FelixDang

Hey guys. My wife is interested in getting the car starter install into our Mdx..

What are your experiences with the oem car starter. I was looking to get a aftermarket one but don't like to carry an extra controller in my pocket..

Can you guys and ladies who installed this option tell me what you think about it.. Tks

Marmugmot

I called two dealers in my area and they wanted $750 - $799. I think I'll be getting it installed next week. I'll let you know .

007Acura

I would recommend getting an aftermarket system because it is less expensive than the acura one and the engine doesn't shut off when you open the door.

If you don't want an extra remote you could either get the viper smartstart where you can start your car anywhere using your smartphone or you could get a basic system where you press unlock three times on the factory remote and it starts (down side is there is less range & your car remains unlocked).

I had a 2 way viper 5701 alarm & remote start installed last year on my mdx and I love it!

I have a thread about it
https://acurazine.com/forums/1-2g-mdx-2001-2013-166/my-remote-start-video-808513/

NBP04TL4ME

I haven't looked into the costs for a remote start for the MDX, but that sounds like an awful lot of $$.

Marmugmot

I ordered it today. The dealership gave me 15% off so the price went down from $799.99 to $679.99 installed. The parts were $500.00 and the rest was installation . The install looks rather involved. Its going to take 2.5 - 3 hours

NBP04TL4ME

Nice - good luck.

FelixDang

I'm kinda leaning towards the aftermarket system viper.. Do u guys know if the python system is any good.. Theres a groupon going on in my state for 53% off for a python

007Acura

Viper / Clifford / and Python are all basically identical except the remotes look slightly different (all made by DEI).

FelixDang

Oh ok.. Sounds good.. I think I will go with the aftermarket one, since my local dealer quoted me at $1000 for the starter :/ freaking crazy

007Acura

Not only is it expensive, the car shuts off when you open the door. I like to use the remote start so I can just get in, put my key in, and drive off, not get in and have to restart the engine. There are much better and cheaper aftermarket systems that are two-way confirming and are also long range.

Marmugmot

The dealer just called and my remote start is in. Ill probably get it installed early next week.

Marmugmot

It's getting installed tomorrow.

EL_PIC

Maybe its good to remote start if you need to warm up engine if you live in snow country.
Other than that Why would anyone want a remote start {factory or after market} ?
Why would anyone want to start their car from afar with a smart phone ?

NBP04TL4ME

Preheating or precooling are the two reasons. Yes in snow country when you come out to your car after being at work for 8 hours and it's snowed or worse had freezing rain - having it heat up from the inside out is a nice feature. Admittedly you still have to clear most of the snow but if the windows are frozen/caked in ice - the solution is heat. Othewise it's standing in the snow scraping your windows.
You're from TX, I'm sure you have experienced triple digit heat and humidity. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get into your car where the A/C has been at it for a couple of minutes before you get there to cool down your interior?? Imagine black leather............
Not saying I would necessarily spend the money to have this feature added / installed, but this is why folks do. These are actually fairly popular in snow country.
I've rented a few GM cars that have OEM remote start from the factory.

Marmugmot

I live in the North East and we get a good bit of snow. My car sits outside when I'm at work from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am so it gets a bit cold. The Mdx doesn't seem to clear the windshield very well on the inside. Thats why I'm getting it.

Vagabond Jack

I would go aftermarket, and not just because of the price. If I recall correctly, you do have to carry an extra remote, and it's not discreet in size, and when you open the door, the engine shuts off and you have to re-start it anyway. Kind of defeats the purpose, don't you think?

Marmugmot

I just picked it up. The dealership gave me 20% off. I'll try it out on the next cold day

NBP04TL4ME

So the dealer upped the discount from 15 to 20%??

Marmugmot

Yes, they told me 15% when I ordered it. When I went to pay they told me they gave me 20% off. It was around $660 with tax.

IowaTL

My wife just told me she'd like remote start for Christmas and I've started looking. Not trying to be cheap or anything, but Amazon has a simple Avital system for $50(list price $199). Anyone tried one of these? Also, for those who have already purchased, how much did Acura charge for install? I'm not trying to be a cheapass, but even $650 seems a bit expensive for remote start.

007Acura

Go to a recommended Car stereo & electronics shop in your area and see how much it would cost. Remember you also need a bypass module for the car to start so that is another $50. Most shops charge from $200 - $250 for a basic remote start system and that includes all the necessary parts and installation. Best Buy also instals them but it can be hit or miss depending on who installs it.

NBP04TL4ME

Nice!

FelixDang

So I decided to buy aftermarket.. I bought a viper with a mile radius with an bypass unit and I tinted the front windows 35%... total cost $442.. way better then what the dealer quoted me at, for just a starter $1000

Happy with my decision