• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Remote Starter

Status
Not open for further replies.
Jeff7181

Jeff7181

Lifer
I'm looking for a remote starter for my girlfriend's car. It's a 2011 Kia Rio. I don't know anything about brands, etc. Can someone suggest a brand/model? How difficult are they to install? I'm competent with automotive and electronics, but I don't like ripping out dashes or drilling holes in firewalls or contorting myself into really strange positions and cutting up my arms reaching past razor sharp plastic parts. Would you trust Best Buy techs to do an install on something like this? I'd be pissed if they tapped wires or fuses rather than properly soldering or running wire.
 
You're hoping for a quality install from a big box store? Good luck.

I'm guessing it shouldn't be a terribly difficult install given the Rio doesn't have an immobilizer (or does it?). Does the car have a factory alarm?
 
no i would not trust bestbuy or any other chain retail shop to even put in a stereo, much less a remote starter.

sorry, but i'm one of those guys that only trust my own work, just suck it up and do it yourself, it's not that difficult.
 
Jeff7181 said:
I'm looking for a remote starter for my girlfriend's car. It's a 2011 Kia Rio. I don't know anything about brands, etc. Can someone suggest a brand/model? How difficult are they to install? I'm competent with automotive and electronics, but I don't like ripping out dashes or drilling holes in firewalls or contorting myself into really strange positions and cutting up my arms reaching past razor sharp plastic parts. Would you trust Best Buy techs to do an install on something like this? I'd be pissed if they tapped wires or fuses rather than properly soldering or running wire.
Click to expand...

In my experience compustar starters are the best. I have a very good local installer i have used for years. I would check their site and see if they have a list of installers in your area. I found my guy through word of mouth. As fat as a model, get their higher end two way setup if your budget allows (should be around 500 installed)
 
Last edited:
Mine was tied to the alarm.. I got a Viper 5901 and my installer who was referred to me by the guy who did my audio set it all up.
 
There's a shop in the Detroit area called Car Tunes that has a reputation for doing quality installs, and they have a remote starter for $100 installed. As long as it starts the car from about 30 yards away, that's fine with me. Don't need anything fancy as long as it works. Is there anything inherently bad about those cheap systems?
 
I had the two-way AstroStart with a 1-mile range. I think, it was 1-mile anywayz. Also, included an alarm system. Anywhere I parked in downtown Anchorage, I was able to start the car which is great when temps are in the single digits. Now Astrostart has a full range of units though. I think the cheapest was around $350 installed.

I had an installer do it. Just too much of a headache to do it myself. They needed my spare key which I lost, so they had to get a keysmith out. Still don't understand why that was needed. My unit had a hood safety switch, run wires, mount antenna, and he had to drill a few holes. Took him about 3 hours too.

My new car only has the 1-way factory remote start. It works, but I miss the 2-way. Now I got to double check if the car started by looking out the window or I'm waving the remote around when I might be out of range.

I wanted to add - I was getting my windows tinted at the shop a couple weeks ago and the newer model Astrostarts now have iPhone/Android support. I didn't delve too deep into what that meant though. Can you start the car by making a phone call, or was it just within bluetooth/wifi range? Might be something to look into if for anyone interested.
 
Last edited:
Jeff7181 said:
There's a shop in the Detroit area called Car Tunes that has a reputation for doing quality installs, and they have a remote starter for $100 installed. As long as it starts the car from about 30 yards away, that's fine with me. Don't need anything fancy as long as it works. Is there anything inherently bad about those cheap systems?
Click to expand...

Limited range, function, and no ability to actaully know if the car has started if you don't have line of sight.

The two ways are the way to go. they will tell you the temp of the vehicle, give you feed back about open doors and you will know if the car started and how long it has been running. I have had the siimple systems and they can work just fine, but these advanced systems are the way to go. If your car needs a 5 minute warmup, just start it as you are heading to the check out at the grocery store. With the cheaper systems you are basically forced to walk to a window of your house, or step out the door and then have to check to make sure the car has started.

Sure they are a lot of money, but it is money i will bet you won't regret spending after the fact
 
The main purpose for this is for my girlfriend to start her car in the morning before work to help thaw frosted windows. So a 1 mile range and temperature display on the remote definitely isn't necessary.
 
Jeff7181 said:
The main purpose for this is for my girlfriend to start her car in the morning before work to help thaw frosted windows. So a 1 mile range and temperature display on the remote definitely isn't necessary.
Click to expand...

if you live together, a remote start isn't necessary at any level. she should just have you go out and start it up for her
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top