The majority of tracking systems use GPS to spot a car, which won't always work. Pros: Part of much larger suite of helpful services; available across the U.S.; free for first year. Got it thrown in with the deal, mine always comes up shiny after washing, is it worth the money? Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, Need to file a complaint? since then I've been washing and polishing as normal and I cant say it has given me any issues. GPS Rental Stargard GPS Is this Your Business? We had one of those coatings on the Micra and it was the worst thing we ever did. If you believe the use of your car is unauthorized, you must then contact the police with the car's location. That might sound expensive, but one of the most famous tracking systems -- LoJack -- will cost you a whole lot more. Cookies set by third parties may be required to power functionality in conjunction with various service providers for security, analytics, performance or advertising purposes. is it worth the money? If so, you probably don't want to spend $700 installing a comprehensive tracking system when there are less expensive methods to ward off crooks. F&I, GPS, Vehicle Protection, and Inventory Management Locations . Stargard GPS. Maybe it's the lazy sod in me, but if I can get the car treated for 200 so it doesn't need a wax every month or so which I have to do myself, then I will go for it. Apply two coats (developing a Schwartzeneggeresque physique in doing so) and watch nothing stick to your paint for the next few months. They're cr@p. A good independent valet place will be able to apply the finish at a significantly lower price. However, one affordable GPS tracking unit, Zoombak, sells for just $100 and comes with an annual service fee of about $150. (Nov. 23, 2010).http://www.cobratrakq.co.uk/shop/products_view.php?prod=5, Cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk. Let's say you go hiking or boating: You can remove the Zoombak from the car (only you know where it's hidden) and take it with you. Just remove the wires and reattach the starter wire ends back together. (Nov. 23, 2010).http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/ces-2008-carshield-offers-telematics-on-the-kinda-cheap/, VINShield.com. JavaScript is disabled. "OnStar Explained." The service we received from Pete at Supagard to rectify the problem was way better than I could have imagined. Website. The short answer is, it is not safe. For complete instructions on how to use your Stargard account and set up custom notifications and alerts, click here. Like other dealer options, prices are negotiable. JavaScript is disabled. Star guard was put on my brand new vehicle. What does Stargard mean? *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. The dealer is making it sound like it's included in every car and important for anti theft. You mentioned 399 for 3 years, are you talking about paint/dent insurance? "BMW Assist Safety & Convenience Services." The website said that the last known location for my car was recorded 216 days ago and know location history for the entire time Ive owned the vehicle had been recorded. Was advised against by so many people (including some very experienced dealer staff!). STARGARD GPS TRACKER MODEL SG10004GT @AR673 | eBay STARGARD GPS TRACKER MODEL SG950MT $59.99 Free shipping DriveSync GPS Vehicle Tracker Personal or Commercial Trips Logs Maps Speed MADD Sponsored $27.89 Free shipping Spot Gen3 Satellite GPS Emergency Messenger Tracker With Orange Carabiner $25.00 + $12.60 shipping "Cobra Trak Q." JavaScript is disabled. You can also set a geofence around it and if it moves outside of the geolocation you'll get an alert. Is Stargard insurance worth it? For complete phone installation instructions for both iPhone and Android, click here. Opens the door to myriad other customizable features. GM's OnStar 7373 Mohawk St. La Mesa, CA 91942-7403. What do you think? Im sure its only about 20-30 to buy on eBay, better investment would be a proper detailer, It was applied to our SLK back in 2005 as part of the deal. Sales; Service; Parts; Collision; Phone: 253.833.7900. Guessing it is installed by an unskilled employee. I was looking at my battery area and saw something hooked to the battery. Please see terms for details. Login . It may not display this or other websites correctly. Or, the company offers a $400 lifetime plan -- not a bad deal if you use it for a decade [source: Zoombak]. LAPD Detective Lou Koven, who specializes in auto theft, likes OnStar for other, user-friendly services, but feels that the service isn't sufficiently "law-enforcement friendly," making the police "jump through a lot of hoops" in order to close in successfully on a stolen vehicle. ABBREVIATIONS; ANAGRAMS; BIOGRAPHIES; CALCULATORS; CONVERSIONS; DEFINITIONS; GRAMMAR; LITERATURE; LYRICS; A place to ask questions from car sales professionals - sales people, finance and sales managers. Technology: GPS and cellular Any half decent wax from your local Halfords, and an hour or two of your time, will achieve exactly the same effect. 2. LoJack is an exception, because it uses FM radio frequency technology and works with specially equipped police cars to zone in on your stolen vehicle. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Overall we were pleased with it but it was part of the deal. Be the first to review! LoJack can be installed on both new and used cars. Might be cheap insurance. | Stargard security has been helping protect people's assets since 1983. . Advanced Features Manage Your Inventory (Nov. 23, 2010).http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/01/obama-rolls-a-s/, Mycarshield.com. If you really want your car back, it should contain a stolen vehicle recovery system before it joins the ranks of the 1.2 million vehicles stolen in the U.S. each year. Unlimited consumer access to location services. 23 days ago. 2 total complaints in the last 3 years. vehicle tracking systems are telematics systems that allow their owners to get their stolen vehicles back often sooner than had they relied solely on the police, and with less damage. Can other people unlock my car door with their remote. If you download the StarGard app and create an account you can track the movement/location of your car. (Nov. 29, 2010).https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/nicb_campaigns/hot%E2%80%93wheels, OnStar.com. I had Stargard done but it was only a month ago so can't comment on lengevity yeyt. We not only protect your vehicle, but also provide location services to enhance your ownership experience. If you don't want any of that I'd ask the dealer if they could remove it. Advanced Vehicle Protection, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and Vehicle Location. Bring back /u/chooter. Mercedes-Benz uses a subscription-based service developed by Hughes Telematics. The invoice has $995 for STARGARD. Call 1 (800) 443-5535 or email support@stargardgps.com to request a welcome email. A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. 718forum.com is an independent Porsche enthusiast website owned and operated by Versatile Solutions Inc. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. INSURANCE VOIDED. You further understand and agree that for the Stargard service to work, your vehicle must have a functional electrical system including an adequately charged vehicle battery. Had it done when i bought my c55 and it lasted well. Polish (unless you're talking about the high wax content finishing polishes) contain a tiny amount of cutting agent. Zoombak is on the low end of the price spectrum, but its Achilles' heel is that it will not notify you if your car is stolen potentially losing several critical hours or days before you report it stolen to the police. There are several reasons for you not to use the substances yourself: If you. The Stargard device needs to be renewed every 3 years, which can be done free of charge by contacting Stargard, Only the person(s) on the Stargard registration form has access to the account. Business Profile Stargard GPS GPS Rental Contact Information 7373 Mohawk St La Mesa, CA 91942-7403 Visit Website Email this Business (800). Vehicle recovery systems a.k.a. Add in the hands-free calling, emergency assistance and remote vehicle shutdown, and OnStar can do plenty. I dont see the benefit at all. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Mercedes charge 399 for (I assume) 3 years. The car looks OK when it's washed, but it certainly doesn't gleam or shed water as per the G3 Glasscoat YouTube clip referenced in Redcar's reply. For instance, GPS trackers are about locating and recovering a vehicle after it's been stolen, but immobilizers are designed to shut down a car's engine and make it very difficult to steal or transport. Actually, yes. Thanks in advance! The police have little to go on except a description of your car and its license plate number. OnStar's got a lot more to offer than most tracking systems because its GPS option is just a small part of the package. Because LoJack tracks a radio frequency, so hiding a car isn't so simple [source: LoJack]. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. That's not to say all that cash goes to waste -- LoJack has some unique benefits less expensive security systems can't match. Archived post. Visit Website. They also charged me 399. Starting with the 2010 model year, certain Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles will offer stolen vehicle tracking for the first time as part of a subscription-based service developed by Hughes Telematics. I have Starguard on my Benz but only because the stealer gave it to me for free. Provide Police stargard HOTLINE: 1.800.443.5535 Con: No early warning system if your car is stolen. (Nov. 26, 2010).http://www.prlog.org/10703089-carshield-finalist-for-prestigious-telematics-award.html, Serious Wheels. Two connections, positive tapped into the fuse block or a positive wire and a ground (this Chinese mfg device also has an internal battery). Privacy Policy. Disconnect the power line, it's most likely just put on with a wire tap, cut the two lines for the starter and hook them back to each other, and un-screw the ground wire. Both charge $199 a year to keep their services up and running. How to get it: Electronics stores, automotive stores, online So whichever systems you're considering, ask plenty of questions about how each one works before you commit, including how often the system's battery backup should be checked and exactly what the procedure is in the event your car is actually stolen. But it stills looks shiny and new. Despite the recent downward trend in car thefts, 800,000 is still a whole lot of cars. Once you do learn your car has been stolen, notify police and track your car from the Web, similar to Mobile IQ. 72 views, 4 likes, 0 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Porsche North Houston: Protect yourself, your family, and your investment with Stargard vehicle protection system. What now? Is Porsche Stargard worth it? Zoombak is purely a tracking system, so don't expect the advanced features of OnStar like hands-free calling and emergency assistance as part of the service. Some are affordable, and others are pricey. LoJack has the significant advantage of being the only stolen vehicle recovery system operated by the police, but it's a one-trick pony; someone shelling out $695-$995 may want more than simply vehicle recovery. GPS unavailability, inadequate cellular coverage / signal, or cellular congestion. The company is headquartered in La Mesa, California. (Nov. 22, 2010).http://www.watchyourcar.org/content/?/protect/devices, Zoombak.com. (Dec. 1, 2010).http://www.vinshield.com/vs/Public/Home/SeeHowtoInstall/index.cfm, Viper.com. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Best for: People who want a unit that can travel with them; nervous parents; budget-conscious non-GM vehicle owners or those outside the LoJack area. Unless I am mistaken about what that Stargard, the OP mentioned, is, it looks to me that this is some aftermarket. Over 1 MILLION stargard devices have been installed on vehicles and are on the road today! Any half decent wax from your local Halfords, and an hour or two of your time, will achieve exactly the same effect. Of course, cheaper insurance payments may not feel like a worthy trade in the face of an expensive security system. All the while collecting warantless location data without owner consent. "ST300." Finally, the Zoombak is a good choice if you want to use a recovery system for more than just one car. The people answering the phone seem like they know absolutely nothing about anything related to Stargard. 14' LCI 535i M-Sport MT 704 HK Comfort seats Winter pkg. Pros: Cost; portability, professional installation not required (though recommended); can be charged through cigarette lighter or at home; unlimited use plan, up to five days on one charge (according to manufacturer). Tracking your teen driver. The dealer explained it as a inventory control device for them, and the car came with three years of coverage. "Is a tracking and recovery system for your car worth the cost?" It may not display this or other websites correctly. It is widely regarded purely as a profit centre by the stealers !! It's actually the lowest annual total of stolen vehicles in more than 20 years [source: NICB]. To be honest, I can't tell if it makes any difference or not. That is the StarGard GPS tracker. "BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus." "Service Plans." The most well-known example is OnStar, an on-board guidance and security system installed in more than 30 General Motors models. Drove my mad as I couldnt get it off! "Cat 2 Immobiliser 8510." Also, there are sometimes "dead spots" where cell phone service does not work. JavaScript is disabled. What is this and should I opt for it? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. That is the StarGard GPS tracker. This thread is archived Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Wesley Fenlon BBB reports on known marketplace practices. The paint finish remained like new for many years. 1. Phone Number (800) 443-5535. One of the so called add-ons was called StarGard. I was offered it on my SLK , refused it. Enform has additional features such as push-button live operator assistance, and will cost $264.90 to renew. Call 1 (800) 443-5535 or email support@stargardgps.com a request to have your device rebooted/updated. Get a free Edmunds appraisal report for your car in minutes, Ready to sell? After questioning yourself ("Could I be wrong? Exterior-mounted GPS units are exposed to weather and environmental conditions, and the LandAirSea 54 is built to withstand it all. Price: One-time fee: $695 MSRP; $995 with an early warning feature. Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest. San Diego, CA 91942 1 / 11. 7373 Mohawk Street How to get it: Mobile electronics specialists Hinshaw's Honda 2605 Auburn Way North Auburn, WA 98002 Get Directions. Sometimes, the thieves are still near the vehicle and can be apprehended. I thought it is better than not doing anything Had it put on for free when I bought my first AMG and they didnt prep it properly and sealed in a load of tar behind the rear wheels. Not something I would consider but to be fair my neighbour had his done and after 4+ years it still looks as good as new and he washes just once every two weeks. If so it is an infringement of the basic constitutional right. Money back guarantee to all of our customers if your vehicle is stolen and not recovered! interesting if so. #10. Page may contain affiliate links. Well this morning I logged into my Stargard account because my car was stolen so I could find out where it was. ), Stargard - bought lease car and charged for this, PPF on the car have you declared it with insurance? Most vehicle recovery systems combine a GPS transmitter in the car (for vehicle tracking) and cellular technology (to transmit the information to and from a monitoring center). Removing Stargard security system. *If you are unable to complete the registration process, please call: 1.800.443.5535 or email support@stargardgps.com. "Cobra 8509 Immobiliser." There's nothing in there about second-sitcker crap when buying a BMW. Save. An underground parking deck, for instance, can cut off the signal. After 5 months of driving the vehicle and having to wash it every week its definetly not worth it. G3 Glass Coat 10 on Ebay, bought some for a laugh, will report back if its any good. Monday-Friday: Better to spend the money on a proper detail and coating by a professional outfit from what I can glean from the Internet and this forum. "CES 2008: CarShield offers telematics on the (kinda) cheap." Also for those on the fence about a GM/non-GM purchase but want OnStar's other features, such as crash notification, automatic door unlock, point of interest locations and the like. Only if its free! I cancelled the purchase of a used CPO Cayman S (after giving a deposit) because the dealer (among other things) refused to remove this device and insisted that I pay over $900 for it. Technology: GPS and cellular Price: $499.99 for the product, plus $100 for installation (typically); more if you want additional features, such as remote start or remote lock/unlock (by phone or computer). The government can't infringe on your freedom of speech, but Twitter and Facebook can. And GM isn't the only car manufacturer with a helpful car system; BMW's Assist service offers similar options in some 2007 and later vehicles [source: BMW USA]. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Stargard, The most advanced vehicle protection system. On order - GT Silver Cayman 'Style Edition' - PDK - PASM - PVT - PDLS - Burmester - Mouse Fur Roof. Before buying a LoJack -- or any tracking system -- the most important thing to consider is the car itself. While the different companies have legitimate arguments over whether GPS or radio frequency is the "better" vehicle recovery technology, the truth is that there are pluses and minuses to both. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile.
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