Well, I can tell you never buy an excalibur or anything like that. I got one at a local shop and it is just the alarm, but it sucks cock. I've had it replaced 6 times in 4 months because they just stop working and the brain fries or some shit. The shop fucked me too (reputible shop supposibly BTW, only got it there because I heard how great they were and they are backed by the local newspaper and tv stations and they could get me in the day I wanted it done because my work schedule was one of thhose you never know when youre off type deals) and anyways..... it is junk and they wont take it off and give me a credit. Basically, I have to go back every couple weeks I drive my truck to get a new one installed.
I'm getting a compustar alarm, keyless entry, remote start put in my fiances Honda CR-V this week for $190 out the door. My cousins best friend works at the shop I should have dealt with in the first place with the dakota (only reason i didnt is because they couldnt get me in right away) and he is getting me the deal. And, I've heard great things about compustar. Dont cheap out, lesson learned.