Trackers and Astons

[CitySlicker]

Who here has experience with trackers in Astons?

I am obtaining a new quote and they're stipulating a category S5 tracker. If my memory serves me correctly this is the type which comes with fobs. In case you forget the fob the company will call you and ask if you're in the car and if it has been stolen they're able to remotely shut down the car. I had one in my Ferrari 599 and it annihilated the battery longevity, if the car was standing for more than 2/3 days the start-up could be temperamental or even worse I'd need to put a battery pack on it. How does your Aston behave with this tracker type? PS the car is previous century V12

[Minglar]

The first thing I would say is that Gaydon generation cars are notorious for battery related issues so my advice would be to keep your car on a battery conditioner at all times if you can. I had a problem with the original Eurowatch tracker on my V12V about six months after it turned three years old. The tracker failed and within two weeks it caused a complete battery drain. My local AM MD fitted the later Vodafone/CobraTrak system and I’ve had no problems with it since. I’m not sure which system AML use now, but for tracker advice on Gaydon cars it could be worth speaking to James Hawkes-Reed at Aston Installations. He knows the cars and the electronics inside out. BRM.

[kipv12]

Got a Vodafone tracker on my Rapide, no issues at all, excellent service, leave car for 3 weeks when on holiday without problems, in use for 4 years

[LTP]

kipv12 said:

Got a Vodafone tracker on my Rapide, no issues at all, excellent service, leave car for 3 weeks when on holiday without problems, in use for 4 years

Very similar story. Vodafone Cobratrak in my '15 V8V as standard. Resurrected the subscription when I bought it in 2019 as the first owner let it lapse and it's been working flawlessly since. Excellent service from the Support Centre when I have forgotten my fob or if I want it suspended while the car's in for repairs. You even get a message when the fob batteries are running low.

Knowing that these units are designed to work even if the battery is disconnected then it must have its own battery somewhere, which I guess will die at some future time - but I've not heard of any instances of issues with them yet.

[CitySlicker]

Thank you for the suggestion Minglar & to the others for their feedback!

[Jon39]

CitySlicker said:

Who here has experience with trackers in Astons?

I am obtaining a new quote and they're stipulating a category S5 tracker.

Is there a lot of car theft in Dubai?
I perhaps incorrectly, though everything was pretty strict there.

I am surprised that a security firm would remotely stop a car, whilst in motion.
They might find themselves in an awkward position, if held liable for a crash which occurred as a consequence of their actions.

[CitySlicker]

Not in Dubai, many people even leave their cars running while they go shopping during peak summer!

So, I had an agreed sale on my Aston; the deposit was paid but then the buyer couldn't complete because he didn't qualify for finance. I thought it was a sign not to part with the car so I've decided to bring the car to the UK!

After reading about trackers this evening, a few years ago they changed the ability to remotely stop the car whilst in motion. Now, if it gets stolen, once the car is switched off they can prevent it from being restarted. Apparently they changed this because of the issue which you mentioned.

Edited by CitySlicker on Monday 23 December 21:57

[Jon39]

In the UK, there are insurers who do not insist on having a tracker for a Vantage.
You could try 'shopping around'.

However, perhaps there might be some home address areas, where all insurers require trackers.

[CitySlicker]

I don't like using price comparison websites, I prefer direct communication and companies which specialise in performance cars. I am open to suggestions though

[Jon39]

CitySlicker said:

I don't like using price comparison websites, I prefer direct communication and companies which specialise in performance cars. I am open to suggestions though

Could try Aviva Direct.
I think a few here insure with them.

[dvdmsn]

I can recommend the ScorpionTrack S5+ (Tracker & Immobilization).
It's been installed on my Vantage S for the past year with no issues.
Also, their customer service is exceptional.

ScorpionTrack offer more frugal tracker solutions (approx. £55 for the unit and £65 for an annual subscription).

My insurance company offered a discount with a tracker installed but I opted for the S5+ for additional peace of mind & control...

[moveover]

I think perhaps the point has been made before, but speaking personally I wouldn’t want my car back after some scroat has ragged it or been anywhere near it for that matter.