Well obviously the RX8 are new in the market and there really aren't statistics compiled on theft rates for the RX8.

However, I would like to gain your opinions regarding ant-theft, primarly a lo-jack or similar type system.

Do you guys worry that your car may be stolen, albeit 'joy-ridden' and then found somewhere untouched, or do you think that our cars will actually turn into a spare parts units.

The reason why I ask, is because I am not too sure if I want so spend the 800 dollars on getting a lo-jack (that comes with a new module that has the police calling you when it is moving without the chipped key) if there is no black/grey market for the car.

I just found out that the dealer slyly put window ecthings with numbers on the car and charged us $595 but didn't tell us. We saw accessories for 595 on the purchase invoice, but didn't think it was for that.

Our dealer really got us on a few things, I guess whatever it took to make up for 0 markup that I got the car for.


Anyways thoughts on this matter is truly appreciated.

 

I thought those etchings were done by Mazda, and not by dealers? Is this correct?

Well, anyway, I'm pretty sure I saw them on a demo car, uncharged

 

the dealer called us regarding anti-theft options, and had noted that we got the window etchings for $595..


Im still disturbed.. However, can someone else confirm that the dealer doesn't charge for this, and that we were charged for some other accesories like the spare tire kit or something?

 

I'm thinking of an aftermarket alarm and currently use the Club.

About the alarm part, the stock one doesnt have indicator light, so it's less threatening. Also seeing as it's only an engine immobilizer, it doesnt have the glass break or shock thing in it.

At this point, I'm not sure how an aftermarket would install seeing as they stock one is already in.. I'd like to take to an alarm shop, but being as this car is so new, I'm afraid they might not know what to do about this.. anyone?

 

Hey nut, there is a indicator light for the alarm on the dash. I have one. It flashes when the car is off. Look again.

 

Doh! Really.. guess I better look.. Sorry, my dent has given me brain damage. :p

 

speaking of your dent........have you made plans with a paticular shop to remove it. I really feel for you man, People hitting your car with their doors makes my skin crawl!!!

 

That's sad, window etching only cost about $30 bucks at the most to do. Some city police departments do it for free once year...

 

Sorry, off topic but .. not yet.. every day I see it I go postal.

I'm trying to do some research on the Mazda paint seeing as the Body Shop I will use said they will only use their DuPont Computer Master Bater Hi Flyin Matcher Mixer Thingy. I'm afraid they wont be able to match it well so I'm torn..

People who dont have the "affinity" for the car just dismiss it and say, "aah that's nothing..." but to me it's freakin big!

 

im not sure what we charge (browning mazda in cerritos) for window etching i did not get it. i did get lo-jack. the Lo-jack i got is lifetime guarante with early warning system. what this is is a little box looks like keyless entry but no buttons. it has to be in the car when it is in motion. so i attached it with my key. if the car is moved without the box, lojack calls my cell phone, my home phone, my work phone and emails me immediately asking if the car is moving without my permission ie. stolen this way if i am at a movie or disneyland and the car gets stolen i will now right away. instead of being shocked 3+ hours later and if it is stolen they can track it faster. it seems like a great deal. i recomend it!

 

I definitely got Lo-Jack.

If I get an alarm, it will have alternator/fuel line kill (NOT starter kill, that's useless in a manual) and a keypad to start the car. It will lock/unlock both doors, extra button for the trunk after unlocked. An extra button to roll up windows/moonroof would be nice but not required.

It will not have one of those annoying, blaring alarms - I had one and every time the fog rolled in the window sensors got confused and it went off.

Another thing that would be nice but probably won't happen - level sensor tied to a pager, so I'd know if it were being raised (ie tires taken) or towed.

 

so if the car is being towed, won't the lo-jack be activated because the car is in motion but the vehicle doesn't ahve the chip in it?

That''s the only think I fear with my cars. THe fact that they can be towed. All the immobilizers and anti-theft deviced just can't protect us from that.

 

True, but there are sometimes valid reasons to be towed, not just rogue tow truck agents. If my car were being towed I would still like to know ASAP. If I'm close by maybe I can run down and see what's up.

 

yes if the car is towed the lojack will be activated. even if it is towed because it is parked wrong it will still notify you. but if the car is jacked up and the tires stolen or window broken and radio stolen then the lojack is no help.

 

Would be nice if Hawaii had LoJack..

 

You got the first damage? Link to the thread please.

 

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7157

 

As an accessory, you can get the shock sensor added to the factory alarm. Maybe fubar can tell us how long it takes to install. The service guys at my dealership don't know and they're quoting me $75 an hour for 4 hours to install on a $68 part.

BTW, how much is lojack? The website won't say (or I didn't see it) and it didn't say anything about coverage in Northern Nevada.

 

If you get lo-jack through them, the basic setup is $695. I am going through a credit union and getting the basic for $499.

 

In Hawaii, I might expect that there is a bit less room for thieves to go - unless they have their own shipping docks and cargo ship.

 

heheh yup, but that dont stop them from stealing your ride and chopping it up for a parts sale.

 

I getting the lojack and I want a kill switch installed. My car was stolen two weeks ago but it didn't have a good alarm system.

 

Brothervoodo I wasnt aware that you could get lojack through the credit union. Is this a service that is specific to your credit union or do all credit unions offer this discounted rate?

In addition what do you all think about the Clifford systems I hear they work pretty well. From what i hear they are very well made and stuff is pretty secretive over there. It supposedly protects from various types of entry.

 

I don't know much about the credit union, they are called "Spectrum Federal Credit" and I was only getting my car loan through them. I intended to get lo-jack and they happened to offer that for $499, since it was the lowest price I could find I bought that through them as well.

As for the alarm, I'm just going with the basic that is provided through Mazda.

 

my 8 car with lojack and for $425.00 I had a lojack rep come to my home to add lojack early warning. Early warning is a remote you keep on your keychain and if your car moves with remote that is on keychain lojack calls you. If my rx8 moves and I'm in a three hour movie I don't want to find out later and this way they call my cell if my 8 moves