Favorite remote start system?

[Raswan]

Wondering what everyone's go-to remote start system is, as I'm shopping around for our 2010 Hyundai Elantra. Will be getting installed by the brother-in-law, who is a mechanic. There are a zillion models out there.

We don't need anything super fancy, but I'm willing to pay a premium for reliability and warranty. If the ones that come with this also necessarily come with the bells and whistles I'm ok with that.

Much appreciated.

 

[QueBert]

I have a Viper alarm with remote start, I like the 2 way, I like the color LCD screen. It can tell me the temp in the car, and under good conditions it works up to 1/4 a mile. They offer modules that will roll your windows up or down. And for a few other things too. When it's uber hot I check the temp and will remote start it 5 minutes before I'm back to my car with the AC on so it's nice and cool. There are no doubt cheaper options, but this ones pretty sweet.

 

[Zivic]

ive always used compustar. found an installer I trust its the only system he recommends.

 

[NutBucket]

The factory one in our GMC Acadia. It would turn on the HVAC automatically if it was hot/cold. Would also turn on the seat heaters if it was cold. Was great for those ski trips!

 

[Raswan]

I have a Viper alarm with remote start, I like the 2 way, I like the color LCD screen. It can tell me the temp in the car, and under good conditions it works up to 1/4 a mile. They offer modules that will roll your windows up or down. And for a few other things too. When it's uber hot I check the temp and will remote start it 5 minutes before I'm back to my car with the AC on so it's nice and cool. There are no doubt cheaper options, but this ones pretty sweet.

Thanks for the reply. Viper is currently sitting at the top of my list. So you're saying the basic tech is the same (i.e. it starts the car), and essentially after that you're paying for extra things for it to do and the interface from which to do it?

 

[Raswan]

ive always used compustar. found an installer I trust its the only system he recommends.

Got a compustar on my wife's 01 malibu some years back, never had a problem with it. Good to know they're still solid. Will put on the list. You have a model in mind?

 

[LOCO LAPTOP]

The factory one in our GMC Acadia. It would turn on the HVAC automatically if it was hot/cold. Would also turn on the seat heaters if it was cold. Was great for those ski trips!

Same exact thing on my Fords (Taurus and F150) Awesome feature out of the factory.

 

[QueBert]

Thanks for the reply. Viper is currently sitting at the top of my list. So you're saying the basic tech is the same (i.e. it starts the car), and essentially after that you're paying for extra things for it to do and the interface from which to do it?

Honestly I didn't look into any of their remote only start, or cheaper models. I know mine has modules for everything from windows to cell phone control to Lo-Jack like GPS tracking if your cars stolen. Only down side to Vipers is it can be very hard to find replacement parts if you ever need them.

 

[Kaido]

Viper SmartStart, plus 2-way LED keyfob: (you can combine systems)

https://www.viper.com/smartstart/product/vsm250/viper-smartstart-gps-module

The keyfob has a 1-mile (line-of-sight) range:

https://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/product/4806v/viper-led-2-way-remote-start-system

2-way lets you know if it got the signal (in case you can't see your car from inside the house/building), but you don't have to charge it up all the time thanks to the LED status lights (other models have screens that need constant charging). SmartStart lets you hook up to 3G & lock/unlock/start your car from your smartphone, and also find it on a map (parking lot, if it gets stolen, etc.). Also useful if you lose your keys or lock them in the car & need your S.O. to unlock it for you haha. Something like $199 for 3 years of service (including the GPS service, which is kind of like LoJack). The combination is nice because then you're not relying on your smartphone all the time, but you have the option of using it if you're too far away from your car for the keyfob to work or get into a pinch or whatever.

 

[QueBert]

I should add, the color screen version's FOB SUCKS! It's cheap plastic with no type of protection on the screen. It's hard to see in sunlight, and ffter being in my pocket and banging around with keys it's dinged to hell and the screen's so scratched it's almost worthless. If you get one with the screen, I'd get a protector. The replacement FOB's are expensive. And they charge with a mini USB, which nothing else uses anymore lol. The 2 way feature's awesome, but weirdly, the 2nd non screen FOB that came with it wasn't 2 way. And I don't think there is a non screen FOB for mine that's 2 way. The screen's cool, but imho it's not really worth it.

 

[richardycc]

Viper/Directed or Compustar, pay a shop to get it installed or you probably won't get any warranty. mechanic =! good alarm/remote starter installer.