[STIcer]

OK I checked the manual.

From what I understand the alarm will go off only if any of the 5 doors are open.

So technically they could smash the window and get thru the broken window - not easy but can be done. Alternatively reach for the hood button, pop the hood and cut the battery power - then open the door.

The only way to steal the car would be to tow it away b/c of the immobilizer.

The shock sensor can detect a window break or motion as the car is lifted.

[thekiffer]

So the alarm is only helpful if you are worried about the car being stolen. It doesn't offer anything for protection against break ins?

Ok, so why even put an noise on it. Chalk it up to Subaru awesome once again.

I really don't care. It sort of came with the car but if it is supposed to work then I will take it to the dealership and get them to make sure it works.

Originally Posted by STIcer

OK I checked the manual.

From what I understand the alarm will go off only if any of the 5 doors are open.

So technically they could smash the window and get thru the broken window - not easy but can be done. Alternatively reach for the hood button, pop the hood and cut the battery power - then open the door.

The only way to steal the car would be to tow it away b/c of the immobilizer.

The shock sensor can detect a window break or motion as the car is lifted.

[STIcer]

Well, only the basic alarm is standard - not everyone likes an over-intrusive car alarm, with shock, pressure, motion, tilt, perimeter sensor etc.

I'd recommend adding a shock sensor and setting on high sensitivity - that should pick up most window breaks, parking lot bumps, towing, etc.

[thekiffer]

Originally Posted by STIcer

not everyone likes an over-intrusive car alarm, with shock, pressure, motion, tilt, perimeter sensor etc.

The car alarm going off when you lift the door handles would be "over intrusive" ???

Ooof

The car alarm currently works if you break in from the inside and go out. That is the stupidist thing I have ever heard of.
I can't figure out why when someone points out a flaw in the new car. Everyone tries to say that is what makes the car so awesome. It seems that the bar is really low. Again it is just one more thing in a series of disappointments.

I really was like "oh cool it has an alarm and it isn't shock sensitive so it won't go off from every vibration but I get a little extra protection" Well crooks if you want to steal the new STI Just bust the window.

[STIcer]

Originally Posted by thekiffer

The car alarm going off when you lift the door handles would be "over intrusive" ???

Ooof

The car alarm currently works if you break in from the inside and go out. That is the stupidist thing I have ever heard of.
I can't figure out why when someone points out a flaw in the new car. Everyone tries to say that is what makes the car so awesome. It seems that the bar is really low. Again it is just one more thing in a series of disappointments.

I really was like "oh cool it has an alarm and it isn't shock sensitive so it won't go off from every vibration but I get a little extra protection" Well crooks if you want to steal the new STI Just bust the window.

I don't understand your disappoinment, STI offers more security than most cars anyway...

1. No one is going to steal your STI without your keys or a tow truck... STI has an immobilizer..

2. Basic open door alarm is standard issue for most cars in that price range... eveything more than that is optional

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by STIcer

OK I checked the manual.

From what I understand the alarm will go off only if any of the 5 doors are open.

So technically they could smash the window and get thru the broken window - not easy but can be done. Alternatively reach for the hood button, pop the hood and cut the battery power - then open the door.

The only way to steal the car would be to tow it away b/c of the immobilizer.

The shock sensor can detect a window break or motion as the car is lifted.

actually, the OEM alarm triggers when it sees a change in voltage in the car. since the radio and power plugs are off with the key, it's hard to trigger the alarm while in the car that way. try being in the car, setting it with the fob, and then turning on the map light as a test. I can't tell you the number of times my auto-arming aftermarket alarm on my 96 truck went off because i turned on a dome light, or turned off the radio while i was in the car waiting for someone/something. This type of function is pretty common.

what that tells you is if someone pops your hood, and (if there's a service light under the hood - i'd have to go look) that would light up, alter the voltage, and also trigger the alarm.

what the oem alarm does NOT do is detect shocks (which would include the shock of hitting a window or a bump from a car, or an attempt to tow). installing the OEM shock sensor is easy and requires no special tools.

you can get the shock sensor for ~$30 under list at:
SubaruGenuineParts.com || Where Genuine is Better!

the installation instructions are included. it takes about 10 minutes to install once you figure out the trick[1]. you then go to the dealer and have them plug into your car's computer to tell your car the shock sensor is installed and they also adjust the sensitivity. it cost me $45 (0.5 hours) for them to do that.

[1] Installation requires popping a panel off that the instructions say requires a special panel tool. Forget that. Pull the lid to the fuse panel and push the side panel off from the inside. You can then see where the oem wiring harness is set up for the shock sensor. Plug it in, tighten one retaining bolt/nut with a socket wrench, pop the pannel back in place and you're done!

Dificulty level: EASY

[grober01]

If you are dealing with a higher volume dealer, you should be able to get most (if not all) options at invoice.

Invoice price for the shock sensor installed is $83 which seems like a decent deal for peace of mind.

I also ordered my STI, so not sure what you would pay off the lot (having to add in a Salesman's commission, etc.)