Neighbors 1991 Camry Stolen; Why?
 

I live in a quiet urban area with low crime.

A neighbor has a 1991 Camry sedan that's dark blue, except for the hood which is a rust color.

She just reported that it had been stolen from the street in front of her house.

I have a 1989, which looks the same, but the paint job is horrible. That said, out of abundance of caution, I'm garaging my Camry from now on.

I know that chop shops steal newer Camrys for parts, but a 1991?

What's also strange is that there are later model Camrys, which look much nicer than hers, parked within a few feet of where hers was stolen, and none was bothered.

Chop shop for parts, joy ride, easy to steal (not alarm or coded keys), parked in the right spot, thief knew the owner, convenience (need for immediate transportation), etc.

The 1994 Honda Accord is still ranked high on car theft.

If your concerned best deterrent is a kill switch. A hidden switch that kills the voltage to the coil or to the fuel pump. Most thieves don't want to spend time getting a car to run and will move on.

Thanks!

For my 1989 Camry, which would be an easier set-up: writing to the (ignition?) coil or fuel pump?

Would you provide me with a link as to how I can install a kill switch?

Search on "installing kill switch."

I remember those days. We would have a kill switch and be able to turn it on and off from the outside which was hidden. If there is one car I see on the road a lot its an old Camry. Mines a 1995 and there are some repairs I am addressing but that puppy is solid.

The 1995 was one of the best Camry made. Solid, reliable, easy to work, few complicated systems to break and lots of cheap parts.