I thought I'd buy an older car for cheap transportation. It turns out I 
bought the model that is #3 on the U.S. Most Stolen Car list ('89 Toyota 
Camry). 

Short of installing LoJack, what do you recommend? 

Is a regular audible alarm with ignition- or starter-disabler effective? 

Suggestions welcome. 

Thanks,
Stef

"Stephanie"  wrote in message 
news:0001HW.C45917F8016290BAB01AD9AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
>I thought I'd buy an older car for cheap transportation. It turns out I
> bought the model that is #3 on the U.S. Most Stolen Car list ('89 Toyota
> Camry).
>
> Short of installing LoJack, what do you recommend?
>
> Is a regular audible alarm with ignition- or starter-disabler effective?
>
> Suggestions welcome.
>
> Thanks,
> Stef

Since you are quoting a US source of information perhaps asking a US 
newsgroup would be the way to go as UK theft profiles are somewhat different 
as are the security devices available. If indeed you are in the UK you will 
no doubt be happy to know the Camry  does not figure in recent lists
 http://www.cararticles.co.uk/uk-the-top-10-most-stolen-cars.html
http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/Top_ten_article.aspx?cp-documentid=996752
Derek

> Since you are quoting a US source of information perhaps asking a US 
> newsgroup would be the way to go as UK theft profiles are somewhat different 
> as are the security devices available. If indeed you are in the UK you will 
> no doubt be happy to know the Camry  does not figure in recent lists
>  http://www.cararticles.co.uk/uk-the-top-10-most-stolen-cars.html
> http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/Top_ten_article.aspx?cp-documentid=996752
> Derek 

Happy to hear. 

The Internet is indeed a worldwide phenom. Security devices can't be *that* 
different, can they? Brand issues aside...

Creativity isn't limited by borders. Got some good ideas?

Thanks,
Stef

"Stephanie"  wrote in message 
news:0001HW.C459ED7B01949B5BB01AD9AF@news.sf.sbcglobal.net...
>> Since you are quoting a US source of information perhaps asking a US
>> newsgroup would be the way to go as UK theft profiles are somewhat 
>> different
>> as are the security devices available. If indeed you are in the UK you 
>> will
>> no doubt be happy to know the Camry  does not figure in recent lists
>>  http://www.cararticles.co.uk/uk-the-top-10-most-stolen-cars.html
>> http://cars.uk.msn.com/News/Top_ten_article.aspx?cp-documentid=996752
>> Derek
>
> Happy to hear.
>
> The Internet is indeed a worldwide phenom. Security devices can't be 
> *that*
> different, can they? Brand issues aside...
>
> Creativity isn't limited by borders. Got some good ideas?
>
> Thanks,
> Stef

Oddly  yes enough we have ( amongst others) the Spalsat 'Tracker' system 
http://www.electrifyingtouch.co.uk/information/car_alarm/tracker.htm where 
you have Lojack ( I understand a UK company is developing it for use over 
here) . Our alarm systems which our insurers require are Thatchem approved 
Cat 1 alarm immobiliser and Cat 2  stand alone immobiliser( both have to 
fitted by a certified installer) I would expect US insurers would require a 
homegrown approval. If you dont need an approved device Ebay abounds with 
feature packed japanese alarms. I fitted  a pretty good one with dual 
circuit immobiliser voltage drop detection ,shock, ultrasonic perimiter 
sensor and internal pressure sensor tho' the perimiter unit was not very 
reliable ( Cat + German Shepherd+ Spaniel  issues )
I would be looking for
1) self arming - with disable (valet ) otherwise maintainence is a problem
2)battery backup-in case the thief attempts to disconnect
3)2 circuit immobiliser usually starter and fuel circuits
4) internal sensor - volumetric or ultrasonic
5) 2 stage alarm so an accidental nudge does not trigger a full alarm event
6) avoid voice warning systems unless they can be muted my neighbours were 
not impressed by the phrase "system disarmed" when I was on early duty.

Derek