Remote Car Starter Suggestions

Dresden

Dresden

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I'm looking to buy a new remote car starter for one of the cars. '08 civic.

Any suggestions? Not looking for anything super fancy - I just need it to start and control the windows/doors.

From what I have read, Compustar and Autostart seem to be the most reasonably priced out there.
I've also read that it boils down to the installation - which I don't particularly feel like leaving to some high schooler's at Cantire/Walmart.

Hoping to get some recommendations / prices / advice.

Thanks in advance.
 
We do around 100 installs in the 2 month season at the shop per year.
Viper is the best , best range, reliable, replacements are easy and avalable to get still.
We did a lot of pro start (Canadian tire ones) and they were good for the money but any further then maybe 2 houses they didn't work.
I found the pro start lasted around 3 years and then the unit would fail
Install is everything, find an installer who will show you his work, it should be neat, tidy and secure under the dash and everything should look like factory.
 
carboncat said:
We do around 100 installs in the 2 month season at the shop per year.
Viper is the best , best range, reliable, replacements are easy and avalable to get still.
We did a lot of pro start (Canadian tire ones) and they were good for the money but any further then maybe 2 houses they didn't work.
I found the pro start lasted around 3 years and then the unit would fail
Install is everything, find an installer who will show you his work, it should be neat, tidy and secure under the dash and everything should look like factory.
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When you say "we", I assume you mean your company? If so, can you please shed light on prices and or any other details?

My car is parked in my driveway at home and outside my office window at work, so range isn't my topmost concern.

I have just educated myself on 1 way and 2 way systems. I'm still confused as to whether I need a 2 way system?

I used to have a nuStart system on a previous car; I think I paid $200 installed at Canadian Tire.
It worked like magic for 4 years until I sold the car; I never had a complaint or concern and only started the car via remote.
It was a beater car and had power nothing. The civic on the other hand has power everything, so I would like to (if possible) control some of the functions via the remote (heat/defroster/seats).
 
Just make sure your cars locked up before you start and leave it running. A lot of vehicle get liberated while warming up.
 
crankcall said:
Just make sure your cars locked up before you start and leave it running. A lot of vehicle get liberated while warming up.
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Viper alarm
Audio heaven or auto link
2 way will notify you via the pager that the alarm is on/door/trunk/alarm is on/open/armed.
 
Has Honda started using CANbus extensively yet? Vehicles with extensive CANbus implementation can severely limit what sorts of aftermarket accessories you can use.
 
crankcall said:
Just make sure your cars locked up before you start and leave it running. A lot of vehicle get liberated while warming up.
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I had a compustar. Once the brake is applied without keys, the car shuts off.

I had a guy do it on a bmw, nobody would even think about putting one on a bmw

Sent from my tablet using my paws
 
I have an iphone remote starter. Cats ass IMHO. No expensive key fobs to worry about. 425 I believe installed at auto sonics in Guelph (no affiliation but they do awesome work). My wife got a 2 way installed on her venza (push start) can't remember make or model but it was 525 same place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for the replies with recommendations.

I've secured a couple of reputable shops to do the install for $100, if I provide the unit & bypass module.
The compustar one-way systems are dirt cheap online and the reviews seem to be great on the ones I looked up. Bypass is less $100 as well.

Might end up getting away with the whole thing for $300 with mediocre effort.
 
Dresden said:
I've secured a couple of reputable shops to do the install for $100, if I provide the unit & bypass module.
The compustar one-way systems are dirt cheap online and the reviews seem to be great on the ones I looked up. Bypass is less $100 as well.
Click to expand...

I don't know of one reputable shop that will install a customer supplied remote starter, too much risk involved if the customer gets a defective unit, and not enough if a payoff as they don't make markup on the unit. If by chance you do find someone to install it, chances are they won't warranty their work because of the above.

I would tread very carefully here and triple check reviews for the shop.
 
If you feel adventurous, you can do it yourself. You need to look up the wiring for your car then connect it by diagram

Sent from my tablet using my paws
 
I found a guy on kijiji a few years ago who would make house calls and install for pretty cheap. He supplied bypass modules as well. I had him install two ProStart 2-way units in an old Explorer and a '08 Altima with button-start. Don't have the Explorer anymore but the remote starter on the Altima still works flawlessly. If I can find his info I'll post it but I think I lost his business card.

FWIW, I've had great experiences with the ProStart. Great range... I used to start my car while in the elevator at work. Car was parked underground on the other side of an indoor mall lol.
 
RockerGuy said:
If you feel adventurous, you can do it yourself. You need to look up the wiring for your car then connect it by diagram
Click to expand...

Amen! If you got enough spare time, the best way to make sure it's done RIGHT every step of the way is to do it yourself and go for overkill (I love the splice-solder-heatshrink tubing approach). Otherwise, you're better off shelling out a lot more than $100 for a PROPER install.. I don't think it's doable on a Honda for peanuts. They can be a bit messy to work on when it comes to electrical.
 
AF4iK said:
I found a guy on kijiji a few years ago who would make house calls and install for pretty cheap. He supplied bypass modules as well. I had him install two ProStart 2-way units in an old Explorer and a '08 Altima with button-start. Don't have the Explorer anymore but the remote starter on the Altima still works flawlessly. If I can find his info I'll post it but I think I lost his business card.

FWIW, I've had great experiences with the ProStart. Great range... I used to start my car while in the elevator at work. Car was parked underground on the other side of an indoor mall lol.
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I would appreciate the contact info. PM me if you wish.
 
RockerGuy said:
If you feel adventurous, you can do it yourself. You need to look up the wiring for your car then connect it by diagram

Sent from my tablet using my paws
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I did this in my old Honda 3 years ago. Never again! Worked perfectly while I owned it but what a headache.
 
spaceboy said:
I did this in my old Honda 3 years ago. Never again! Worked perfectly while I owned it but what a headache.
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Did you ask tech support for assistance?
The large manufacturers have good support
 
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