LAist: Small Talk: What It's Like To Have Your Car Stolen

Melanie

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 22:49:03 -0800

When I bought my car, it was $600 (a couple of years ago). It may have been discounted, since I opted to buy it when I purchased the car. I've heard higher quotes given to people who bought LoJack separately.

Zach Behrens

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:28:11 -0800

Joe, it cost me $1000 (i think) when I bought my car. I say that knowing that I may have been totally ripped off. I never researched the price beforehand, oh well.

joe

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:10:45 -0800

how much does lojack cost anyway? their website aint givin up the quotes. thanks.

Melanie

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 10:31:45 -0800

I second the LoJack thing. My last car was stolen twice (!) in West LA, and I recovered it both times within hours... and with very little damage. If I liked my current car, I'd have LoJack installed in it, too. Besides recovering your car, it also gives auto insurance discounts in many cases, so it actually pays for itself.

joe

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:51:59 -0800

oh yes, i never believed it was foolproof by any means; i always know that if someone is absolutely determined to steal my car, they can and will. nothing we can do to stop that. i use the club basically to make the common thief move on to the next car. a good tip with the club is to lock it on the backside of the steering wheel, so the lock is facing the spedometer. this makes it harder for someone to pick the lock, if that was their plan.

Zach Behrens

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:40:50 -0800

Joe, LAPD does recommend you use it. However, they do warn you it is not foolproof by any means. A pro can get by it in less than a minute. That said, the more you harden the target, that is, create obstacles for the thief to get through, the more likely they will move on to another car that doesn't have a club. Most GTA seems to be joy riding (I've heard 98% of stolen cars are in LA) and the club is good for those types of criminals. But the sad fact is, if a pro wants your car, they'll get your car.

joe

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:28:23 -0800

just wanted to ask what people thought of using "the club." i'm also wondering if the cops recommend it or not. i've had one ever since i've had my honda accord, which is ten years now. i use it religiously, and it's a real comfort blanket for me when i walk away from my car. my car has never been stolen, so i guess that's saying something?