Hey Guys,

With the winter months rolling into Michigan, im really considering a remote start. Im not looking for anything too fancy, just a basic one and was wondering what you guys recommend? Im not worried about having all the digital display and 2 mile range, just something that will get the job done.

My roomate has a standard $89.99 one installed on his jeep and seems to work just fine and was installed about 2 years ago....Any cons to going this route?

I would like to do the install myself, but kinda worried about tapping into security system and all the gadgets on the car. I will certainly NOT take my car to Best Buy or ABC warehouse, I will have a small local shop do the install if i go that route...

Just looking for your guys' opinions and suggestions! All comments and feedback welcome!

Thanks!

I have one on my car that was $159 installed 3 years ago. If your roomate has had good luck with his, why not? great price. The installer and his choice of equipment to market is half the battle. The two FOB'* that came with mine do all the things the OEM'* did plus Start and have a good range. I like it and it works seamlessly. Alot of do all systems out there with fancy bells and whistles for the 'dickswinging' contestants. But I just wanted remote start, and very happy with my choice. It'* a real blessing with the constant winter that sets in here and dosn't leave till April.

Hey Venom,

What remote start did you go with and who installed it for you?

And your "dickswinging contestants" comment had me rolling over here! LOL

Thanks man!

There is at least one out there that lets you use your factory FOB. It basically plugs right into the car. I know a guy that has one.. looking for the name.

If you do it yourself, I recommend solder. Reason behind that is the biggest failure of these is typically a connection point. Installers have their methods of ensuring things usually stay together, solder though... it'* a solid connection.

LOL!!! A bit vulgar term, but I allow for lack of knowing a term so adequate. I have seen to many here in the past go off on tangents of "the only thing to buy, everything else is junk" when the OP just wants whats he states.

The system I got (had to go out and get the box) is an AUTOPAGE C3-RS603
2 Channel Remote Car Starter with Keyless Entry, Trunk Release and 2 Way Data Port. Came with 2 IDATALINK remotes and hooks into existing security system. If you even hit the brake before you insert ignition key and turn to on, the engine quits.

I got it from a place at a local Mall recognized as #1 in our Newspaper'* Annual Awards thing. He has a nice CarAudio Store at the Mall and lease'* a corner with several bays at a local Chrysler/Subaru Dealer.

i had a 1000 system installed on my GP, and it was the biggest waste of money ever.
half of the features i didnt use, the alarm went off on it too often for no reason, and twice i drop the remote and the screen cracked. costed me 300 each time for the remote only, yes 300 dollars

right now i have a 200 dollar one installed, i beat up my niece and nephew you with it, and it works better everytime i use it

EDIT: i would never do it myself, well more like id never wanna learn how to install it on my car lol

Every one does kill with the brake, this is one of the ways that the unit deters theft of a running vehicle. And uh..he'* the only car audio guy on the lake, of course he'* #1. LOL had to.

Venon really speaks the truth and you seem to know what you are looking for. Know what options you need/want and that'* the best way to go.

I looked at my needs and spent $220 for a remote starter because I needed a 1 mile range to have it function where I work. Being that I can't always see the vehicle, a two way transmitter was another item I chose. This ensures I know that the car is running or locked etc without having visibility of my car. I didn't get a color screen transmitter (another $100) or the module to actuate these functions from my Andriod phone (another $300). Installed myself to save money and choose the functions I wanted.
1 mile range with two way transmitter: Check
Rear defogger actuation: no needed, but check
Theft deterrent: on a 2000 Regal? lol the alarm with starter was lower cost than starter alone. Check I hardwired a resistor to bypass the vats issue and unplugged the wires from the keyswitch.

Don't see the possibility of getting much of a break on install cost if the unit is under $200 installed though. For that, I'd drop off the car and let them fix any issues in the future.

Hey guys,

Really appreciate all the replies as they have certainly helped.

I just made a few calls around to some local shops, and found a place in Grand Rapids Michigan (Mobile Electronic Guru) who gave me a quote of $225 plus tax for the remote start (with bypasses needed) and fully installed. The system is a Python brand with the two way transmitter with a half mile range which is basically all I really need. He said the install is hard-wired in with a lifetime warranty on any installation problems.

Sounds like a pretty good deal, was certainly the most reasonable and said it would take him about 2 hours to install. Said he wouldnt have any problems if i stuck around and monitored the install....so seems like a pretty trustworthy guy...

Eric

Sounds good. Do you live North or South of GR. I visit my in laws a couple times year, North of, in Cedar Sprigs.

Also another place is new image they do window tinting stereo and remote start install They did the one on my last truck and it still works flawlessly(i know the current owner)