Just wondering if anyone knows whether the security system in new Lancer is good or should I be looking for an aftermarket stuff. The car is hot, so I'm a bit worried....

Factory security isnt really security. Someone could break the all the windows and take a sledge hammer to your hood and the alarm will not activate. The only way that the alarm will sound, is if someone opens your door while the alarm is on.
Definitely look into getting another alarm if you want to protect the car. Go James Bond and electrify the door handles LOL

The car won't start without the transmitter code, and if it is being hotwired or force-start then the engine will immobilize by itself. Thus, I trust its internal security system. No matter how loud is the alarm, still an auto theft can get it. Better go with Lojack technology with messaging system.

As precautionary measures, I have a steering wheel lock, I have installed a wheel locks & I see to it that I always turn my wheels to the curb when in street-parking , I VIN etched on glass all around, always engage the emergency brake and park gear when I leave the car. I never leave my car unattended while the engine is on, even in a single second. I don't leave any valuable things in plain view inside the car, No registration and insurance card either stored in the car. Always park in a well lit areas. And make it a habit to lock all doors upon entering my car especially on parking spaces, Good thing there's an option in the navi that allows only the driver's door is open upon unlocking it by remote or opening the driver's door using FAST key.

Auto-theft is a crime of opportunity, so it's up to the owners if they make their cars vulnerable to such and give a small window for the theft to work.

I didn't know about the internal shutoff features. After reading that I guess the stock security is pretty good. I thought the only security was the audible alarm. Thanks for the advice and info.

Yes the stock alram doesn't prevent break-ins very effectively cause it lacks shock/doppler sensors but the upside is it's simple and reliable. It's also covered by the factory warranty and oh yea, you get a cool flashing red light on the dash as well :)

Our old car had a fancy Clifford paging alram with shock sensors and it gave us so much hell at the end it's just not worth it. As others pointed out, just be aware and don't leave any belongings visible.

Lancer08, thank you for a detailed reply! So, the bottom line is - its hard to steal the car, but the owners still need to consider dumb kids on all those shopping mall parking lots who might still do a lot of damage to the door locks and/or windows before they realise that this vehicle is not so simple to steal... So... in case I will decide to go with an aftermarket alarm - is it going to mess up my factory alarm or it will be just sort of "added" to it?

it mite be hard to steal the car, but I bet I can smash ur window in and just **** things up I could rip out ur seats navi anything I want inside the car as long as I don't open the door.

My window got smashed in a few monthes ago, it really sucked. I wanna change out the security system but i don't want the fast key on my car to be deactivated

chetman7, I'm well aware of that - thats why I wrote about dumb kids... In the past I also had my window smashed so i know what its like.... I will be careful where I park and I'm not installing the navi unit (I simply don't need it). I have exactly the same concern regarding an aftermarket alarm - will it mess up my factory alarm or not?

If your aftermarket alarm is just an annoying noise that will trigger with shock or motion, then it's not that reliable enough. Auto-theft knows how to beat that thing in few seconds. So better go with Lojack with messaging system or equivalent.

Personally, I will not take the risk in messing up my wirings and other stuffs and then going up explaining to the dealer on what had happened. Besides, my ride has a 5-year vehicle replacement insurance from the dealer, so all I have to do is do my part on theft/dumb kids-prevention in simple ways as stipulated above. So, for 5 years I'll be being patient for this stock car and be contented and be happy. :thumbsup: