We are looking at a remote start to add and have been researching previous posts and am trying to research Compustar, Astrostart and Viper. Does anyone have an opinion as to which a better starter with the best features and quality? We are looking for a remote starter with a decent range, transmitter that showed the status from the remote and a keyless remote to work with our Sequoia functions including the rear hatch. Thanks!
I like my compustar Pro but the transmitter is kinda big and the buttons are easily triggered if not in lock out mode. It goes 6000 feet but batteries are every three weeks. The compustar has 2 extra wires for extras like hatch and lighting..
Last edited by Theohiomike; 01-26-2009 at 06:08 PM.
I am getting a Clifford 50.7x (exact same as viper 5901 and python 991) installed next week. They have a 1 mile range and will hook into the power gate they said. The thing i like is that they have a lithium ion battery that uses usb to recharge so you don't have to replace batteries. I chose Clifford because i have had one in the past and it worked great.
I installed the factory remote start in my truck. Install is plug and play, fairly simple install, just time consuming running all the wire connectors on both passenger and driver side.
The range for the remote to work is pretty bad, think only 60ft. So you pretty much have to be close to the car.
If the aftermarket kits are plug 'n play, without having to splice or cut wires I would go with them versus the factory setup if I had to do it again.
I am getting the viper 5901 installed on my Platinum. They assured me that the rear hatch would work and I am also adding the window modules so that the windows roll down via remote. The 5901 is the newest one out there and the remote is pretty small and for functionality, it can't be beat. But I will let you know more when I get my vehicle back from the installer. Should be finished tomorrow. But I told them to take their time and do it right so it might be the end of this week since I am adding headrest DVD players as well...
I installed the factory remote start in my truck. Install is plug and play, fairly simple install, just time consuming running all the wire connectors on both passenger and driver side.
The range for the remote to work is pretty bad, think only 60ft. So you pretty much have to be close to the car.
If the aftermarket kits are plug 'n play, without having to splice or cut wires I would go with them versus the factory setup if I had to do it again.
Biz
Their is no such thing as an aftermarket alarm as plug and play. You will have to hack into the factory harness to install one.
The Factory remote sucks, I just got it installed yesterday. Very expensive and very dissapointed. I wanted only 1 remote to control my power locks, alarm and remote start.
Con # 1. To Start Engine. Press the lock button, press the lock button again (all within 2 seconds) press the lock button again, but this time, hold it down for 3 seconds. Let go of the button after 3 seconds. If you have followed these steps correctly, your engine may start. If not, repeat steps and hope your timing is accurate - good luck.
Con # 2. The engine turns off when the door is opened. In my previous vehcile, with a clifford remote, the engine would stay when the door was opened. you could put the key in, false start it, and go. Or, step on the break pedal and it would shut the engine off.
Con # 3. Now, I've only had this since last night, but I feel I have to get "up close" to the vehicle to start it. I preferred my old clifford which would allow you to remote whever I was standing within my house (just listening to the engine fire up).
I got the Viper 5901 installed but the installer recommended that I do not control the windows via remote because it won't always work right or he couldn't make it work right. Either way, that was the last item on my wish list and it wasn't important. But aside from that, this remote is awesome. The functionality of the remote is by far the most advanced and the range to start the engine is unbelievable. I can start the SUV when I am in the store and the it is parked far away. Spec says 1 mile but I am sure that is with no disturbance. I am very happy with it and I don't think you can go wrong with this remote start/alarm...
I got the Astrostart RSS-5224 installed in my Platinum. The dealer originally installed a POC Audiovox unit, but gave me a refund when I returned it since you couldn't use half the truck functions afterwards (i.e. opening passenger doors etc...)
I wanted the LCD readout with the 2-way screen so I could see when the truck was started etc...
Here are some items that I like (many of which didn't work with other starters)
1. Huge range (claims over 1 mile)
2. Can unlock both driver and passenger doors (single unlock or dual-stage if programmed)
3. Can open rear door!
4. Auto headlights - most remote starts have a bug if headlights are in Auto mode. If you start the car after dark, then either let it stop or stop it manually with the remote, the headlights stay on (until you open the driver side door anyway). Programmed to work now with the Astrostart (though I had to go back once to get them to set this up right).
5. No false button pushes. You need to hold down the buttons on the remote for 2 seconds for any function.
6. Can use the same remote with multiple vehicles if desired. Small button on the back changes vehicle so you can have the same remote start in multiple cars and only carry around one FOB.
7. Visual, audio, and vibrate feedback on remote to confirm commands (ie. once car starts the remote vibrates and sounds a small beep sequence to let you know it was successful, plus you can see the "engine" icon on the screen).
Cons: Need to unlock vehicle first before opening rear door. Battery only seems to last about 6-8 weeks (just changing first battery now). Only comes with one remote and the second is expensive ($150). However, I guess you can buy a "kit" that has two remotes. Also more expensive than other remotes, but I guess you pay for the toys. Just over $500 installed.
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2008 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Cassis Pearl
2007 BMW 550i with cool toys
2002 Harley Davidson Road King
1999 Black Lab, Loaded
2000 Yellow Lab/Pit Bull Mix, Nuts...
which is the best remote start?
Linear Mode
