Alarm Systems Discussion related to installation, diagnostics, and purchasing of alarm systems

Commando Alarm Owners Speak Up....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-21-2005, 03:22 PM
  #1  
Contributing Member
Thread Starter
 
LSUMatt1514's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Commando Alarm Owners Speak Up....

I'm in the market for an alarm and got some prices today from a local stereo shop on Viper systems. I like the Viper 791XV, which I found online here...

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/viewitem.php?id=1590

for a little over $200. I'm sure the stereo shop would rape me on the install charges if I don't buy the alarm from them. Anyway, I've read quite a few threads on the Commando alarms and everyone seems to be very pleased. However, I almost tempted to spend the additional $50-$75 on the Viper system because they are so established. I can't say that I've ever heard of Commando until coming across it on a recent thread. Not to mention that I'd be back in the same boat on the install and at the mercy of the stereo shop. From my experience in the past, they HATE to install stuff you don't buy from them and charge a ton for the labor. I don't want to tackle an alarm myself because I do not have the time (or patience for that matter) for it right now.

Give me your impressions and feedback on the Commando....Worth spending the money on or go with the established Viper system? Later.

Matt
Old 12-21-2005, 03:38 PM
  #2  
Banned
iTrader: (-1)
 
waskillywabbit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 3
Received 20 Likes on 9 Posts
Matt,

From what I understand, most of those alarms are all made by the same few companies and there isn't a whole lot of difference except for accessories. I have some knock off of a Viper, it has a snake on the box, don't remember what it is called but I got it installed w/ door lock actuators for under $250 locally.

If you are in Tuscaloosa anytime soon, check out Kincaid TV on 15th st and talk to Lee, he'll steer you right and make you a deal as well. I've known him for 20 years and he is a top notch guy.

Old 12-21-2005, 03:58 PM
  #3  
Contributing Member
 
Jonathan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have the Commando and I love it. It wasn't too bad to install. Me, Bob (bob98sr5) and Brian (Tulsa_97sr5) all did installations by ourselves on these alarms and I haven't had a single problem out of mine yet. My roomate has a viper and they are virtually the same besides a few physical differences. Save your money and go with the Commando.
Old 12-21-2005, 07:07 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
kawicowboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Guelph Ont Canada
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I picked up some noname alarm off e-bay a couple of years ago for like $40 bucks, and I gotta tell you its great. It has every option that the other alarms offer for a tenth of the cost. For that kinda money if they charge 150 bucks to install your still ahead of the game.
Old 12-22-2005, 03:31 AM
  #5  
Contributing Member
 
tulsa_97SR5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: tulsa, OK
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Jonathon summed it up really well. It's been almost a year and I hvae 0 complaints with the commando. The pager fob is great ( did i forget to arm it? quick glance tells me). The range on the transmitter is awesome.

I actually bought a second one to install in my wife's infinity, before the latest group buy. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to make it all fit, so it'll go in my 85 when i'm finished restoring it.
Old 12-22-2005, 05:25 PM
  #6  
Contributing Member
 
Jonathan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by tulsa_97SR5
Jonathon summed it up really well. It's been almost a year and I hvae 0 complaints with the commando. The pager fob is great ( did i forget to arm it? quick glance tells me). The range on the transmitter is awesome.

I actually bought a second one to install in my wife's infinity, before the latest group buy. Unfortunately I couldn't figure out how to make it all fit, so it'll go in my 85 when i'm finished restoring it.
Oh yeah i forgot the range. The range is like something I've never seen. It reaches at least over 500 yards, and probably farther, believe me I've tried.
Old 12-22-2005, 10:40 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
midiwall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Seattleish, WA
Posts: 9,048
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Jonathan
I have the Commando and I love it. It wasn't too bad to install. Me, Bob (bob98sr5) and Brian (Tulsa_97sr5) all did installations by ourselves on these alarms...
... and Mark (midiwall). I think I'm the one that started the Commando craze on here.

I've done two now, and am about to do two more. No probs, great systems, great support...
Old 12-23-2005, 05:52 PM
  #8  
Contributing Member
 
Jonathan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by midiwall
... and Mark (midiwall). I think I'm the one that started the Commando craze on here.

I've done two now, and am about to do two more. No probs, great systems, great support...
Oops sorry Mark, I didn't mean to leave you out!!! You were one of the Commando forefathers haha
Old 01-04-2006, 07:54 AM
  #9  
Registered User
 
wsudu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You would be crazy to go with something else.. for the features and price. I almost bought the Viper and at the last minute found out about this Commando. I found a local shop here in KC and they put it in no prob at my house for $80. Cya
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
coryc85
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
27
12-05-2015 08:42 AM
JamesDINAN
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
6
09-22-2015 05:37 AM
ToyotaMD
Vehicles - Parting Out
0
09-22-2015 04:49 AM
83
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
18
09-21-2015 06:15 PM
scheuvront1993
Newbie Tech Section
8
09-17-2015 06:17 PM



Quick Reply: Commando Alarm Owners Speak Up....



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:58 AM.