much for anything they add.

 

FWIW, the stock alarm system sounds the horns and flashes the lights if a door is opened, but it does not have a motion or glass breakage sensor. HTH. What's the upgrade do? Have you checked out handaaccessories.com. Their prices are great.

 

the dealer told me the alarm system can detect if a window has been broken. when i take the car in to have it installed, i'm going to ask the dealer more details about the system. i should have done it before i bought it, but i just wanted to get the car and get out of the dealership (obviously, the dealer knew it!)

cheers,
neil

 

IMHO, that doesn't sound like much more than the factory alarm does. I've had alarms on cars in the past and I find they're mostly expensive noisemakers. The flashing light on the (factory standard) dash is probably more valuable than the break sensor and if someone breaks in, the damage is done. Your car shouldn't go anywhere without the chip in the key, so I'd say save the money and spend it on something more tangible.