The best system for your vehicle, budget & security needs
This car alarm buyer’s guide is designed to help you choose the best system for your vehicle, budget and security needs.
I’ve broken down the main categories of alarms to help you decide which ones are the best for your specific requirements.
Categories
Best car alarm in NZ?
In a previous post I explained why it is not possible to have a single do it all best car alarm.
There are so many car audio shops and auto electricians who are loyal to one brand that simply state “this is the best car alarm” without considering which vehicle it is being fitted into, or what your needs are. These are not expert opinions and don’t have any real world credibility.
Top rated car alarms
Best car alarm for reliability
I’ve been installing Vodafone Automotive alarms for decades now. They look good, perform great, and normally outlive the vehicle they get installed into.
Highly recommended for off-road use
With a fully waterproof digital battery back-up siren that is IP7X certified you don’t have to worry about river crossings. The 4822 enhanced remote alarm system is the most reliable alarm in the market with a proven track record.
A level sensor come as standard. Easy to customise for your requirements
Best car alarm warranty
Autowatch offer the best warranty in New Zealand. With PIN code protected remotes, compact attack resident immobiliser and vetted installers, they are confident to stand behind their products.
3 year anti-theft warranty
If you have an Autowatch alarm installed via an official NZ dealer then you are covered.
Full terms and conditions can be found on the Autowatch website.
Best car alarms for remote range
The 3105V remote can work from 1.5 km. It’s wins the best remote range category as it is the most affordable long range Viper alarm
Runner up: Viper 3606V
Best 2-way remote car alarm
The 3305V 2-way remote has a range up to 1.5 km. It will display the status of the alarm so you’ll know if it is armed or disarmed. It will also page you if the alarm is triggered.
Runner up: Viper 3606V
A Vipertraq GPS can be added to both systems, plus it can be integrated with vehicles CAN-BUS via a DBALL2 module. This allows the alarm to work via the factory remote too.
Best alarm with remote engine start
The 5906V is the top model in the Viper remote start alarm range so takes the crown here.
Budget friendly options
The Viper 5806V and 5706V are also good options that offer 2-way remotes.
If you only need a 1-way remote then the 5606V will do the job.
All versions are D2D compatible so have the option of working with the OEM remote via a DBALL2 interface (depending on vehicle specific firmware).
The 4822 CAN-BUS upgrade alarm comes with 3 versions. All include a built-in tilt sensor.
The enhanced version comes with factory looking ultrasonic sensors and the choice of a wires, or wireless digital battery back-up siren.
The advanced version adds OBD port protection and driver recognition cards to protect against modern car theft methods.
Best car alarm with built-in GPS
The GN8 is a CAN-BUS alarm which works with both the factory car remote and the Teltonika app.
The app will notify you of any issues from a low car battery to a vehicle intrusion.
Tilt and shock sensors comes as standard and the only running cost is keeping your sim card topped up
Best insurance standard alarm/immobiliser for ease of use
One of the requirements for an insurance level alarm/immobiliser is for the immobiliser to auto-arm. This means that the remote needs to be pressed to disarm the immobiliser.
The Cyclops P775 transponder remote automatically disarms the immobiliser when it comes into range which makes it very easy to live with.
Still a popular option despite being an old system.
Best car alarm with wireless sensors
The 458RLcomes with two 4-button remotes and a battery back-up siren. What sets it apart from the competition is that it can be paired with a wireless PIR sensor and wireless reed switches.
This makes it great to install on motor homes and other vehicles where running cables can be difficult.
The Autowatch 695 CAN-BUS alarm also supports wireless sensors
This post contains tips on the most effective ways to protect your van and contects.
Here I offer advice on how to secure the load area of your ute and keep your tools safe.
Which alarms have I overlooked?
Criteria & methodology:
To qualify the car alarm system must be currently available for purchase with installation here in NZ
The winners are based on my personal opinion which is based on decades of experience installing vehicle security systems. I welcome comments and suggestions on any car alarm systems, or categories I may have missed.
