hello i have the viper with the alarm but you can go up from there mine was 300.00 installed in ct. works great they have one that will tell you the truck started. they also have one you can start from anywhere in the world off satellite

 

Stat 007,

I was going to go the same route, buy a Python 881XP and install it myself. However, I had to re-think that. What was I thinking about? NO WARRANTY! If you purchase a Directed Electronic system from Ebay or some other place off the internet, there is no warranty on it.

I had the Python 881XP installed and now have a LIFETIME WARRANTY on the unit and labor!

Here are some of the features of the Python 881XP

01. Alarm
02. Keyless entry
03. Remote start (adjustable timer, time set by installer)(also turns on the electric defroster for mirrors and rear window)
04. Programmed remote start (starts every 3 hours and runs per your settings, time set by installer)
05. Turbo timer (you set the time you want it to run, time set by installer)
06. Panic alarm
07. Two-way Transceiver with Responder Technology
08. Instant conformation of Remote Start
09. Safety Shut Down
10. Anti-Grind

This unit feature a lot more!

This unit is made by the leader in automotive alarms, Directed Electronics. The have a lifetime warranty on the alarm and installation.

It cost me $530 installed.

 

Well, although this is the 3rd generation forum, my truck is actually a 2001 2nd generation and AFAIK, it doesn't have this "gray key". I'll be sure to look though...

Oh, cool! Do you know the model number of yours? What is the range like? I'm having trouble figuring out the difference between the top-of-the-line Viper and the top-of-the-line Python. Maybe you can help me out?

Hmmmmmm... I think you're referring to the GPS Tracking option that DEI offers. It's a lot like OnStar, but a lot more sophisticated. You pay a monthly fee for the service. And yes, you can send commands to your vehicle via satellite from anywhere in the world USING A TELEPHONE OR COMPUTER. So you can't quite just hit the remote like you normally do.

For my money, the range of the 2-way DEI Python 881XP should be just fine. They say .25 mile range but I've heard of a lot of people getting better range than that. However, I think I'm going to go ahead and go with the Python over the Valet since the Python uses a better FM frequency technology.

But recently, I've started to look at the DEI Viper line and am currently trying to figure out how the Viper differs from the Python.

Well...I understand what you're saying (sounds kind of like Alpine's policy, if not exactly like it), but I couldn't afford $530 right now and I really enjoy installing stuff like this. Plus my neighbor installs alarms for a living and he's going to help me. Also, I imagine if you needed something from DEI several years down the road, they wouldn't refuse service if you had "accidentally lost all sales/installation receipts." I mean...we're going to follow their installation instructions to the T, so if something goes wrong, I'd attribute it to the product. But yes, getting the full warranty is surely a better deal if you can afford it.