Let's Take a Deep Breath

[Wimbledon]

sam500 wrote

Now. Pictures.

https://picasaweb.google.com/116487955511388613315/Fiat500PrimaEdizione?authkey=Gv1sRgCO3Uj9fLkP2K-gE&feat=directlink

Thanks for sharing those!

[sketch]

ciddyguy wrote

Indeed, but one thing to remember, most cars built before 1996-1997 didn't have the immobilizer system that became required around that time for virtually ALL cars, even the Fiat has it, has had it since around that time along with everyone else, both in Europe and here. Don't believe the later models are stolen much these days, but definitely those built prior to the immobilizer systems.

Yep, that too.  I meant to say or at least infer that in one of my posts, I think.

[ciddyguy]

sketch wrote

ciddyguy wrote

Indeed, but one thing to remember, most cars built before 1996-1997 didn't have the immobilizer system that became required around that time for virtually ALL cars, even the Fiat has it, has had it since around that time along with everyone else, both in Europe and here. Don't believe the later models are stolen much these days, but definitely those built prior to the immobilizer systems.

Yep, that too.  I meant to say or at least infer that in one of my posts, I think.

And I forgot one lil' exception, that was Chrysler, or so Fox News (now I take what they broadcast as "news" with large unhealthy doses of salt) but Chrysler was late to the immobilizer game, until 2002 or 03 as they ran a story about people either living in or working in East Detroit and drove a Chrysler product, they were very prone to being stolen, by kids as young as 13, many of them using booster seats to see over the wheel. After that point, no problem my Mom's '04 Dodge Stratus has the immobilizer. In fact, GM was one if not the first to go this route when they came out with their set code VATS system in 1986 with that year's corvette, and they used a modified old style key with a little black resister embedded into the key shaft and the ignition key was identified by that and a black plastic head in the shape of the rectangle that had been in use since 1969.

I did a bit of research on this whole immobilizer/key thing last fall when I saw several newer key styles available and it all started a couple of years ago at church when someone dropped their keys on the pew in front of me and it had the key fob integrated onto the key head. Interesting stuff this coded key business.

[Jeff]

*"lock" your car's ability to go by using a starter disable switch and putting it in a place where only you can get to it.  

Unfortunately, nothing will stop someone from just picking the car up and taking it away if they really want it.  We're talking about a twenty thousand dollar car with very little value if it's parted out as there is no current market for those parts.  

Drive any enjoy.

*http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-ways-to-steal-a-car-and-how-to-defend-against-them.html

[ciddyguy]

Jeff wrote

*"lock" your car's ability to go by using a starter disable switch and putting it in a place where only you can get to it.  

Unfortunately, nothing will stop someone from just picking the car up and taking it away if they really want it.  We're talking about a twenty thousand dollar car with very little value if it's parted out as there is no current market for those parts.  

Drive any enjoy.

*http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-ways-to-steal-a-car-and-how-to-defend-against-them.html

Virtually ALL cars since the mid 90's have this system, it's called the immobilizer, which does exactly that, if the key doesn't match with what's stored, it will disable the ignition system and uses a coded key to work, standard and now most newer cars made since then are hardly stolen these days, but if you have an older vehicle made before the immobilizer, yeah, a problem, especially if a popular model like Honda Civics or Toyota Camry's.

My truck predates the immobilizer (nor does it have keyless entry or power locks/windows or alarm) and uses the older Ford keys and yet it's not one to be stolen despite plenty of them still around.

[sketch]

ciddyguy wrote

 a Chrysler product, they were very prone to being stolen

Yeah, my friend's '95 Lumina had a chip like that, but my friend's dad's '02ish Concorde (the one which had LoJack and was stolen) didn't.

[sam500]

So is there any consensus? Seems like most people think LoJack isn't exactly necessary with the 500...

[Gavin]

I wish mine came with lojack pre-installed...then I could have an easier time finding out where she is :)

Gavin

[Giallo Edizione]

sam500 wrote

So is there any consensus? Seems like most people think LoJack isn't exactly necessary with the 500...

My opinionn is Lojack is necessary on a car you cannot easily replace, physically or emotionally, so you really need to get it back. Other than that, if you have an immobilizer security system in the car and even more so if you have an alarm, I don't see the benefit. As I recall in Mass the insurance company gives you 5-10% off comprehensive portion of the policy (not the whole policy) if you have an immobilizer or alarm, and a total of 15% ( an added 5%) if you have a LoJack. This simply does not pay for the Lojack.

I have LoJack on my SRT8 because when it first came out it was a very hot car, and was supposed to be in highly limited numbers and I also bolted a bunch of stuff on, so I wanted to make sure I got it back. ( Of course then Chrysler made 10,000 of them that year and pretty much tanked the value). My other cars are and were pretty much easily replaced.

JMHO

[MrJones]

Nah. It takes less than 15 min. to strip a car. LoJack will only help you find your stripped out, worthless pile of metal.

[Giallo Edizione]

MrJones wrote

Nah. It takes less than 15 min. to strip a car. LoJack will only help you find your stripped out, worthless pile of metal.

Think they will leave my exhaust system?

[sam500]

Thanks all for your advice! I called and canceled LoJack, since it seems like with the immobilizer and the alarm system, it would in fact be a bit redundant. You all made some great points, and this just seemed to be the most sensible thing to do.

[sjmst]

sam500 wrote

Thanks all for your advice! I called and canceled LoJack, since it seems like with the immobilizer and the alarm system, it would in fact be a bit redundant. You all made some great points, and this just seemed to be the most sensible thing to do.

Good! Now, where do you live?  

[5*(10)^2]

sam,

I picked up mine today. Why is it that the session with any finance manager is so tedious?

He quoted me $595 for the lojack and a plethora of other stuff. I was half-dozing off but swear I heard something about changing my toothbrush for free if I pay a monthly fee of ....

[Jim]

    sketch wrote:
    The December date was for the signing of a purchase agreement. There was never any mention of delivery, except with respect to April 30.
then Sam wrote:

Right. The info line always said by April 30th. Fiat can rightly claim they are delivering PE's ahead of schedule, based on that...though Laura did say by mid to late Feb.



There was a requirement to have all the financing done by end of jan, then feb, its now march31 so are we all in breach as of april1? this is just one example of the many false statements and promises made by FIAT.

[Frank]

Hi, I'm actually considering buying #331. Do you mind telling me how your experience was with it? Why did you move on from it so quickly?

[Fiat500USA]

Frank wrote

Hi, I'm actually considering buying #331. Do you mind telling me how your experience was with it? Why did you move on from it so quickly?

Hi Frank,

We moved the forum.  Here is a link to Sam's profile on the new forum.  Maybe you can send him a message?  http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/member.php?316-sam500

Register on the new forum and feel free to ask questions.  Lots of helpful members there.  

All the best!
Chris

[sjmst]

Thanks

 

From: Fiat500USA [via Fiat 500 USA Forum - Archives] [mailto:ml-node+[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2016 8:30 PM
To: Germana, Sam
Subject: Re: Let's Take a Deep Breath

 

Frank wrote

Hi, I'm actually considering buying #331. Do you mind telling me how your experience was with it? Why did you move on from it so quickly?

Hi Frank,

We moved the forum.  Here is a link to Sam's profile on the new forum.  Maybe you can send him a message?  http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/member.php?316-sam500

Register on the new forum and feel free to ask questions.  Lots of helpful members there.  

All the best!
Chris

Prima Edizione  29

 

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