Does anyone have any ideas or experience with remote starters?

I got quotes for around $300 installed for a 1/4 mile range one, does that sound about right?

 

but what package is it?
a full alarm system with remote start?

in my last car... i had the Viper ESP550 alarm with autostart.
i installed it two years ago for $349. but now... it should be a bit cheaper possibly.

the alarm itself had strange bugs from time to time with it's response to my remotes.
but aside from that.... the autostart feature was well worth it.

i remember the bad winter two years ago in jersey.... i didn't have to scratch my windows at all. the autostart saved my freezing ass.


not so sure about the 1/4 mile range for the autostart....
maybe if you're on flat grounds in the desert. but it was
decent enough for me to reach it from my old apartment to where it was parked about 100-120 meters away.

for now... we're keeping the stock keyless entry on our cl. i hope to add some shock sensors soon. but luckily, we have a large garage this winter. so no snow covered car this year!

 

I think its just a remote starter...

I park kinda far from the building where I work (I gotta take a bus to the parking lot), and I wanted the car to start up when I got in the bus (5 minute ride).

I'm in Michigan and it is starting to get cold here, and I don't want to freeze

Do you think the security system is worth it?

 

Congrats on the ne CL and welcome to the board!

The range on your remote starter is directly related to your remotes battery strength.

1/4 of a mike is loooooong distance and if there are no obstructions in the line of sight you "may" be able to get the remote start to work at first. After time (a short time) your battery wll no longer have enough "juice" to reach your CL.

Good luck!

 

Agreed.

$300 just for a remote starter (no alarm) is a lot. I've seen cheap one's for $99 but you should be able to find a good one for under $200 tops.

 

if it's just the remote starter... $300 is overpriced.
if it includes the security system... then it's worth it.
yes... the security will give you a slight peace of mind.
but then again... if the thieves really want your car... they will get it. insurance is the only safe bet at the end of the day.

you live in ann arbor!
that's great... i love that town.
i lived there for 4 1/2 years attending the University of Michigan!
GO BLUE!


yes... the winters in michigan can be quite tough.

i found my Viper alarm decent... and i was able to turn my car on from around a building's corner... but at a long distance... with buildings and other interferences around... starting it will be quite difficult.
you will just have to sit in a cold car for a few minutes.

good luck!

 

Thanks All,

I'll find out exactly what comes with it this weekend. I'll try for the security system as well

Thanks again and have a great weekend!!!

Go Blue

 

look at ebay-- they give GOOD prices(for the most part).. that doesnt include installation.. it gives you a good idea of prices for most items

 

I bought a remote starter at K-Mart (when they were going out of business) for $50. Other discount stores like Wal-Mart have them for about the same price. It adds another item to your keychain though.

Keep in mind that it can be difficult to install one on a 5 speed. If you have a 5 speed and don't feel comfortable playing with lots of wires pay someone to install it.

 

kinda off-topic but related question: does a remote start system make a car easier to steal (when the car is not on) since a key isn't used to start the engine?

 

as a safety precaution.... you cannot drive without the key.

the engine does start without the key... but once you step on the brake to release the shifter... the engine shuts off.

no worries.....

 

That's technology for ya!!!!

 

So I went to this place called Custom Sound, and it turned out to be around 400 installed for just a remote starter, and about 550 installed for a whole system... I think I'll just buy a system online and have them install it... Any suggestions on good systems to buy (might as well get the security system as well).

 

hey mrateb!
i just thought of something....
there's a small chain of installers in michigan
called Auto1 or AutoOne.

look them up.... around your area... i think there is one location in Detroit.
i went to the AutoOne in Grand Rapids back in '99 to get full window tints. they were great people... they definitely do professional work. so i recommend looking into them.

the prices that were quoted to you are much too high, especially just for a remote starter and no alarm.

good luck.

 

Thanks!

I will look them up now. I'll let you know what I find out!

Thanks again!!!!

 

i believe this is their website....
www.autooneinc.com

give them a try.
i don't have the name of the manager of the Grand Rapids location.... it's been too long.
besides... she may not work there any longer.

so good luck.
let us know what happens!