Autowatch Ghost II or Pandora or ...................

[23 Romeo Tango]

First of all, Happy New Year to you good people and all the best for 2024 and beyond.

I'm just about to start some (probably long and drawn out) man research on a security system for my new purchase. The two systems I'm considering are Autowatch Ghost II and Pandora. I understand Pandora have a large selection of models to choose from, but before I start my research my question to the board is:
Does anyone have any advice/pros/cons for either system.

I believe I want immobilisation and tracking, but I'm open to hear real world advice from people who have an up to date or recent system.
I'd rather not have to carry a fob or tag, but that isn't a deal breaker providing it isn't too big. Also I understand some systems allow using your mobile phone as a tag equivalent.

I'm also open to listen to advice on other systems on the market.

TIA and let the research begin.

 

[kcsun]

Before you make a final decision, chat to your insurance company to see if they offer you a discount for your chosen model
kc

 

[Alfie]

Autowatch ghost is excellent for preventing your car from being driven even with the keys!

I have them fitted to all my vehicles. Mercedes Me shows me where the vehicles are too.

 

[ALFAitalia]

All Pandora alarms are listed as a full category 1 on the Thatcham certification list, which is the best certification available;.....no Ghost ones are....so no insurance discount.....that would swing it for me.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , if you chose a Thatcham approved system make sure that the installer is Thatcham approved.

 

[Skd884]

@badgx

 

[Jobsworth]

I only have two experiences with ghost immobilisers, neither of which is great. Both were on JLR products. The first, on a new defender involved using the window switches on the driver’s door to disarm. This rendered the vehicle completely stuck when rainwater got into the switch from an open door (very common issue). I can’t understand why you’d choose that when it’s a known vulnerability. The second was on an F Pace. After the system was fitted 50% of the time on disarming and starting the vehicle every possible warning light would illuminate. You could resolve by switching off and restarting, but ridiculously annoying on a virtually brand new car. Diagnostic showed multiple module comms faults. Ghost said it was a car problem, speak to the dealer, dealer said it was a ghost problem. Nightmare. Still unresolved.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

Before you make a final decision, chat to your insurance company to see if they offer you a discount for your chosen model
kc

All Pandora alarms are listed as a full category 1 on the Thatcham certification list, which is the best certification available;.....no Ghost ones are....so no insurance discount.....that would swing it for me.

Thanks for the replies guys.
Pandora being Thatcham approved is something I’ve noticed as a positive against the Autowatch Ghost II.

Hi , if you chose a Thatcham approved system make sure that the installer is Thatcham approved.

Absolutely, I would only ever choose a recommended installer from the approved list.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

Autowatch ghost is excellent for preventing your car from being driven even with the keys!

I have them fitted to all my vehicles. Mercedes Me shows me where the vehicles are too.

It’s good to hear from someone who has one of these products installed in their own vehicles.

Good point about Mercedes Me being use to show where the car is, but can it really be classed as a tracking system.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

I only have two experiences with ghost immobilisers, neither of which is great. Both were on JLR products. The first, on a new defender involved using the window switches on the driver’s door to disarm. This rendered the vehicle completely stuck when rainwater got into the switch from an open door (very common issue). I can’t understand why you’d choose that when it’s a known vulnerability. The second was on an F Pace. After the system was fitted 50% of the time on disarming and starting the vehicle every possible warning light would illuminate. You could resolve by switching off and restarting, but ridiculously annoying on a virtually brand new car. Diagnostic showed multiple module comms faults. Ghost said it was a car problem, speak to the dealer, dealer said it was a ghost problem. Nightmare. Still unresolved.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

I guess in the first instance with the JLR, Autowatch Ghost wasn’t to blame for issues, it was the person who choose that particular code sequance.

Not good news that the installer of the Ghost (or Autowatch themselves) wouldn’t take ownership or at least look into the issues with the F Pace. I can understand why Jaguar washed their hands of it though. Interesting and something to consider, although it’s unknown if the installer was an approved installer or not.

 

[Jobsworth]

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

I guess in the first instance with the JLR, Autowatch Ghost wasn’t to blame for issues, it was the person who choose that particular code sequance.

Not good news that the installer of the Ghost (or Autowatch themselves) wouldn’t take ownership or at least look into the issues with the F Pace. I can understand why Jaguar washed their hands of it though. Interesting and something to consider, although it’s unknown if the installer was an approved installer or not.

The first was fixed in the field with a new switch. Couldn’t get one immediately from the dealer, but “borrowed” one from another car we had in stock to get out of trouble. When I was going through the manual looking for a method of bypassing, the original proceedure was noted and it was window switches. Might have not known of the issues when installed. It’s been changed now.
The Jag I think is a speed compatibility problem. I think some very new BMW’s also have similar problems relating to speed of canbus comms being too quick for the ghost. I read something on a BMW forum recently. I’ve got to dig further into getting it fixed when I’m back to work…

 

[AMGeed]

I can only relate my positive experience of an Autowatch Ghost 2 system being fitted by Alfie at Comand online.
Zero problems in the 3 years I had it fitted to my E63 before I sold it.

As above, its not a tracking system as such, just a very good immobilizer which still hasn't got Thatcham accreditation and therefore no insurance reductions for having one fitted.
Pandora I have heard good things about, but the price compared to a Ghost is far higher. You pays your money etc etc.
I'm sure badgx will give his experience of the second system.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

The first was fixed in the field with a new switch. Couldn’t get one immediately from the dealer, but “borrowed” one from another car we had in stock to get out of trouble. When I was going through the manual looking for a method of bypassing, the original proceedure was noted and it was window switches. Might have not known of the issues when installed. It’s been changed now.
The Jag I think is a speed compatibility problem. I think some very new BMW’s also have similar problems relating to speed of canbus comms being too quick for the ghost. I read something on a BMW forum recently. I’ve got to dig further into getting it fixed when I’m back to work…

Thanks for the info.
I guess in my case and other Mercedes owners, neither of the issues above should be a problem, but again, something to think about.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

I can only relate my positive experience of an Autowatch Ghost 2 system being fitted by Alfie at Comand online.
Zero problems in the 3 years I had it fitted to my E63 before I sold it.

As above, its not a tracking system as such, just a very good immobilizer which still hasn't got Thatcham accreditation and therefore no insurance reductions for having one fitted.
Pandora I have heard good things about, but the price compared to a Ghost is far higher. You pays your money etc etc.
I'm sure badgx will give his experience of the second system.

Agreed, there is a bit of a difference in price, but what I have noticed so far is that various Pandora systems have a tracking facility within them, therefore a 2 for the price of 1.
I still need to compare them £ for £ though.

I believe Pandora also have the option of setting up multiple in-car button presses as a personal code, which as you know is what Autowatch use for their Ghost II system to be disabled.

 

[badgx]

Pandora is the way to go, it's dearer but what you get is live GPS tracking (yearly subscription applies approx £130), instant notification of impact sensors being triggered, breakin. If your attacked at home by thugs wanting to steal your pride and joy, you can simply hand the keys over and the immobiliser will kill the engine without the tag or if they make away with the keys and tag, your can shut down the engine remotely via your mobile or landline. You can monitor its location and then safely collect car.

Visit Pandora London, they'll install while you wait whilst you enjoy their cinema rooms/lounge. You can work from their offices too and enjoy the beverage on offer.

I would go for Smart Pro and consider an additional hidden wireless immobiliser. Also check to see if they can offer remote start for your car, if available it will be an extra cost but useful to have, will allow you to pre warm engine.

The App also allows you to check location - street map, provides temperature readings, event times etc

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[badgx]

And should you go with Pandora London, make sure you get the Pandora lanyard and take plenty of photos of your car in their studio workshop

 

[f17ant]

I have ghost 2 the pros was it did lower my insurance and car is more safe than without out, you can move it from car to car to most installers just charge a fee to move it but least you don’t need to buy anymore

As jobsworth said the only issue is that when you scan the car you do get a few false codes but you can tell it’s related to the ghost I.e no communication with engine ecu, no volt to fuel pump relay ect.

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

Pandora is the way to go, it's dearer but what you get is live GPS tracking (yearly subscription applies approx £130), instant notification of impact sensors being triggered, breakin. If your attacked at home by thugs wanting to steal your pride and joy, you can simply hand the keys over and the immobiliser will kill the engine without the tag or if they make away with the keys and tag, your can shut down the engine remotely via your mobile or landline. You can monitor its location and then safely collect car.

Visit Pandora London, they'll install while you wait whilst you enjoy their cinema rooms/lounge. You can work from their offices too and enjoy the beverage on offer.

I would go for Smart Pro and consider an additional hidden wireless immobiliser. Also check to see if they can offer remote start for your car, if available it will be an extra cost but useful to have, will allow you to pre warm engine.

The App also allows you to check location - street map, provides temperature readings, event times etc

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Some great info and advice, thank you.
I could be interested in remote start, also proximity sensors. I'll take a look at the Smart Pro and see what it has to offer.

I'm not sure I'll be doing a 500 mile, 10 1/2 hour round trip to London though

 

[23 Romeo Tango]

I have ghost 2 the pros was it did lower my insurance and car is more safe than without out, you can move it from car to car to most installers just charge a fee to move it but least you don’t need to buy anymore

As jobsworth said the only issue is that when you scan the car you do get a few false codes but you can tell it’s related to the ghost I.e no communication with engine ecu, no volt to fuel pump relay ect.

Ghost also lowered your insurance. I have been reading (above and on the web) that it isn't Thatcham approved, therefore I wouldn't have thought it would have any influence on insurance premiums.

If was to go for the Pandora, at the extra cost I would hope I would be able to remove it and reinstall it in another car. Does anyone know if this is an option as I've only heard of Ghost II being reinstalled.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Can't see the point of the remote start option....warming up your car by leaving it idling is not at all good for it.....or any modern engine. And of course they are not legal to be used in any public space....just your drive.