Mongoose M80 Series Review
The M80 Series is the flagship car alarm from Mongoose. I has just had a revamp along with the M60 Series with new remotes and extra features.
The M80 now has a three-button remote with an added panic button, along with the arm/disarm button and boot release. The new remotes also have images on them to make the functions clear.
NOTE: The new M80 remotes are not compatible with the old pre-March 2009 models, so make sure to order the right one if you are after a replacement.
Do the updates address the issues with the M80?
No, whilst there are new remote controls and a couple of new features such as a blue LED instead of a red one, Mongoose have do nothing to fix the big weaknesses of the M80 Series
Poor Quatity Alarm Siren
M80G Alarm Issues
The M80G is the most expensive model in the M80 Series range. It features a battery back up siren with an over-ride key which is really outdated technology, not to mention being a pointless waste of money.
I’d hoped Mongoose would have fixed this issues with the updates so the M80 could have a digital battery back-up siren. After all, we are well into the 21st century now—it really is about time that Mongoose (and others) caught up with the likes of Autowatch and Cobra, who updated their old “override” key sirens in the early 1990s!
Full details on how the M80 siren performs compared to other brands: https://vehiclesecurity.co.nz/blog/battery-back-up-sirens
The M80 Immobiliser Disappoints
The Mongoose M80 has 3 immobiliser cuts which sounds good on paper, but are not that effective when the unit is easy to find and by-pass. The alarm module which contains the immobiliser is huge. Big is not always better, especially when you are trying to hide an immobiliser case behind a dashboard—the M80 really does put limitations on where an installer can place it.
Personally, I’d expect much more from what is marketed as a being the top model in the range.
Remote cloning vulnerablity still not fixed
The M80 Series may have a new remote, but Mongoose have not fixed how easy it is to program an additional remote to the alarm without a PIN number.
Basically anyone who has access to your car and remote can simply program an addition one without your knowledge. It’s a massive security flaw which most decent alarms have addressed.
Self awarded 5 Star rating
Mongoose continue to promote the M80 as being 5 Star rated. The only way this would have any credibility is if the rating system had 10 Stars, and even that feels rather generous.
The New Zealand Security Association star rating system was dropped in 2012.
Mongoose claim that the M80 is:
- Manufactured to AS/NZS4601 2003 and AS/NZS3749.1 2003 Class A Standards
But both standards have been deleted.
It’s rotten marketing and quite simply dishonest.
Mongoose - Misleading Claims
Most people want car security to prevent dishonest people taking either their vehicle or contents. So much of my work involves build trust with people who are concerned about theft, or have just been a victim of car crime.
It is really sad to see Mongoose abusing this trust by selling outdated systems and blatantly misleading car owners about their products. Mongoose are distributed in New Zealand by Formula NZ. They are the same company that own AVS .
With both brands making false claims about insurance standards, and so many of their dealers quoting them it can be difficult to establish that the alarms are sub-standard.
As a consumer it’s easy to get tricked into purchasing one of their systems.
If you want to make a difference then I encourage to you share this review or write to the Commerce Commission.
Obsessive Rating: Well known but I’d avoid it! Mongoose are no longer a trusted brand.
Mongoose really need to have more respect for their customers.
Features:
- Triple Immobiliser
- Two 3-Button Remotes
- Blue LED
- Battery Back-up Siren
- Door Open Warning Tones
- Built-in CDL Relays
- Glass Break Sensor
Options:
- Built-in Turbo Timer
- Trunk Release
