Bump for update, see first post in thread. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Hey, glad the Rodeo was recovered! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />



Wow, those thieves were a bunch of jackasses, huh? No need to break the window or the ignition, they had the key, right? And the radio, it's one screw for the trim and two for the radio, it's probably faster to just unscrew it! Jerks!

Incidentally, I once came out of the supermarket, used my key to unlock and start the wrong car, and actually drove it away. Wasn't til I reached for my cigs a minute or two into the trip that I looked around and realized the junk on the floor and the seats wasn't mine and it was the wrong car! Turned around and parked it right back there two cars away from my own, got in the right car, and drove away. How crazy is that, that the vehicle was not only similar enough to my own inside and out, but that my key unlocked and started it!! Make it even more coincidental, this was roundabout 1997 or so, and it was a 1983 Honda Civic hatchback, not exactly one of the most common cars on the road at the time. Wonder what ordinance they would've gotten me on if I had gotten caught... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

-Chris

Not to hijack, but a quick aside.
There are only so many key combinations, and when you sell millions of the same model car ove the years, you reach it pretty quick. A Honda Accord key will start a lot of Accords. That's part of why they started going to a digital code in the key as well. Now you have key-cut protection plus one of a few million numbers. Odds are very low you find the same match.

Back to post. Wow...a nearby neighbor. Pretty stupid. Hope you recover some $$$ damages from them. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> Good luck.

Clarification to the above.

Having the same key with an electronic chip will prevent others from starting your ignition....but having the same cut key does mean they can get in your vehicle and steal all your stuff.

http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1114698835400_6?hub=topstories

No no no, the neighbor didn't steal the Rodeo, it was STOLEN from the neighbor, and now it's back.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

-Chris

For those that like to let their car warm up (like myself), get a remote start. They are not that expensive anymore, and if you're even slightly mechanically inclined, you can hook it up yourself. I got one off Ebay for about $40, and I would hate to be without it. I can even leave my car running without the keys in and run into the store if I like. Here in Atlanta, it's usually to keep the air conditioning on as opposed to the heat though.