Hey guys it disappoints me to say that i got my xB stolen over the weekend. I didnt really get much time to fix it up. I was just wondering if this has happen to anyone else or if anyone else knows what happens now. I never got jacked before so i dont know what my insurance company is gonna do. Does anyone know how much money i get if i do get any? Thanks for your help guys.

damn man! sorry about that! it all depends on if they find it and what is taken or if it is totally stripped, if they find it and nothing is wrong or missing you will just get it back, but the insurance should pay for what ever happens to it, just remember you had a genuwine mona lisa and a picasso in the back!j/k sorry to here about that hope everything turns out o.k.

Damn sorry to hear. Thieves suck. I'd shoot anyone I saw stealing.

That really sucks man! Hope you get her back

thanks guys, i hope i do get her back

1.5 words, LO-Jack...

Sorry to hear that. It is stories like yours and Urbans that make me cringe!


Doc

Sorry to hear your xB was taken by some suspect w/ no regards to other people's property.

If your xB is found intact, some insurance companies will pay to have the car put on a diagnostic to make sure the engine wasn't trashed. If there is any damage, your insurance will pay to have it fixed, usually. If your xB isn't found within 30 pays, then you'll be paid off on the car. Check your policy to see if you have a rental car clause for situations such as this.

Just a few things that come to mind.

sorry for your loss, was there broken window on the floor? was there any witnesses? Was this in the middle of tha night. I hate hearing that people got robbed , just because some one wanted a joy ride!!! :evil: I hope you get it back.

This might sound like a silly question but, check to see if it was towed. My friend had his car towed and thougth it was stolen. Those towing and storage fee's can add up.

This might sound like a silly question but, check to see if it was towed. My friend had his car towed and thougth it was stolen. Those towing and storage fee's can add up.

Usually the Police Officer who comes out to take the report will check to see if it was towed or repo'd.

Are all of the keys accounted for?

That's another reason why I'd rather park my car myself instead of Valet. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know its only a $15k car, but I don';t want noone knowin' where I live and having access to my house and cars. That's why my car keys are seperate from my house keys.

Damn Rukus Ed, I'm in northridge too - what color is your xB? let us know what happens!

some things are more painful to learn from experience than others. we all thank you for this lesson because we're going to learn from your experience. you've made a sacrifice and did a good thing here. now, im getting an alarm asap.

oh NO!!!!!!!!! ____ing thieves!
sorry to hear that...i know how u feel...

if u have full coverage insurance, its better not to get the car back..

You sure it wasn't the REPO MAN? :wink:

fawk thieves....

Sorry to hear. The car itself does not have much anti-theft devices. No computer chipped key, hollow doors, slim-jim proof doors, etc. On the other hand, if they want your car, they will do anything to get it. I think the xB can be easily stolen like a civic. Once again sorry and hopefully you find your car. If you got full coverage, you can get another new xB =).

____...don't tell me this is starting with the xBs...this is exactly why I sold my civic... :cry:

Sorry to hear man...good luck.

Oh no. I really really really hope these things aren't as easy to steal as Civics.

I had my Civic stolen in April. I was increadibly close to selling it so I could sleep at night, not having to worry whether or not my car was going to be there in the morning.

I figured the xB would have better built-in theft saftey than a Civic. If it doesn't, these little boxes could become popular due to the large aftermarket.

Sorry to hear about your car, and I sincerley hope that Toyota didn't skimp in the theft-deterrant dept. If so, it would be a check mark on the "cons" list to buying an xB.

do you have GAP insurance?

sorry to hear that.. my truck was stolen in december, thats when I got my xb... my insurance paid me out well.. and I got the gap insurance incase this one is stolen...

Give it up for gap insurance!

Sorry, man. I got the chills just seeing this thread. The other day we went to the carports and someone had come by and looked in all the cars because we all had hand and face prints on our windows. This is my first new car (I drove the same one for 10 years - since I was 16) so my parents insisted on getting me an alarm. Well, my stepdad wanted me to get The Club too, but I heard those don't any good. I would hate for anyone to touch my baby, much less steal it. Especially since I was literally BEGGING for ten years for someone to steal my Honda and there were no takers.

We are all learning a very valuable lesson. It's such a shame it had to happen this way. I hope they find it and the people who stole it and pull out all their toenaiils with pliers. Thievery is not cool. :evil:

That really sucks man. It's better if you don't get it back. Who knows what the hell they did to it. The insurance (if you have full coverage) will pay for everything but your deducable. That's the best way out.

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.
I have something similar to that on my xB but it's called something else. It is shaped like a flat electronic key with trcers on it. The car will not start without it plugged in. If it is removed while the car is running it will shut off. I have that as well as the lo-jack system with the early warning lo-jack alarm system. I don't worry about my car too much. My motto is " If they want it bad enough , They will get it"

I just found the book. It's called the Theft Avert SAFELOK Key. This thing kicks a$$.

hey munch, how much was your security system?

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.

All it is is a multi-pin plug that connects up several different circuits needed to run your car. Yes, there are a bunch of combinations.

However, it won't stop a pro thief with a tow truck. I can't believe the claim that no vehicles with this system have been stolen. Well, they kind of weasle that a bit with the word "reported", don't they.

I saw an interview with a pro thief, and he said that the systems the bothered him most were those that were obviously home-made. Thieves are very familiar with all the system sold, and they probably worked in the alarm business for a while before switching to a life of crime. The thief interviewed said "With a homebrew system you never know what some idiot has done. You might set off a flamethrower or something!"

George

hey munch, how much was your security system?
I got the Lo-Jack and Lo- Jack alarm installed at the dealer. It cost me a cool $800. The SafeLok I had a friend that has a shop install that one for me. He only charged me for the dealer cost of the unit.

Did you ever get or find you xB?

!congrats!

Did you ever get or find you xB?

What about those alarms that beep you when it's set off, anyone got one of those?

If you're bored you and your boys can park it right outside of some slum and hide in the bushes with baseball bats. Wait for the alarm to go off and come out swinging!

I call it ghetto fishing.

Sorry to hear that...the morning of The Scion Exposed Show, my car was broken into...i have pics here..read all about what they did to my xB and what they stole.
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6584&highlight=

I feel ya man...I am still ____ed about it..

Makes me wonder.....when i was installing my "new" alarm :?
I noticed it would be difficult to get to the steering column wires to hotwire it.
If you notice, the sterring column cover is difficult to remove. There is one screw on the bottom side, and when u turn your wheel to one side, you can see 2 more screws that are really difficult to get to without removing the steering wheel. Same goes with the lower dash. The steering wheel must come off to remove the lower dash since it is one piece..
So my theory is must of been towed or someone has a copy of your key.

A few years back my dad left his car he used for work at a tire place a few doors down from his office (with the keys). Now keep in mind this car was a 280ZX he only bought to commute to work. He had trouble starting it in the morning. One day he comes out and it was gone...He assumed the guys at the shop looked at his address on the registration and made a copy of the key while my dad was not there..
He couldnt prove it..

Not only that this is terrible, but that thief was pathetic! Hey, now you know there's one person in this world lower than you xb drivers, an xb thief.

sorry about you loss. this should not hppen to any car at all.

Did you have an alarm?

Did you have an alarm?

No I didn't. But I do now with a 2 way communication pager. If my alarm goes off at night, the theif will have a big surprise coming to him and he wont live another day.

Not only that this is terrible, but that thief was pathetic! Hey, now you know there's one person in this world lower than you xb drivers, an xb thief.

:?: :?: :?:

thrillagorilla just ignore him/her. that persons mad cause they couldnt get an xB so he/she hates the people that do have one :roll: some people need to get a life

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.

All it is is a multi-pin plug that connects up several different circuits needed to run your car. Yes, there are a bunch of combinations.

However, it won't stop a pro thief with a tow truck. I can't believe the claim that no vehicles with this system have been stolen. Well, they kind of weasle that a bit with the word "reported", don't they.

I saw an interview with a pro thief, and he said that the systems the bothered him most were those that were obviously home-made. Thieves are very familiar with all the system sold, and they probably worked in the alarm business for a while before switching to a life of crime. The thief interviewed said "With a homebrew system you never know what some idiot has done. You might set off a flamethrower or something!"

George

I guess then not much would stop a professiona thief with a tow truck so why bother? The thing is, out of all the car thieves out there, how many are professional? 10%? I'd rather do something that will deter the majority of car thieves so what would you recommend? A car alarm? Something like Lo-Jack that only works when your car is ALREADY gone? A Ravelco-like device? All of the above?

I guess it depends on what will give you peace of mind, but would you tell us what you recommend for those who are willing/able to spend $400 or less?

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.

All it is is a multi-pin plug that connects up several different circuits needed to run your car. Yes, there are a bunch of combinations.

However, it won't stop a pro thief with a tow truck. I can't believe the claim that no vehicles with this system have been stolen. Well, they kind of weasle that a bit with the word "reported", don't they.

I saw an interview with a pro thief, and he said that the systems the bothered him most were those that were obviously home-made. Thieves are very familiar with all the system sold, and they probably worked in the alarm business for a while before switching to a life of crime. The thief interviewed said "With a homebrew system you never know what some idiot has done. You might set off a flamethrower or something!"

George

I guess then not much would stop a professiona thief with a tow truck so why bother? The thing is, out of all the car thieves out there, how many are professional? 10%? I'd rather do something that will deter the majority of car thieves so what would you recommend? A car alarm? Something like Lo-Jack that only works when your car is ALREADY gone? A Ravelco-like device? All of the above?

I guess it depends on what will give you peace of mind, but would you tell us what you recommend for those who are willing/able to spend $400 or less?

Thanks. :)

I just found the book. It's called the Theft Avert SAFELOK Key. This thing kicks a$$.

I did a web search (smile rbloedow) but couldn't find this device. Can you give us more information about it? Who manufactures it? A web link?

Thanks,
Dylan (sorry about the double post above... damn browser hangup)

I just found the book. It's called the Theft Avert SAFELOK Key. This thing kicks a$$.

I did a web search (smile rbloedow) but couldn't find this device. Can you give us more information about it? Who manufactures it? A web link?

Thanks,
Dylan (sorry about the double post above... damn browser hangup)
I don't think they have a website. I got my first one from AutoLand in NJ. I got lucky on the second one that I put on my xB. My friend had one sitting in his shop and put it in for me. Now he can't get his hands on anymore. I tried to get one for CBSIMONSEZ and it's almost impossible :(

I'm really sorry about what happened to your xB. Let's just hope that what goes around comes back in spades to the theives.

I've been doing some research on anti-theft devices and this one claims to have a 100% success rate, that is, "Not one vehicle has ever been reported stolen using the RAVELCO since its debut in 1976."

http://ravelco.com/ravelco2.htm

Has anyone else heard of this device? I called a local dealer and it costs about $299 installed.
I have something similar to that on my xB but it's called something else. It is shaped like a flat electronic key with trcers on it. The car will not start without it plugged in. If it is removed while the car is running it will shut off. I have that as well as the lo-jack system with the early warning lo-jack alarm system. I don't worry about my car too much. My motto is " If they want it bad enough , They will get it"

Munch, what is your device called? Any links to the manufacturer's website?

I agree with your motto. My main fear is the joy-rider though, not the professional thief. Afterall, it's a $14K car, not a Range-Rover or BMW. I don't know whether there's a big market for Scion xB parts yet--are there even any other cars besides Echo's that might use Scion parts?

well hope you get a new one quickly, hope you put a zillion miles on your stolen one, so at least you'll get a new one with no miles...

I just found the book. It's called the Theft Avert SAFELOK Key. This thing kicks a$$.

I did a web search (smile rbloedow) but couldn't find this device. Can you give us more information about it? Who manufactures it? A web link?

Thanks,
Dylan (sorry about the double post above... damn browser hangup)

Im seriously looking into getting the RAVELCO device. Yeah it says that there hasnt been one REPORTED theft with the device installed, but think about it, if you purchase the RAVELCO, and your car was stolen, wouldnt you place a call to RAVELCO and tell them that their product is a P.O.S. ? Thought so. Some people here are so smart, their stupid, and will find any excuse to not do something, or find fault with something.

Some things to consider with the RAVELCO ..... it is wired outside the cabin .... the wiring harness from the switch to the firewall is flexible contuit ( flexable metal hose, used in wiring houses, very hard to cut through, unless you have a hack saw, and then, who is going to lie upside down, and hack on a metal housing for 5 - 10 minutes to get your xB?) ..... apparently there are several different ways to wire it, via starter kill, fuel delviery, ECU, and others. Using all or several makes tracing the HOT wires almost impossible .... i recieved a quote this morning, $299 plus $5 for materials ( apparently they sodder everything, no wire taps ) and get this, they will come to my house and install it for another $25.

i went to a local alarm intaller, and for a typical Python alarm i was quoted $299. Im waiting to hear back from the local RAVELCO dealer about some minor issues, but i think im sold on this unit.

It may be helpful to post your VIN, that way dealers and board members can keep an eye out for it.

my 2 cents anyway

It may be helpful to post your VIN, that way dealers and board members can keep an eye out for it.

my 2 cents anyway

CB, did the price they quoted you include wiring the device in just one way or all of the ways you want them to do it (i.e., the electronic fuel pump, the ignition circuit, the starter circuit, the computer, etc.)? If just one way, which way would you have them do it? Or, are you going to have them wire it in more than one way?

Also, I just emailed the guy I've been corresponding with at Northeast Ravelco with a list of questions about what exactly their "Lifetime guarantee for original owners" covers, how securely the removable plug fits into the device (i.e., whether the removable plug will fall off easily if you accidently hit it with your knee while driving), and what they recommed you do when you have to valet park your car somewhere. I'll let you know what their answers are.

By the way, are the minor issues you're asking about anything that might be good to know for others?

And finally, are you going to also purchase an alarm or either the Ravelco OR the alarm? Where I live, I'm more concerned about joyriders taking my car for a spin rather than it being stolen entirely or parts taken from it, so anything device that will deter the amateur is what I need (I'm sure there are more of them out there than the professional car thieves...at least those looking at Scions).

Thanks,
Dylan

Dylan ... heres my take on the system. I wasnt really thinking of what I wanted them to wire, i was just going to leave that up to them. With so many things to choose for them to wire into, i really dont think it matters. As far as the $5, that is for sodder and other materials they may need. IMO, that isnt bad, esp. if they are going to drive from north Jersey to here and install it in my driveway. I would spend the $25 easy for time wasted, tolls, and fuel to get there and have them do the install.

I asked the rep how they "program" the units differently. They advertise "over 10,000 combonations" i just wanted to know how. I wanted to make sure that if some one else had the pass-key, that they wouldnt be able to just plug theirs in and drive off with it. Not that they would have one anyway, i havent seen nor heard of them anywhere around here before.

I think im only going to go with just the RAVELCO system. I dont carry alot of stuff in my cars, im a neat freak, and everything needs to be in its place or out of sight. I learned my lesson, i had a carrying case full of tapes ( this was b4 CDs ) stolen out of my old Nova, right in front of work! Im more concerned with some one taking off in my ride and beating it near death, and then the insurance company not totalling it out. That and if they did total it, i wouldnt be able to get another RS1.

CB, I'm like you in that I don't keep anything of value in open view in my car. By the way, what did they say about how they "program" the different units?

Here's some more information that I got from someone at Ravelco:

About the lifetime guarantee:
The lifetime guarantee with the Ravelco is that if you ever have any problems with the device, we will repair or replace it free of charge, but it's not a guarantee to pay a certain sum of money if someone's car is stolen. We stand behind our product 100%, but we believe offering $ if a customer's car is stolen is just a gimmick, usually employed by companies whose products have a poor track record but need an angle to still make a sale.

About the installation:
In some sense, there is no standard installation because every vehicle is different, and therefore what we do is different for every vehicle. What you should know is that no matter how the Ravelco is installed or how many circuits we use, your car can't be hotwired. All the connections are made under the hood, and the thief cannot bypass it by hotwiring. $299.95 is the cost for the Ravelco installation, regardless of what specifically that installation entails. There are no hidden charges - the only extra cost is the sales tax. I can tell you that we typically disable 2 circuits, but the number one thing we won't compromise is the need to make connections under the hood - not under the dash (like so many alarm companies) where it's very easy to bypass! The way we always do our installations is to spend at least the first 10 or 15 minutes just devising our plan of attack. We figure out exactly how we're going install the Ravelco before we begin to work. Part of that process includes giving you as much choice as possible in where the Ravelco will be mounted inside the car. To date, I have never had an improper Ravelco installation.

About the Ravelco plug:
The Ravelco plug fits very securely when it's plugged in. It definitely will not fall off if it's bumped. The Ravelco comes with 2 unique plugs, and you can order as many spares as you like. If you ever happen to lose one, just order another one to keep as a spare.

About valet parking with this device:
As for the valet parking issue, one option is to just leave the plug in place in
the car - the driver never has to worry about it. Alternatively, just ask the driver to remove the plug after parking the car, and keep it with your keys. There's no way to override the Ravelco though, i.e., the plug must be in the car for the car to start - which is exactly the reason the Ravelco is so difficult to bypass for a thief!

Hope this helps people who are interested in this device. I think I'm sold on it. :D

Dylan

I havent heard back from them as of yet. Ill give it a couple of days and see what happens. I do like the information you have recieved thus far, something to definately keep in mind. I still like it alot, and the more i think about it, the more i like it.

I havent heard back from them as of yet. Ill give it a couple of days and see what happens. I do like the information you have recieved thus far, something to definately keep in mind. I still like it alot, and the more i think about it, the more i like it.
Hey CBSIMONSEZ, did you ever think about the multi-lok?? You're getting a auto correct? It locks the car in park and there is no way to move that thing without the key to unlock it. I had one on my 300zx back in 97.

never heard of it. Is it a clamp or something? I do know they used to make a steering wheel cover that locked the shifter into place, but they make one for the floor now too?

And yes, i need the auto tranny so the wife can drive while i sleep in between jobs. She is the boss, make her ___ work for the money :wink:

never heard of it. Is it a clamp or something? I do know they used to make a steering wheel cover that locked the shifter into place, but they make one for the floor now too?

And yes, i need the auto tranny so the wife can drive while i sleep in between jobs. She is the boss, make her ___ work for the money :wink:
Here it is:
http://i23.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/6b/73/88_1_b.JPG

I forgot to say that it comes with a steel bracket that mounts to the floor of the car. It is impossible to get this thing off without cutting it off.

Yikes! Good looking out though Mr. Munch. That thing is hudge, and its uggggleee. I think im going with the REVALCO thingy.

Yikes! Good looking out though Mr. Munch. That thing is hudge, and its uggggleee. I think im going with the REVALCO thingy.
:lol: :lol: :lol: It's not that big and it dosen't come with that yellow thing on it either.

Well, my stepdad wanted me to get The Club too, but I heard those don't any good.

Bull____, you put everything and anything on your wheels to make it tough on them bastards. Take it from me, in Brooklyn (where the strong eat the weak), you use what ever you can. I'll be taking my xb to Shea Stadium this year (I work there) and you can bet your ___ I'm parking in the lot and going for the 5 bucks and still armoring my wheels. An easy target is always nailed, gotta make it tough for them.

Where do you get one of those Munch ? I can't find them online... and do you know how much they run ???