Hello,


What are your opinions on the best remote start alarm out there? Is there one that I can use with my original nissan key fob? And how much does the install usually go for? Are there any cons for installing a remote starter? Thank you all so much.

I actually purchased a remote start from Canadian Tire and made an appointment to have it installed. The very low temps up here do not make for a happy garage experience! Anyway, the CT folks told me the installation would be $475.00, and remember I already owned the device. So I gave them the starter back. I would say that where I live is an exception and the labor cost are astronomical at $145 CDN per hour.

I understand that you can buy a set up to have one fob with the remote starter as well as your normal door locks and such however your factory fob will not support the starter it self. I think its a good investment if you need it. At our cost, I use the block heater and crank the truck and let it warm up while I sweep the snow off.

PS I'm a cheap old bastard, but my Wife never sits in a cold car.

Thank you so much for your reply. Which brands are the best out there for remote starters? And what is the difference between a 1 way remote and a 2 way remote? I am a noob when it comes to alarms, I just thought it would be nice to get a remote start but I have no clue about the cons with these types of remotes.

I think $475 installation fee is outrageous for any type of alarm so i would def be shopping around all the installation shops for the lowest prices and hey with the economy the way it is I think everybody is a cheap old bastard now lol so dont feel bad. Thank you so much for your reply once again.

Pappy wrote:I actually purchased a remote start from Canadian Tire and made an appointment to have it installed. The very low temps up here do not make for a happy garage experience! Anyway, the CT folks told me the installation would be $475.00, and remember I already owned the device. So I gave them the starter back. I would say that where I live is an exception and the labor cost are astronomical at $145 CDN per hour.

I understand that you can buy a set up to have one fob with the remote starter as well as your normal door locks and such however your factory fob will not support the starter it self. I think its a good investment if you need it. At our cost, I use the block heater and crank the truck and let it warm up while I sweep the snow off.

PS I'm a cheap old bastard, but my Wife never sits in a cold car.

On my 05 Pathfinder I have a Astrostart remote starter. It locks/unlocks doors and starts the car. It did require a additional module with a key for starting purposes.

On my 05 Magnum, I have a Compustar remote starter. The compustar has many more features, and does not require a key under the dash, but did require a additional module that needed programing.

Basically a 2 way lets you know when the vehicle has started. With the Astrostart, the remote beeps/vibrates and a led lights up on the remote letting me know the vehicle has started. With the compustar, the remote is a LCD display that has a visual display of when the vehicle has started.


Both auto starters work equally well and I enjoy them very much.

Thank you for the informative reply. Based on your experience would you recommend getting a remote starter with a lcd display or a regular fob remote. I used to have a DEI keyless entry on my truck, do u know if DEI is still a reputable company when it comes to Remote starts? Thank u so much again for your reply.

nvrdun wrote:On my 05 Pathfinder I have a Astrostart remote starter. It locks/unlocks doors and starts the car. It did require a additional module with a key for starting purposes.

On my 05 Magnum, I have a Compustar remote starter. The compustar has many more features, and does not require a key under the dash, but did require a additional module that needed programing.

Basically a 2 way lets you know when the vehicle has started. With the Astrostart, the remote beeps/vibrates and a led lights up on the remote letting me know the vehicle has started. With the compustar, the remote is a LCD display that has a visual display of when the vehicle has started.


Both auto starters work equally well and I enjoy them very much.

The compustar I have is the pro model and has a ton of features. I can check the inside temp of the car, the voltage of the car battery, how long the car has been running. Set alarms, programed time for car to start etc. It also integrates with a compustar alarm if you choose to do so.

I do recommend this remote starter, it is very nice! It is the Compustar Pro P2W9000FMR if you want to look it up on their website.

I almost forgot it does come with a extra remote starter fob that is not LCD display. Perfect for if someone else drives the car and you dont want them messing with all your settings.

How much was the install for this alarm? and on average do u know what the price is for install on any remote starter kits? or do they vary in price depending on the kit? Thanks for your suggestion!

nvrdun wrote:The compustar I have is the pro model and has a ton of features. I can check the inside temp of the car, the voltage of the car battery, how long the car has been running. Set alarms, programed time for car to start etc. It also integrates with a compustar alarm if you choose to do so.

I do recommend this remote starter, it is very nice! It is the Compustar Pro P2W9000FMR if you want to look it up on their website.

I almost forgot it does come with a extra remote starter fob that is not LCD display. Perfect for if someone else drives the car and you dont want them messing with all your settings.

I ALSO HAVE A COMPUSTAR PRO REMOTESTART/ALARM MODEL 2W9000FMR-PRO ITS ABOUT 3 YRS OLD NOW. I WOULD RECOMMEND IT. ITS 2WAY MEANING THE FOB LET YOU KNOW THE STATUS OF THE VEHICLE IE. DOORS LOCKED OR NOT, IT BEEPS IF THE ALARM GOES OFF OR TELLS YOU YOUR CAR HAD ACTUALLY STARTED WITH ICONS IN THE FOB. IT COST AROUND $600 INSTALLED. THE NICE THING ABOUT IT IS IF YOU HAD ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH A COMPUSTAR SYSTEM, IM TOLD THAT YOU CAN JUST USE ON FOB FOR BOTH CARS, YOU WONT NEED TO CARRY AN EXTRA ONE. HOPE THIS HELPS.

MJBS wrote:I ALSO HAVE A COMPUSTAR PRO REMOTESTART/ALARM ....

Please don't type in all caps... it is extremely hard to read. plus, on a forum it is equivalent to yelling.

thanks,
~mike

I have had both compustar and viper top end models on my subaru. Compustar is more user-friendly and viper has better security features IMO. Thing is, with our vehicles they have to add an 'immobilizer'. Our trucks require a chip in the key to be within proximity of the vehicle to allow it to start. What this means is that the installer will buy a chip from the dealer and install it in the car somewhere out of sight. This then allows a would be thief to steal your truck.

So basically, an aftermarket alarm/starter allows you to start remotely and protects the contents of the vehicle but leaves the actual vehicle a bit more vulnerable (although there is still a security system that they have to get around to steal it anyway).

The stock security doesn't do much to protect the contents of the vehicle but makes it hard to steal the vehicle itself.

So, probably not a huge issue for most but something else to consider.

You just detered me from getting a remote start alarm, lol.

thejean wrote:I have had both compustar and viper top end models on my subaru. Compustar is more user-friendly and viper has better security features IMO. Thing is, with our vehicles they have to add an 'immobilizer'. Our trucks require a chip in the key to be within proximity of the vehicle to allow it to start. What this means is that the installer will buy a chip from the dealer and install it in the car somewhere out of sight. This then allows a would be thief to steal your truck.

So basically, an aftermarket alarm/starter allows you to start remotely and protects the contents of the vehicle but leaves the actual vehicle a bit more vulnerable (although there is still a security system that they have to get around to steal it anyway).

The stock security doesn't do much to protect the contents of the vehicle but makes it hard to steal the vehicle itself.

So, probably not a huge issue for most but something else to consider.