Aftermarket remote start and alarm systems?

I've been waffling back and forth and looking for some input regarding aftermarket remote start and alarm systems.

I have a 2020 Toyota Tacoma which did not include factory remote start or the connect package.

I'm considering getting a compustar remote start with the security addon in order to cool/thaw the vehicle or for piece of mind but have a few reservations.
- I think the compustar system may involve some degree of splicing and has the potential to cause issues were I to have some issues related to it off-road as I could t simply disconnect or bypass it?
- it could additionally complicate field offroad repairs and troubleshooting as it's tied into key vehicle systems, which overrules some of the manufacturer wiring schematics
- Are alarms that useful this day and age aside from alerting me if the vehicle has been struck or is being tampered with.
- so it alerts me, do i rush to the scene potentially confronting one of not multiple potentially armed threats?
- so I confront the threat, they brandished a weapon and I had to use lethal force to protect myself. Potential injuries I may sustain personally, this will be a very unpleasant uphill legal battle in my county even if I happen to have a ton of video evidence.


I'm thinking of perhaps just getting the N2 design remote start module as it doesn't require any splicing and then adding on the remote connectivity module later for remote lock, voltage monitoring and start.

As for anti theft I think the best measure might just be not keeping anything in the vehicle at all, and leaving things like the console, glovebox, etc open displaying they are empty when parking in sketchy areas?

 

Compustar is a top tier remote starter, tied to iData module its nearly perfect.

It simply ties into canbus hi lo, then power ground and accessory, usually around 5-7 wires. Thats it.

The issue lies with a quality and reputable installer.

99% of the remote starter issues we see lie with the installation, not the product.

 

Is it pretty easy to bypass or disconnect if needed?

 

Yea, you simply remove the box and it stops functioning. You can ask the installer to put it somewhere easily accessed.

For reference I'm a tech but I've only installed 3 remote starts in my life. The 3rd gen tacoma was so easy I did it in one hour in my cold garage with no light.

 

Does the security addon require cutting any of the factory ignition or other wires that would have to be replaced?

 

Sort of, it depends on the installer and the configuration of the idata/compustar module. The canbus system is usually enough for the module to see whats going on with the doors/locks etc.

Cancom is 2 wires and basically the telephone line in the vehicle that all modules talk to each other with. Makes everything more simple.

 

Best buy in my has compustar although it sounds like it could be a craps shoot as far as the quality of the install?
I assume compustar doesn't provide schematics to individuals, only authorized dealers?

 

Theres an online database that installers share, I've seen it, and it also has configurations that get updated and uploaded to the remote starter module that is vehicle specific.

It's a crap shoot with Best Buy because you may get a seasoned installer, or a rushed flat rate installer. All you can do is read reviews online and hope for the best.

The worst are the cash installers that do it in their backyard. We've seen them damage a lot of stuff.

 

This is an answer to not exactly what you’ve asked but just another option.

Remote start - 12v solutions plug and play system. Can get the basic kit all the way up to the kit designed to allow you to start/stop and monitor the trucks location via gps on ur phone

security - quality 2-3 channel dash cam like blackvue with cellular connectivity that sends alerts to you when motion or impact is detected

 

That's what I'm seeing, best buy frequently has the kit I want for 350 with included install whereas others in the area tend to start around 1100 for the same thing when I've called around...

 

That's a good idea, I should see if blackvue will also monitor voltage. I currently have a non cloud blackvue but need to replace it since the lense has lost sharp focus.

 

I had a NuStart put in my 2019 SR5. It's the same as Compustar just with different labeling. It's been very reliable and when I had to replace a remote the alarm company down the road from my house sold me Compustar remotes that worked perfectly. I don't know why there are two brands for the same product, but since it's a rebranded Compustar you can take this as an endorsement for them.