The new 'Tracker Echo' or the 'Porsche VTS'

[sterryda]

Ok, bit of a dilema..

Got a new 997 C2S Cab arriving on Friday (no dilema there but I had originally ordered one on the Porsche VTS systems.. However, Tracker have just released their new Echo (same as the Tracker Respond but is Thatcham CAT 5 approved) and I need to decide which one to go for (the tracker or the Porsche VTS)..

They both have very similar specs, the tracker has some value added bits like a funky web page you can view the vehicle movements on, the Porsche is obviously Porsche 'approved' (for what its worth).. Cost wise the Tracker is about £200 cheaper..

So the question is, which one should I go for..? Thoughts..?

[delbox]

Got VTS on my 997 C4S; peace of mind that it's Porsche approved, installed and covered by the warranty. Tracker is a good product but can no longer be fitted at Official Porsche Centres; therefore it's an aftermarket fit and not covered by the warranty. Moreover, in the event of a warranty claim in the future, if the cause could be attributed to the Tracker installation then you've got a problem. For the few pounds more, given the overall cost of the car, I'd choose the VTS. As an aside, it's made by Cobra and your annual subscription contract is with them not Porsche.

[hughjayteens]

You can get the Cobra system fitted on the aftermarket which works out considerably cheaper that the VTS system. Can't see how Porsche could claim this would affect the warranty, as all the cars leave the factory with the wiring already in place, so it is a case of plug in and activate pretty much.

Cheers

C

[sterryda]

The reason for looking at the tracker is it comes with a few extra functions / toys - track where the cars been, friendlier policy if you trigger it accidentally (which with this new fob thingy is going to happen a lot etc and its slightly cheaper.

Has anyone used the new tracker system? Any good?

Good idea about getting the vts device fitted elsewhere btw but to be honest if I go that route I get it done next week pre-delivery

[Yex]

Have a chat with your OPC service manager about after market installs. I spoke to mine when my Cayman was due and was discussing a Porsche system or a tracker. They mentioned that Porsche now use a significant amount of fibre optic cabling in their cars and if one of these was damaged in any way durng a non Porsche install they would almost certainly leave any fault fixing costs in your wallet. Given that there is fibre optic cabling in the car and after market installs probably don't have this I'd take OPC advise before doing anything.

If you need a tracker system make sure it doesn't impact your warranty.

Yex