Remote start alarm system

Whatsup guys. I've been looking for a good quality remote start alarm system. I've never purchased one before so I'm not too sure about a brand or style but basically what I'm looking for is a good alarm with remote start with a good range. I don't need too many bells and whistles with it. It only needs to work for 1 vehicle (I know some work with multiple vehicles), Have a good range, and not a cheap or cheesy remote that's going to break in 3 months. I'm open for any brand, as long as it's not s cheap Chinese knockoff or a $2000 made in Switzerland model lol.

Any personal experience or input would be extremely helpful. Thanks

 

Viper ones (or any DEI product) you can get a hold of for cheap and are pretty reliable. If you want to pay someone to put one in for you, find a Compustar dealer. They are the most reliable out there

 

I see a lot of people complain about best buy installing their sound systems. Does that also apply for the remote start systems ? I was looking at some vipers they had for sale there.

 

I like Clifford which is also a dei product. Are you looking for a one way or two way system? I have a 5906x with smart start and love it.

 

I've had Viper and Compustar. Both are excellent but I like the Compustar a little better. Viper has tiny buttons on the side that are difficult to press. I also like 2 way systems.

 

Always ran Viper with no problems and loved it.

 

DEI is the #1 manufacturer of remote start & alarm systems and it's not even close. They make: Viper, Python, Clifford & the DEI branded ones as well as a few others. Whatever you do, make sure it's manufactured by DEI as they have the best long-term reliability track record.

As for install, do your research. Don't shop price. Since you're in Colorado I would HIGHLY recommend having Cartoys do the install. They're one of the better installers you'll find around these parts plus you get a lifetime warranty on the install itself and can have the work done at any CarToys. May not seem by much but trust me when I say that this alone is priceless. I had the brain to my remote start/alarm crap out after being installed for a few years. It couldn't be paired when I renewed my mobile device service plan and the tech support tried to remedy remotely w/o luck. They said I would need to pull it and mail it into them and they would repair or send a replacement. Downtime was going to be measured in weeks. Drove down to CarToys and withing 15min I was on my way with a brand new brain, zero effort or money on my part. I know how to do 12v and do lots of mods but when it comes to alarms & remote starts I pay the experts to do it. Something screwed up can leave you stranded so it's best to let the pros handle something like that IMO. That and I hate working under dashes for prolonged periods.

Stay away from Best Buy and Quality Audio "Home of the one dollar wire fire" as they both do hack work in this state. You may save a few bucks but the headaches aren't worth it, especially on something like a remote start/alarm system.

You should update your profile with area of Colorado and I can be more specific on the actual CarToys depending on where you are.

 

Ostrich, I'm in Colorado Springs.

William, what do you mean by 1 way/2way? This is why I'm asking, because I know very little about this kind of stuff

 

I'm not too familiar with the CarToys down that way. I have some connections with some of the ones in the Denver area and then the northern Colorado ones. I would just head down there and talk to someone as the equipment costs aren't marked up a lot since they make their money on labor so in most cases you're not going to save much on the hardware over getting it in-store. Other car audio you can find better deals but the remote start and keyless entry hardware isn't a big money maker for them since it's more to get their foot in the labor door so to speak.

1-way: You push the button and unless you're able to see the lights flash or hear the beep you don't know if the truck got the command or not.

2-way: You have a remote or digital device that communicates with the truck in both directions (2-way) so you can see if the doors are actually locked or if it started or not.

I have the mobile phone version which is 2-way w/o the limits of distance. As long as the truck is somewhere where it gets a cellular signal you can control your truck or check status. Not something you use all the time but usually when you need it it's worth the premium.

 

Is there a yearly fee for the 2-way services , or just uses a smart phone and cell plan for signal ? If it had a remote start , that would be a plus...
Sarge

 

2-way is more expensive equipment. Smart phone is more expensive equipment & annual service fee.

 

Ah , thanks for the clarification .
Sarge

 

Alright guys. Thanks for the input. I'll do a little research on brands, and head down to cartoys and see what they have to say or offer military discount or something

 

I've got a Clifford 5706x (DEI product) it's got the two way remote and the spare one way. Also got installed a tilt sensor, hood and tailgate pin, and smart start (phone app)

 

Since you're in Colorado Springs, you should head over to Elite Auto Salon. Awesome guys over there, they are a bit more expensive than the other shops, but their quality and customer service are second to none unlike Cartoys. Plus they sell Compustar

 

I work for car toys go to the store on north academy, ask for Chris or josh, tell them you want eric to do the install, best in the business

 

Thanks william

 

There you go. I know an 'Eric' at the Fort Collins, Greeley & Denver area stores as well. CarToys employs some of the best installers in the business and I know at one time where the ONLY installer in the state with a certified Master Installer on staff and they had several.