GR Yaris Additional security options

Dodger

Dodger

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I’ve been thinking about some additional security for my GR-Y and now I actually have the car it’s definitely high on the priority list.
An installer reasonably close to me recommended the Scorpion🦂 or the Ghost👻 canBus immobiliser, he says they are pretty much identical systems.
There is also the Storm immobiliser from a company called Pandora which looks interesting with some extra features and options, they also claim it has the smallest power drain of any immobiliser system.

It would be great to hear other peoples thoughts, experiences and recommendations regarding these systems or any others you may suggest.
 
I’ve seen numerous reports of drained batteries with ghost so ensure you use an installer who has dealt with a few Yaris installs. One theory is there’s been a change to the SOS module that means newer cars were affected by the ghost but that’s just an assumption based on 2 cars using the same ghost with one not having drain and the other with replacement SOS having drain.
 
I'm one of the ones who has Ghost and ran into a problems. Just make sure you choose a reputable installer who will support you if you do run into any issues. If you don't mind travelling, I'd highly recommend Chris at Immobiliser Direct, as he has installed Ghost on many GRs, owns one himself, and has also resolved the battery drain issue on at least two cars.
 
Got Ghost for mine, installed by Chris, and really gives peace of mind.

Ghost is only as good as the installer from what I've heard and read.
 
How about OBD port protection?

I'd be keen to know about recommended non-intrusive solutions that:
  • block rather than move the port,
  • don't invalidate warranty (eg by interfering with the car's hardware/software),
  • are Thatcham approved,
as well as any tried and tested fitters in the South East England, especially Hampshire or nearby.

Thanks
 
These work well, although difficult to take with you!

IMG_20220209_101501.webp
 
kinboshi said:
Got Ghost for mine, installed by Chris, and really gives peace of mind.

Ghost is only as good as the installer from what I've heard and read.
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Do you use the Ghost app on your phone to save you inputting the code every time?
 
I have Ghost on mine but usually go for the full belt and braces approach with keyless off and bluetooth phone app off, but I live in the city and the car lives out in a shared car park for all to see. Obviously what you want to avoid is having a Ghost fitted, leaving the app on with immobiliser disarmed, and your phone within range of the car.

It does come in handy though. If I'm out for long drives in the countryside, or back in the sticks in North Wales, I'll pop it on and it's nice to not have to bother entering the code when getting in and out of the car etc. Other than having to wait for the beeps to let you know when you can start the car, it behaves like there is no immobiliser installed.

I see it as a nice feature to have, but as with all things, in some situations it's an extra vulnerability that can be taken advantage of.
 
Dodger said:
Do you use the Ghost app on your phone to save you inputting the code every time?
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I don't have the bluetooth enabled, but MrJ does (see above).

It's something I might enable, but it's not a huge inconvenience as it is, and it's probably a security vulnerability (if someone grabs my kit bag with my keys and phone in it, they could then drive the car away, whereas at the moment they couldn't do that).
 
I've got bollards - I needed two to block the driveway exit. They were 400 each but will last for many years and many cars.
 
I have a problem with the concept of the Ghost immobiliser - it is invisible so not a deterrent.

You can't really steal a modern car without some access to the key, so thieves are not targeting cars parked in public places because who knows where the key currently is. Yeah, some have OBD vulnerabilities that can be exploited, but that takes some specialist gear and knowledge.

Cars get stolen off driveways, often by breaking into the house for the keys. With a Ghost, the thief only discovers he can't take the car once he has broken in and violated your home.

Security is defence in depth, and big visual devices like bollards, steering locks, and obvious alarm systems on your house are much better for stopping anyone even trying as they know they have to defeat multiple devices.

Of course a Ghost does prevent the actual taking of the vehicle exceptionally well, but to me the other aspects of vehicle theft are much more important to prevent.

At home I have bollards, Stoplock positioned obviously, comprehensive modern ADT alarm, and Ultion locks on the doors. Keyless is enabled but I always put the key to sleep when I get home to deny a relay attack. When away from home, I often don't even fit the stoplock unless it is parked overnight.
 
Spirited said:
How about OBD port protection?

I'd be keen to know about recommended non-intrusive solutions that:
  • block rather than move the port,
  • don't invalidate warranty (eg by interfering with the car's hardware/software),
  • are Thatcham approved,
as well as any tried and tested fitters in the South East England, especially Hampshire or nearby.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Do you mean an electronic system, like an OBD immobiliser, or an "off" switch for the socket?

Because you can get metal boxes that lock over the port. Common on fleet vehicles. https://www.maplefleetservices.co.uk/product/obd-protector/

I think they need a bracket mounting around the port that the cover locks to, so some fitting is required.
 
MasterVentris said:
I have a problem with the concept of the Ghost immobiliser - it is invisible so not a deterrent.

You can't really steal a modern car without some access to the key, so thieves are not targeting cars parked in public places because who knows where the key currently is. Yeah, some have OBD vulnerabilities that can be exploited, but that takes some specialist gear and knowledge.

Cars get stolen off driveways, often by breaking into the house for the keys. With a Ghost, the thief only discovers he can't take the car once he has broken in and violated your home.

Security is defence in depth, and big visual devices like bollards, steering locks, and obvious alarm systems on your house are much better for stopping anyone even trying as they know they have to defeat multiple devices.

Of course a Ghost does prevent the actual taking of the vehicle exceptionally well, but to me the other aspects of vehicle theft are much more important to prevent.

At home I have bollards, Stoplock positioned obviously, comprehensive modern ADT alarm, and Ultion locks on the doors. Keyless is enabled but I always put the key to sleep when I get home to deny a relay attack. When away from home, I often don't even fit the stoplock unless it is parked overnight.
Click to expand...
I think relying on Ghost alone wouldn’t be ideal, but I like it as one of a few layers of security. I am probably at the other end of the security spectrum to you, where my car lives outside a block of flats, in a publicly accessible place, with scroats regularly breaking into our storage areas, nicking bikes, and over the years a couple of cars have gone missing. My old car had tell tale signs around the window rubbers of attempted entry.

The way I see it, advertising the immobiliser lets someone who’s scoped out the car in advance come prepared. If they are breaking into my home to take the keys from me, it buys me time when they leave to take the car and try to start it.

The big visual eff off of the disklok, and keyless entry off are my first line of defence. The Ghost is the last resort, but most importantly for me, it gives me peace of mind.
 
MasterVentris said:
Do you mean an electronic system, like an OBD immobiliser, or an "off" switch for the socket?

Because you can get metal boxes that lock over the port. Common on fleet vehicles. https://www.maplefleetservices.co.uk/product/obd-protector/

I think they need a bracket mounting around the port that the cover locks to, so some fitting is required.
Click to expand...
I'm at an early stage of researching into this, so unsure of the options available and which ones to consider.

My thinking is that the car has a decent stock alarm (I understand in the UK we're getting an enhanced system) and I always have keyless disabled (from the car menu, not the key).

I use a StopLock steering wheel lock overnight and don't want to mess with Ghost (various issues reported eg with battery drain, the outcome being highly dependent on installer and fiddling with the car's systems all don't sound like something I want to try).

So, I'm looking for that extra bit, especially for when I may don't have the StopLock on (during the day or if/when I forget it).

I thought OBD port protection is worth considering, but don't know which option, version or South East installer to go for. Or if it's a good idea at all, as I recently read about thieves ripping out internal panels to get access to cables. If they can also get access that way, then perhaps blocking the OBD port doesn't offer much protection. Don't know.
 
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Spirited said:
I'm at an early stage of researching into this, so unsure of the options available and which ones to consider.

My thinking is that the car has a decent stock alarm (I understand in the UK we're getting an enhanced system) and I always have keyless disabled (from the car menu, not the key).

I use a StopLock steering wheel lock overnight and don't want to mess with Ghost (various issues reported eg with battery drain, the outcome being highly dependent on installer and fiddling with the car's systems all don't sound like something I want to try).

So, I'm looking for that extra bit, especially for when I may don't have the StopLock on (during the day or if/when I forget it).

I thought OBD port protection is worth considering, but don't know which option, version or South East installer to go for. Or if it's a good idea at all, as I recently read about thieves ripping out internal panels to get access to cables. If they can also get access that way, then perhaps blocking the OBD port doesn't offer much protection. Don't know.
Click to expand...

Observer bias regarding Ghost. You're going to hear about issues with Ghost, but how many installs have been perfectly trouble-free?

You're right though, go to a recommended installer, not someone untested and unknown.

Of course, Ghost might not be for everyone, but I wouldn't let a few scare stories put me off. Gives me great peace of mind, and I'm pretty confident my car is going to be where it was parked when I left it.

I've also not seen another solution mentioned on here that protects a car if the keys are lifted from a bag, locker, pocket...
 
kinboshi said:
Observer bias regarding Ghost. You're going to hear about issues with Ghost, but how many installs have been perfectly trouble-free?

You're right though, go to a recommended installer, not someone untested and unknown.

Of course, Ghost might not be for everyone, but I wouldn't let a few scare stories put me off. Gives me great peace of mind, and I'm pretty confident my car is going to be where it was parked when I left it.

I've also not seen another solution mentioned on here that protects a car if the keys are lifted from a bag, locker, pocket...
Click to expand...
Thank you for the input.

Great point about Ghost offering protection even if the thief gets hold of the key; a benefit that OBD port protection doesn't offer.

Also, great point about me being right :ROFLMAO:

In which case, and while I'm still looking into OBD-related option in parallel, it would be great if anyone could introduce or recommend Ghost installers in the South East, especially Hampshire or nearby (eg West Sussex, Surrey, etc).
 
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MasterVentris said:
These work well, although difficult to take with you!

View attachment 1723
Click to expand...
We had some of these in the yard, they where sold to use as ram raid proof. Apparently you can crash into them and they don't budge.

However, the integrated locking mechanism was easy for some filthy tea leaf to bypass. the CCTV show them use a heavy sledge hammer and with one good stroke on the top the latch gave way and the bollard collapsed into the hole. They stole the trailer and where gone in less than 90 seconds.
 
Spirited said:
Thank you for the input.

Great point about Ghost offering protection even if the thief gets hold of the key; a benefit that OBD port protection doesn't offer.

Also great point about me being right :ROFLMAO:

In which case, and I'm still looking into OBD-related option in parallel, it would be great if anyone could introduce or recommend Ghost installers in the South East, especially Hampshire or nearby (eg West Sussex, Surrey, etc).
Click to expand...
Get in touch with Chris at Immobiliser Direct, they may be able to help, I’ve recently had an install with them. Really professional service and good aftercare if you have any questions or issues (not that I’ve had any).
 
I had the Ghost fitted some three months ago after my other car got nicked following a burglary. I didn't use the preferred installer, just got whoever was approved and local through Googling Ghost. They guy did struggle to get it to work, and his initial 45 minute estimate as he had done a few before turned into three hours.

However, it's been faultless and no problems leaving the car for three days around battery drain. I do love the peace of mind it brings.
 
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