Audiovox APS996A Prestige Review (Remote Start Car Alarm)
I bought the Audiovox APS996A Prestige Remote Start Alarm System last summer, ordering it online to save a few bucks. It's a combination remote start and alarm system for your car. It comes with an LCD monitor/pager that goes on your key chain and displays alarm stats, even the temperature. The vehicle alarm system basically has everything you need, but it's not as pricey as the more deluxe models. You can especially save a lot if you want to do the installation yourself.
The box came with everything separated into plastic bags. I've installed car alarms before, so I wasn't too worried about installing the Audiovox, but I can see where the lengthy instructions might deter some. Plan on it taking many hours even if you are familiar with electronics. The installation can be a pain. You'll need wire strippers, pliers, electrical tape, a multimeter, and maybe a couple other things which slip my mind at the moment (nothing expensive though). You'll need information about your car's (truck, whatever) electrical system. The installation instructions will basically walk you through step by step, but you'll want to check and double check the wires as you go because you don't want to have to tear everything out later. Expect the installation to take several hours. By the way, if you have a manual transmission car, you need to put in a magnetic switch (otherwise the remote starter can cause trouble).
Once installed, the alarm is a snap to use. For the price, the features are impressive as well. The LCD remote has full confirmation, there are auxiliary outputs incase you want to add more remote capability (remote windows, etc.), there are adjustable dual stage shock sensors, and of course the remote start. The range is great on the remote startup--responds up to 1/3rd mile. You can set the car to start for whatever interval you want, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, whatever. You can set it to start at the same time every 24 hours if you want. This is especially nice when you live somewhere where temperatures often drop below freezing. Buildings don't seem to deter it either. I've started my car from inside the house and from the checkout line at the grocery store.
After about six months, everything is still working perfectly. I'm up in Minnesota, so we see some cold weather. The alarm has continued to work during all weather conditions. The little LCD remote has gotten scratched up, but it still works fine and the display is readable. For the money, this is a good little alarm system.
--Review submitted by Brandon Shark
More on the Audiovox Prestige APS996A at Amazon.