Common questions

How much does it cost to add aftermarket remote start?

How much does it cost to add aftermarket remote start?

Cost of a Remote-Start System Aftermarket remote-start systems typically cost $200 to $330, including parts and labor, but systems for European cars with transponder keys can run as much as $800 because of their more complicated electronics.

Do you need a key to start a remote starter?

You would have to use the key in the door (old school) or shut the car down with the remote starter, unlock it with the factory remote and then restart it with the key. Neither is a great choice. The solution is to choose a remote starter that incorporates keyless entry or add a device like Compustar’s EZGO product.

What are the common mistakes people make when buying a remote starter?

Another common mistake is not adding keyless entry on newer vehicles. On most newer vehicles, the factory keyless entry does not function when the vehicle is running. This means that, when your vehicle is remote started and you walk up to it, the factory keyless will not unlock the doors.

Which is the best brand for remote car starters?

The problem is that most people do not know a high-quality brand from a low-quality brand when it comes to remote car starters. A good rule of thumb is to search out the best shop in your market. It is a fair assumption that they will sell and install what they perceive as a high-quality brand.

How big does a remote car starter need to be?

But almost everyone wants to start a vehicle from inside a building. That is where transmitter power becomes important. At our shop, we talk about transmitter power rather than range. Our 500-foot model is the one that all others are based on. Our 1,500-foot model is considered “3X” power (3 times the transmitter strength of our base model).

Do you need aftermarket starter for remote start?

Your dealer can figure out whether your car is able to use remote start. Cars built before 2005 will probably need an aftermarket starter.

Is it too late to add remote start to your car?

Remote start is a nifty feature that lets you start your car’s engine from afar, cooling the interior on a scorching-hot summer day or warming it up on a brutally cold winter morning . But even if your car didn’t come with this feature, don’t sweat it—in most cases it’s never too late to install a remote starter.

Are there any cars that have remote start?

Many cars built since 2016 may come from the factory equipped for remote start, but the function often needs to be activated as part of a telematics service such as Lexus Enform, Mercedes-Benz Mbrace, or Volvo On Call. This remote-start feature can often be controlled using a smartphone app.

Can a manual transmission car have a remote start?

Remote starters aren’t available on new cars that have a manual transmission, according to Mel Yu, CR’s automotive analyst, but some aftermarket systems can be added to cars with a stick shift. Ibbotson strongly recommends against this, though, even if the remote start has the built-in fail-safes that come on better systems.

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Ruth Doyle