Ghost immobiliser

[Norbert_W]

Just had my (new to me) 7.5 R for a fortnight now and keen to hang on to it! 😉

 

As it's keyless, it's undoubtedly more of a theft risk.  I take sensible precautions in where the keys go overnight etc. but have seen some horror stories of houses being broken into at night to get at the keys.  I've been thinking about an Autowatch Ghost - anyone got experience with one they'd be willing to share?

Worth the money for the peace of mind?

As far as my research goes, they make the car almost un-nickable unless it is lifted away.  Any views?

Thanks.

[Booth11]

12 minutes ago, Norbert_W said:

Just had my (new to me) 7.5 R for a fortnight now and keen to hang on to it! 😉

 

As it's keyless, it's undoubtedly more of a theft risk.  I take sensible precautions in where the keys go overnight etc. but have seen some horror stories of houses being broken into at night to get at the keys.  I've been thinking about an Autowatch Ghost - anyone got experience with one they'd be willing to share?

Worth the money for the peace of mind?

As far as my research goes, they make the car almost un-nickable unless it is lifted away.  Any views?

Thanks.

Not undoubtedly more at risk than non keyless, if the percentage of cars nicked reported on this forum anything to go by, with almost all being taken as a result of house break-ins to get keys.  But of course still at risk of those using key scanning devices for keyless systems.  So…

 

Getting a Faraday box or pouch is definitely worth it.  Some of the cheaper ones can have the blocking lining crack so buy wisely, and check it works when you get it, but popping the key in it and trying to open the car, to ensure it’s properly blocking the signal.

 

The other thing you can do on a 7.5 is deactivate the keyless entry if you wish to do so, some prefer this.  Here’s the procedure for temporarily disabling it.  You can permanently disable it if you have obdeleven or VCDS.  

 

Temporarily deactivating Keyless Access
Keyless Access can be deactivated temporarily as described below so that the vehicle cannot be unlocked and started due to misuse by unauthorised third parties.
Lock the vehicle with the ‘lock’ button in the vehicle key.
In addition, touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle once within five seconds . Do not reach into the door handle.
Keyless Access is now temporarily deactivated.
Check deactivation by waiting for at least ten seconds and then pull the door handle again. It should not be possible to open the door.

When the vehicle is next unlocked, it can be unlocked only using the vehicle key. The keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access is reactivated the next time the vehicle is unlocked.

 

 

[Norbert_W]

Thanks for the reply @Booth11.

 

I already use the Faraday pouch (or tin in my case), and other precautions, but these only work while at home.

There's been a spate of theft locally over recent weeks of houses being broken into overnight, keys taken and then high value cars stolen off the driveway.  Also keys scanned and cars taken.

I know you can't completely prevent it, but I like the idea that there's little likelihood of it being nicked from home or if staying away, for instance.

If I'm going to spend a few quid on a sparkling ceramic finish for the car, maybe this is a better buy first?

[Booth11]

4 minutes ago, Norbert_W said:

Thanks for the reply @Booth11.

 

I already use the Faraday pouch (or tin in my case), and other precautions, but these only work while at home.

There's been a spate of theft locally over recent weeks of houses being broken into overnight, keys taken and then high value cars stolen off the driveway.  Also keys scanned and cars taken.

I know you can't completely prevent it, but I like the idea that there's little likelihood of it being nicked from home or if staying away, for instance.

If I'm going to spend a few quid on a sparkling ceramic finish for the car, maybe this is a better buy first?

Yes if there’s an increased risk and you’re worried then Ghost is a good option to consider. There’s lots of posts on it so have a search maybe.  Have a look here 

 

Also a big thread on security here

 

 

[Norbert_W]

Thanks again.

I'd already look at the AWG thread but it is over 4 years old, so wondered if there were any more recent opinions or suggestions for something better.

[8YARWY]

I’ve had Ghost on my 18 RS3 and have Pandora on my 8Y RS3, I personally prefer the Pandora, from a ease of use standpoint and the fact Pandora has Anti-Hijack too.


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[Richard_Nottm]

I saw a news article or youtube video the other day (perhaps a merc) where you can effectively turn the key off (ie when you go to bed by holding down a button).  Seems a reasonably simple idea. It comes to life on the next button press.

 

I wonder if insurance care about keyless/key cars with regards quotes?  The 7.5R 3 door i purchased couldn't be ordered with keyless. At the time it was seemingly a 5 door option only.

 

As you say i wonder how many criminals are walking around with key scanning equipment versus simply kicking a window or door in to get the keys.

[Deano]

24 minutes ago, Richard_Nottm said:

 

As you say i wonder how many criminals are walking around with key scanning equipment versus simply kicking a window or door in to get the keys.

Not many. Almost all the ones on here have been nicked by taking the keys.

[delboy01]

7 hours ago, 8YARWY said:

I’ve had Ghost on my 18 RS3 and have Pandora on my 8Y RS3, I personally prefer the Pandora, from a ease of use standpoint and the fact Pandora has Anti-Hijack too.


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I’ve had a ghost on two cars now. For the piece of mind it gives i think it well worth it. As to which is best I can’t comment on pandora but last time I looked it appears to have more features compared to ghost but I didn’t want all the gimmicks so as long as my car stays put ghost is fine. As to anti hijack ghost does have it but not officially as they’ve been barred from offering it in the uk for some reason but it’s available for other markets and therefore is there if you ask your installer to activate it. Ease of use tends to make systems less secure. Having systems disarm when your mobile phone is in vicinity being an obvious security flaw.

[FILBRO]

Had Ghost installed last week.  I would 100% recommend getting this for peace of mind.

Pandora was a close contender.  Chose Ghost as installer was closer and reviews were amazing.

 

Ref anti-hijack concerns, its pretty rare crime compared to key theft for a stolen vehicle.

 

[JenJund]

Hi, I have just had a ghost pro immobiliser fitted to my brand new VW T-Roc R and now if I use the smart door handle opened - without having to unlock the car with the fob first - the horn - maybe the alarm? - beeps and will only stop if I shut the door, lock and unlock with the key fob. I only had it installed yesterday so have to wait until Monday for the mechanic to find out anything but wondered if anyone has had similar or can make suggestions - I guess I may have to ask VW? I quite liked not having to open with the key so hoping it can be fixed? Thanks in advance 

[Shug]

Guess you need to ask the Ghost installer, unless it was fitted by VW they will just say it’s down to the ghost system.

 

Monday with the installer is likely quicker than VW would look at it anyway?

[Clarkie48]

23 hours ago, JenJund said:

Hi, I have just had a ghost pro immobiliser fitted to my brand new VW T-Roc R and now if I use the smart door handle opened - without having to unlock the car with the fob first - the horn - maybe the alarm? - beeps and will only stop if I shut the door, lock and unlock with the key fob. I only had it installed yesterday so have to wait until Monday for the mechanic to find out anything but wondered if anyone has had similar or can make suggestions - I guess I may have to ask VW? I quite liked not having to open with the key so hoping it can be fixed? Thanks in advance 

If it didn’t beep before you had the ghost fitted then it’s down to that.Ghost doesn’t make any noises when fitted properly,the only time you know one is fitted is when you try and start car without the code and it won’t start.

 

I have Ghost fitted and use keyless entry without any issues.

[BATVAN]

I personally prefer a Starline over a ghost but in general they both do the same thing but its how it does it & what options are better when installed to the said vehicle. Just google Starline immobiliser.

[machine]

I have had my Mk7 R since early March this year.

Even though it is not keyless I did not want it to be an easy target.

 

First thing I purchased was a Disklok 3 days after I picked the car up (out of stock locally or it would have been the same day)

I then had a Ghost installed by a recomended local installer.

 

For the money for both items it is well spent in knowing that my car is not an easy target, there are plenty of nice cars along my street with no visible extra security which would be an easier target for a thief.

 

If somebody really wants it they will take it. Just make sure your car is harder to steal than others around your area.

 

Hope that helps you on your decision.