Best Remote Start for the money?

[scubasteve089]

My wife mentioned to maybe put a remote start on my Christmas List!

I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold, so this mod would be awesome!  What brand of remote start is everyone installing?  Are there some better or more compatible than others (I have a 2002 cladded Avalanche 1500)?  I would like to stay under $200 (is that even possible?)  Also, is this a mod I can do myself, or is it better to stick with the pros, since I am not to big into electrical stuff?

If possible, I would also like to interate it with my heated seats.  Is anyone running into any problems with this? 


As long as I am posting, anyone have the part # for the plastic piece to replace the onstar bezel?

 

[02 Northface]

I researched some models several years back and an installer sold me a CompuStar 6000. What I learned from my research is that "most" remote start/alarms offer the same features. What it boils down to is cost and what, if any "extras" you might want to add at the installation.

Sometimes you can upgrade with more advanced digital key fobs that offer more range and more "reporting" features (such as interior cabin temperature, ora "visitor" or "valet" feature whereby someone can notifiy you to come out and meet them by tapping on your window, etc.)

My installer did not want to install the underhood pin switch because he said that they are too prone to dirt and corrosion, rendering them inoperative. However, if I wanted I could install a relatively sealed military grade microswitch, but since I have a separate hood lock chain I don't care about a switch.

Most remote/start alarms can be user-installed but why bother, even if you are electro-mechanically inclined, as I am. A good installer has a lot of experience, can do it quickly AND you get the additional  benefit of being covered if any installation problems occur (such as an accidenta loose fuse or whatever.)

Do some basic on-line research for "remote/start alarms" and most of all find a REPUTABLE installer if you go that route as a BAD installation willl likely turn into a nightmare. Maybe make a post here asking who in your area is a good place to go to.

Don't know how/if a remote/alarm can integrate with your heated seats. Can you leave the heated seated function in a condition where they power on automatically, or not, when you start the engine? I suppose someone could always add a relay that connects seat heater power when the remote starter is used.

 

[scubasteve089]

I just called a local audio/installer and received a quote of $370.00 installed for a 4-button.  He said about $310.00 installed for a 1 button.  Does that sound about right?

 

[wyotonka]

mine is an avital was 260 4 button