$210 install on a $87 car alarm worth it?

[Gatman 10+ year member]

Hey guys i just bought a car alarm from sonic electronics for 87 bucks, nd it would cost me 210 from the local car audio shop to install it. it has a 14 day return, but i opened the box, so i dont know if i can send it back or not? can u help me there? also, the store offers a one button one way audiovox for $250 installed, cheaper than the route i wanted to go, what one should i do??? btw my alarm is a viper 350plus....should i look around and find a cheaper place? help!

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[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

You could check around but they arent cheap to install... lots of wires that need to go to the right places and that takes time... I wouldnt wanna screw with one lol

 

[Heeltoeclutch 10+ year member]

210 sounds a little outrageous IMO. I would def. ask around.

 

[Gatman 10+ year member]

haha what if i cant find someone within 14 days 0.o

 

[theMessenjah44 10+ year member]

long story short, a mechanic didn't know what he was doing and cut out my sister's remote start/keyless entry/alarm. I had quotes anywhere from 160 to 350 to have it re-installed.

210 seems a little steep for just an alarm

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Well you could sell it on here probably...

 

[Gatman 10+ year member]

true lol

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Im gunna have to be getting on when I get completely moved out as well

 

[Gatman 10+ year member]

i do think that the viper alarm is better than their audiovox, but living in south dakota has its downs =/

 

[Gatman 10+ year member]

well i found a best buy a few hours away that will do it for $150, im gonna check a local shop thats done autostarts to, to see if they think they can do it.

 

[Heeltoeclutch 10+ year member]

What is the car in question?

 

[dumple 5,000+ posts]

It's prolly going to be expensive everywhere because u didn't buy the alarm from the shop

 

[Dj-torn 10+ year member]

The install at $210 divided by 3 hours = $70.00/Hr for shop labor (assuming no additional parts required), at my old shop we started at $75/hr, BUT it also depends on the car and the number of additional parts (relays, diodes, etc) required to do the install the way you want it done.

Now it is my experience that you are more likely to find parts, warranty assistance and additional/replacement remotes for the Viper vs. Audiovox.

For cheap alarms, buy the one sold at your local install shops. The only time you will save money purchasing an alarm separately is when you purchase the more expensive alarms as shop labor rates don't change, but the install does take longer.

Good Luck

 

[ShiningBuick 10+ year member]

BestBuy's install price on those is pretty fair, just make sure you get a knowledgeable installer. There's some that are geniuses, and some that are just there for a job.

Or try it yourself, it's fun lol.

 

[fyerbyrd22 10+ year member]

ur better off buying an alarm off of the shop...i made that mistake of buying an alarm from sonic for $100 and i got WHACKED for $250 to install it...the guy quote me $175 but another guy did the install and said $250...buy it from the shop and ull actually save money