futureshop or best buy to be avoided?or are they ok?
I've have used FS and BB without major problems and they stand behind there work. Installer has to be licensed so they "should" know what there doing and so far they have.
Wife's KIA was done at FS, worked fine for a month then stopped, turned out to be the hidden key chip had shifted less than a cm. Took it back and he shifted and made the chip key not have any movement within 20 min and no problems since.
My van was done at BB (same installer) and has worked fine for 4 1/2 years then stopped last week after I installed a new battery in the van. Went in and asked for advice and they said bring it in as lifetime labour warranty. Turned out the main unit needed reprogramming. Not sure why as I have disconnected the battery before without any problems but either way, reprogrammed and on my way in a short time.
For letting you know it’s running there are 2 way remotes that let you know that vehicle has started. I use a 1 way and look for my parking lights to be on to tell me it's running. The 2 way is not worth the extra $$ IMO.
Some remotes also come with alarms… if yours does let you insurance company know, you may be eligible for a discount…. Minimal but still a discount.
Don't know about 3000' but my wife used to start her Jimmy (installed at BB) from the 3rd floor office she worked in as she left... parking lot was at the front and her office was at the back and no direct window near. Scary as is sounds I have found if you place the remote on you chin and push the button it increases the range... guess using your head to increase the transmit antenna range... sound fake but it does work.
If you want distance, there are some that use your Smartphone (yearly access fee does apply) so a mere 3000' HA! Start it from the office before you leave.... it will be so hot the snow will have melted before you get to off train! Gas mileage will suck but think of the time you will save not clearing snow! LOL
For those of you that that are against them… yes it is a toy but I like it and am willing to pay the price for it. I personally like it on the hot summer days… my van is a dark colour and holds the heat. I set the A/C when I park in the morning. As I walk to it I can have it pumping cold air by the time I get to it, get in belt up and off I go.