is the sti security system upgrade worth it??

 

I'd say that it is worth it in some ways. I like it because it is similar to what I would of installed in my car anyway (Alpine). It comes with most of the things I want (remote entry, dome light surveilance, dual stage impact sensor (adjustable too), door and trunk switches, starter kill, and decent range for a alarm. The security light (usually an LED) is also integrated into the instrument cluster which makes it look really clean. You don't have to have some stereo shop install it for you which my involve an unauthorized 'test' drive, shoddy install, release of your personal info, and/or possibility of key duplication.

The things that I dislike about it is that you have to press the disarm switch twice to unlock all the doors. Also, it does not include a hood switch. It does not have ignition controlled auto lock/unlock (i.e. doors lock when you start the car and unlock when you stop the car). The starter kill relay cannot be configured as a normally open circuit to my knowledge. Setting it normally open is good because the alarm must have power going to it in order to start the car. So if the theif finds the alarm and disables it, they will be disabling the car also.

If you are DIY installer I would consider getting an aftermarket alarm since you can install all of the extra items at a no cost. I decided to go for the stocker since the cost of the alarm was roughly the same as buying an aftermarket one w/o installation. Aside from my gripes, I am happy with the alarm.

Alarms buy you time and the stock alarm should give you that extra 30 seconds of hope. You NEED to also install an independent fuel cut switch to further your chances of survival.

BTW, I noticed you are in Seattle. Are you getting yours from Joe Spitz at Carter Subaru?

 

thanks for the info markpaco, im actually going through chaplains subaru for msrp... carter subaru is up on aurora right? how much did you purchase yours for?

 

The install of the OEM alarm is pretty simple. If you're the slightest bit handy I say DIY

Look here for an idea on the install:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/sho...&threadid=2105

I'm not sure if it's more similar to the 02 WRX though:

http://www.1stsubaruparts.com/librar...y%20System.pdf

I think because it's a 2.5L it may be more like the Forester install though.

 

Truth of the matter is that if someone really wants your car and they have the skills they are going to take it. What the alarm gets you is keeping the amateurs and kids away to some extent. Keep in mind that the alarm will also pay for itself over time with the discount you get in insurance for having an audible alarm with a starter kill. Sure there are aftermarket ones that do this, but the time to recoop the cost will be longer.

 

I understand that clicking the remote twice is a feature. My Honda Prelude also had that feature. It would be nice if it could be disabled though. I just need to get used to it.

As for the ignition controlled lock/unlock, I know that a lot of GM cars feature it as standard w/o an alarm. Alpine alarms offer this feature in their aftermarket alarms but not in the OEM Subaru one.

 

The previous vendor Subaru used "CodeAlarm" would let you set a dip switch in the brain to lock and unlock (unlock only did the drivers door though) the doors when you turned the ignition key on and off. But you are right I haven't found any info for the Alpine version that would let you do that.

Some good Subaru alarm info here:

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/keyless.html#alpine

 

It is in the cluster on the bottom row centered below the tach. It flashes red and says 'SECURITY'.