Remote start advice

cyers

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May 31, 2008
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Thinking of adding this fine feature to my truck this fall and was wondering if anyone could offer some advice or experiance on this subject such as: cost of unit with install, where is the most popular place that does quality work, any issues you might have had and what to look for in a system. I'm aware this isn't cheap, just looking for some feedback on what others have experienced and what to maybe expect. I have a '10 Tundra.
 

dmclone

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Oct 20, 2006
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Ford and Garland. Never had them do a car starter but they do great car audio so I assume they would excel in that field as well.
 

brianhos

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Jun 1, 2006
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Ford and Garland. Never had them do a car starter but they do great car audio so I assume they would excel in that field as well.

Yeah these guys did my first XM radio, they were awesome. I need to get one also. I had it in my '09 accord, but I don't have it when I moved up to a Pilot. Honda wanted $795 to install theirs.
 

CyCrazy

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Dec 17, 2008
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Bought a 2012 Equinox 3 weeks ago and this feature is pretty damn sweet. Luckily for me I will still drive my 2000 Bravada while the wife enjoys this in winter. :skeptical:
 

rebecacy

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Jan 31, 2007
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Thinking of adding this fine feature to my truck this fall and was wondering if anyone could offer some advice or experiance on this subject such as: cost of unit with install, where is the most popular place that does quality work, any issues you might have had and what to look for in a system. I'm aware this isn't cheap, just looking for some feedback on what others have experienced and what to maybe expect. I have a '10 Tundra.
you get what you pay for. My E Class 350-4matic came with it.
 
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CyCrazy

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Dec 17, 2008
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exactly :jimlad:, or maybe just to prevent a cold car in the morning. if your gonna hate on it you can blow my 38 mpg's

Just tell your parents you need it to drive from the Grove to the Commuter lot. Easy sell.
 

ISUAlum2002

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Apr 11, 2006
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They're pretty easy to install in most vehicles. You can get a decent remote starter unit (no alarm) and security bypass module for around $100. They also make T-harnesses for most vehicles to make the installation even easier (no cutting/soldering of wires), those go for around $25.

I installed mine in my 2007 Trailblazer last winter in an afternoon. Toughest part was figuring out how to get the bypass module to learn the code but it works great. Even turns on the heated seats and rear defrost if it is less than 32* outside.

There truly is no need to spend $500 or even $300 on a remote starter/installation, unless you really want the alarm unit combination setup. And for that price, it better be one of the alarm units that gives you a constant vehicle status on the keyfob.
 

Cyclonesince78

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Mar 8, 2012
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I have Directed Smart Start, and I love it. It works through cell phone signal, and I use my cell to start the car. So the distance that you are from your vehicle doesn't matter as long as you're getting a cell signal. There is a small yearly fee, though....