Ok, based on cursoy research on the forum, I found that most of you like Directed systems.

I am in the market for a car alarm for my car. I have been running pretty lucky for past year, with a nice sub-system, and no thefts. But I want to get one installed, but reading the literature on the brochures on the system kinda confuse me. There are alot of accesories out there you can install w/ your car alarm.

What do you guys feel are a NECESITY to install with the car alarm.

- Let me give a few details. I have 2-12in'* in the trunk w amps. (think I need a trunk sensor)
-I do not really care about remote start. I live in south florida area and it doesn't get cold here to require that feature.
-I thought about getting the digital remote to see if/when my car alarm goes off and what is going off, the door, trunk etc..but I ask myself, for $50+ bucks is it worth it?

I have looked into Omega systems and Directed. If I go directed, I am thinking Clifford. 10 years ago, before directed bought them Clifford was the best rated.

Thanks for input.

i really think it is a good idea. I love having the remote with the screen so you can tell if you locked your car or not...sometimes I have random panic attacks when I wonder if I remembered to lock my car. You can get backup batteries for your alarm system too so that if they cut the car battery off to silence your alarm it has a secondary power source. Tilt sensors are also a good thing to have. I have been really happy with my viper alarm and I would recommend getting one. I have actually had it set off when my keychain was in range and it was in a nice neighborhood too so you never know when you could be ripped off. I ran outside as soon as it went off (they tried to lift the handle on the door) I did not catch them but I am sure glad I had an alarm. If I didn't have an alarm I'm sure I would have been slim jimed or maybe even a window broken.

myrddin70 we have so much in common. I am finishing up on my audio system and competing just like you, and I am also considering getting an alarm with a 2way paging system. The guy at the stereo shop told me to go with an autopage though. I found one for around $350.00-$400.00 installed. If you guys can help me figure out a good one to buy for cheaper I would love to look into it as well. By the way Myrddin70 I am researching a 4 channel for you. Have you found anything yet? If so, how much?

Any alarm will come with a shock sensor, either on board or an external module. Popular add-ons are motion, tilt, glass break microphones and piezo sirens for the interior. If you're only doing an alarm with no remote start, then a back-up battery is also a good idea. Clifford, Viper, Python...its all the same electronics, different plastic housings and color remotes.

So, I am working out a deal with the guy that designed/installed my system. We are bartering services. I am going to design him a web page for his shop and he will install a car alarm into my car.

So we are looking at an Omega Systems Car alarm with Echo Remote.

I am going to talk to him about options.
-Trunk Sensor
-Backup Battery
-Interior Siren
-Interior microphone (glass breakage)
-Tilt

I think that will cover my needs. What do you guys think?

Wow, I need that. Where do you suggest I look for that and what brand do you like? Can I install one of these myself?

unless you feel really comfortable cutting into the ignition, power wires, and are good with electronics and wiring, i would suggest not doing it...if you have never done anything like this you can run into many problems. the ones with the lcd remotes are usually fully loaded with remote start and everything. If you feel good about wiring and everything people on the forums can give you tips hints on the wiring and things like that, but it is not something you want to jump into doing yourself if you have never done anything like this before. like previously stated dei products are great i have the viper 791xv but now they have an upgraded version of it with farther range. clifford is another great one (also made by dei) I have had problems with astrostart, they work well for a while then seem to have problems down the road. I have had my viper alarm for a few years now and have been happy with it.