Remote Car Starter.....

So I went into Best Buy today to price out how much it would cost for me to get a 2-way paging alarm/remote car starter for my 02 GT.... $249.99 for the alarm/starter itself, $150 for something he said I need to allow my fuel pump to turn on when the starter starts the car and another $40 for rewiring the keyless entry.... PLUS TAX... so over $500 bucks for all this. Does anyone know what the hell this extra part is this guy is talking about and where I would beable to get it for cheaper? Or is it even worth it getting all this stuff installed..

If your goal is a warm car in the morning it would be far cheaper and better to get an engine heater installed instead. An engine heater keeps the coolant at about 100 degrees so you get hot air from the heater as soon as you start the car and you don't have to to remote start it to warm up. Excessive idleing during warm up is not good, you should drive a car as soon as you can without stalling after starting. And it doesn't require modifing the electrical system, less chance for problems with the installation and down the road.

Yeah true, but I live in an apartment building so im not able to plug my car in to anything. The car starter is not the only thing I want though... I really want a car alarm on it too. The security camera I have set up on my balcony is not enough for me (my area is kinda shady). I get what you are saying though... I dont really want my car rewired by someone. I guess ill just have to suffer for now till I get a place with a garage. Thanks for info

That price seems too high. I have a 97 GPGT 3800 and only cost me 211.00 for a remote starter install at ABC Warehouse. However, my car already had the factory alarm system so I only needed the remote start.

That price seems too high. I have a 97 GPGT 3800 and only cost me 211.00 for a remote starter install at ABC Warehouse. However, my car already had the factory alarm system so I only needed the remote start.

Yeah... but the guy at Best Buy said that its something with most cars 2000 and newer that need the thing that turns on the fuel pump when it remote starts.

Im not gonna bother anyways... way too much money right now... ill suffer in the winter and get into a cold car. Ill just save my cash and put it towards the rims i want to get for next summer.

The extra part he's talking about is a bypass module to disable the factory anti-theft. You could probably find the whole system for $250, but you'd still be paying out the nose for the install, and most places won't install a system you don't buy from them. If you have the electrical savvy (or know someone who does) you can do it yourself. www.bulldogsecurity.com has all the wiring info you need. You'll probably want to get a T-harness too for the high current tie-in. It took me a day to install mine; i could do it in 3-4 hours if I had to do it again though. If you do decide to tackle the project, DO NOT use what they call scotch-locks or T-taps. They are unreliable. Instead, solder and tape your connections.

Well, I own my own shop and will tell you that's about what they sell those 2way alarm/remote starters for. He was sort of telling you things correct but sort of wasn't.

Yes, you do need a bypass for your car. Around here, they usually go for about $50 or less. Do you really need an alarm too??? You should have a factory one. Also, do you really need a 2way system???

The reason why I am asking is that if you just want a remote start, you could get that a lot cheaper. Here's a basic rundown on what I charge. It'll be a little different in different areas. Also, I urge you to ask for referrals. Usually in big chain stores it's nasty. I've had to clean up plenty of them.

Basic remote start with keyless, 1/4mile range, lifetime warranty $175
same as above with 1/2mile range $245
same as above with alarm $345
same as above with 2way remote $445
same as above with 2way remote and 2 mile range $550

These are all Compustar pricing. Viper or other DEI products would be slightly higher but would have a little less range.

Do you really need an alarm too??? You should have a factory one. Also, do you really need a 2way system???

Well... I did want an alarm because when I get my rims put on my car in the spring I want to make sure my car is safe... and since I live in a shady area, in an apartment building, Its not like I can look out my window and see whats going on.

Another thing. Im in canada, so any price I quote is in canadian dollars and tends to be higher than US prices. Best Buy was the only place I checked so far, and I know they jack their prices up just because they know they will get the business from people that think just because they are a 'professional' place they might do a better job? There are many other places I can check and probably get a better deal and get the work done at the same quality or better. Im getting my windows tinted on tuesday and the guy there does alarm installation too. So Ill see how much he charges. Im sure I would beable to do everything myself, I just dont have a garage to do the work in, nor do I have the time really.

Ok, well, thanks for the info and suggestions.

If that's the case then look up www.compustar.com and look for a local dealer. They are Canadian based. Remember, a good installer is as important as picking out a good alarm.