2020 Tacoma Mods Part 2 - Remote Start

As a follow up to a question I posed earlier about modifying my truck (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2020-tacoma-mods-part-1-led-light-bars-which-one.662326/), I'm on to a second one... remote starter. I'm looking at installing a remote start for my 2020 TRD Sport with manual transmission. From what I can see the N2 Designs is the only one that's basically plug and play for the 6spd. The basic kit is $349 but if I choose to add on the smart phone module the price goes up to $538, which won't include the annual app fee of $39 (first year is free though). Is the smart phone module worth the extra $200? Thoughts and/or any other recommendations?

David

 

Yes the module is well worth it!

 

I wouldn't get it without the cell phone. The factory remote is good for about 100'.

 

If I may offer some input...8 out of 10 folks (we continuously run the reports/statistics) come back for the smart module if they didn't get it at first. Those who aren't budget prohibited bang it all out at the same time while trim is open and never look back. The Smart Module add-on option which I highly recommend and is the most popular add-on here on and off the forums. This module gives you the ability to start/stop your engine, monitor battery voltage, lock/unlock the vehicle, and GPS locate from ANYWHERE in the world so long your vehicle is in good 4G/LTE (or backwards compatible 3G) cellular signal range AND your smart phone has good cellular reception OR decent WiFi. The app tells you if the engine started, shows an engine count down timer until it stops (if you don't get to the vehicle within 15 minutes of triggering), shows the door-lock status and so on. Most folks have their phones on them more then their key FOB especially by their bedside when wondering if they locked the vehicle or not, just check the phone app (free app). Or if you go out of state and doubt yourself, you can always rest assured that you can check, and correct the situation. Sometimes you might be on a high floor at a hotel and just don't remember if you locked it or not, well you won't need to walk down within range to check any longer. Personally, and most folks who have this combination seldom ever use their FOB to start/stop the vehicle unless the key FOB is on them. Under good circumstances, the app is just as responsive/fast as the FOB itself! Best part, all this stuff is universal, take it with you to your next vehicle or take it off on a lease return. I once had a customer drop the vehicle off on a Friday night to be left over the weekend for dealership service work, he tracked the GPS over the whole weekend to different cities, county, Walmart, Steakhouse, a Home Depot and lastly a residence. He took screenshots each time and approached the dealership management to call them out on it. The dealership said it’s normal for us to drive it “a little” to test drive the repair service and make sure it is sound. A little does not mean as a take-home leisure vehicle. So he demanded the dealership address it or he would get legal. When management did not believe him, he showed them the timestamp and satellite view of each location. A test drive means just that; the vehicle is driven around a few blocks, then brought back to the dealership, not parked all over town. The most concerning part is the Home Depot visit. Some of these techs don’t have trucks, so they use yours to overload the bed with say bags of concrete mix for their own home’s needs and you wouldn’t even know your suspension was stressed out until later when you’re out of warranty with leaking shocks. You also wouldn’t know because the dealership at times gives your vehicle a courtesy wash prior to pick up (which is just a way to clean up the evidence). At the end, he got some stuff out of it, including free oil changes and not sure what else. Another way to use it is if your vehicle is at your home and you’re out of town. Say a friend or relative has to drop off a package (or pick something up you left for them in the vehicle), then they can call you, you unlock the vehicle for them to drop off (or take) the package, then you can lock it when they’re done so that you don’t need to give anyone access to your home while you’re gone! If you have outdoor cameras pointed at your vehicle, then you can also watch while all this is happening.

 

how much is the monthly service?

 

The first year is included, then you have the option to pay $39.95/yr or $99.95/3yrs.

 

I suppose if you park outside and your main goal is to start the truck in the morning, then the cell app may not be needed.
For me, the cell app is definitely worth it... I find that I'm rarely close to my truck when I want to start it.
I start it from work, while in the mall shopping, while in the gym, when kids ball games are finishing up, etc.
I think it's the only way to go, and the fee for an entire year is less than going to a restaurant once.

 

might have sold me on adding on to mine lol