Given that the other thread has dissintegrated I thought I'd ask "what is the best remote starter?". Cost isn't as important as reliability. Also, I have an aftermarket computer running my fuel/timming (Redline which is similar to MoTec), so any thoughts on whether this makes a difference, precautions to take and any info required to determine if it makes a difference would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Doug

And i know you don't want to hear this, but this post too is destined to spiral into foul mouthed opinion. The reason is that there is in fact no "best remote starter", only peoples opinions of what they think is the best starter followed closely by poorly worded insult and factless argument.

What is more important is finding out what you want the starter to do for you. Questions to help narrow down the list would be:

1. What type of distance do you need/expect?

2. Two way communication or 1 way?

3. How many accessories (channels) would you like to control via the remote? keyless entry, sliding doors, trunk release etc.

4. Standard or automatic?

5. What sort of software does the unit have that you may need/want ie.

turbo mode
cold start mode
deisel capability
O.E.M. alarm controls
progressive door unlocking
horn honk confirmation

6. What does the remote/antenna look like?

7. What exactly does your warranty cover?

Every remote start will vary, and every installer will have an opionion mostly based on the units he/she sells/installs.

One thing for sure and we will all agree, there are only a few manufacturers of remote starters that offer a quality product.

In my most humble opinion (oh boy, here we go)

Autostart (aka Polarstart or Nordicstart or Prostart),

Any DEI product,

Compustar (see Arcticstart or Nustart), are all quality brands with good reputation and warranty

I'm not going to comment (apparently I said too much earlier - too bad for those of you who didn't read it) on installation, only to say that the quality of the install is way more important than the quality of the unit.

As you can see, there is no "best" answer, I only hope that my post has served to give you a little more insight and help you make an informed decision when the time comes. Good luck.


On that note Future Shop's NUstart rocks and everything else sux. let the foul mouthed small penis opinions fly.

Joe

[ December 12, 2005, 02:58 PM: Message edited by: mofo ]

reliability from what I see, Viper has it,
Range is anything from firstech in the 900mhz series.

all around goodness is definatly the autostart. breaks down less than firstech, has more range than viper.

it really will all boil down to install

Excellent content. That's exactly what I'm looking for. The vehicle is a '95 Toyota Tacoma, auto, man. antana, no alarm, no power accessories but substantially modified (balanced, blueprinted, ported polished heads, forged pistons, 60-1 turbo and as previously noted aftermarket engine management). Not sure if the last portion is significant, but the vehicle will be parked in my garage which is about 50 yards away from the farm house. So let's review:

1. What type of distance do you need/expect?

...more than 50 yards, into my steel claded garage.

2. Two way communication or 1 way?

...not sure...newbie question "what's the difference?...

3. How many accessories (channels) would you like to control via the remote? keyless entry, sliding doors, trunk release etc.

...as noted...none..

4. Standard or automatic?

...auto...

5. What sort of software does the unit have that you may need/want ie.

turbo mode...maybe, what's it do
cold start mode...yep...
deisel capability...nope
O.E.M. alarm controls...nope...
progressive door unlocking...nope
horn honk confirmation...yep

6. What does the remote/antenna look like?

...are you talking about the one that comes with the starter or the truck itself (me a starter newbie)..

7. What exactly does your warranty cover?

...no warranty...

Ok. Let's see where to go now...and thanks for the help.

Thanks for the advise. Will throw it into the mix.

I've had a lot of issues with the Vipers lately....range, or lack of it...., and had to replace a lot more transmitters and antennas than is warranted for a premium priced unit.

Astrostart offers a lifetime warranty, has good range, and a wealth of programmable options that make em very installer friendly.

Autostart's platform this year seems to be very good, decent range, and almost no defects. Warranty is a full one year replacement, with "limited lifetime" (pay a deductible after 2 years).

Install is absolutely the most important thing you can buy......they are all just boxes of parts on the counter until they've been installed.

A poor install can be VERY dangerous!!!

The best test you can give a potential installer is to ask if they can quote Ohms law...in all three forms (current, resistance, and voltage)
If they "have it in a book somewhere"....keep looking.

__________________
Charlie Lamble
Sault Ste Marie ON

I'm sure you think you understood what you heard me say, but I hope you realize that what I said is not what I meant

If you can afford it, I highly recomend looking at this site. As long as you can keep up with the payments it will reliably start your car in any weather, set any options you want, whatever. Don't have to worry about the installation either, it is never going to fail.
clickhere.com

Well...I'll have to check my RRSP/lotto ticket first, but I'm pretty sure it's out of my league...good one though