- But with a remote car starter, you can start your car from inside the house and stay warm, one-upping mother nature while your car warms and defrosts by itself. 2) According to the CDC, when temperatures outside reach 80°F to 100°F, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 130°F to 172°F. Meaning: by the time air conditioning can cool.
- Download the free wiring diagram for your specific vehicle from the manufacturer’s website (in this case, bulldogsecurity.com). Follow the instructions for the remote car starter installation. When finished, you can program the unit to work with your key fob remote. If you want more high tech features, get Bulldog Security’s Deluxe model.
A remote starter is a feature that allows a car owner to start the car with the push of a button. This can usually be done from up to 2,500 feet away and is helpful in the cold winters. It also allows you to let your car warm up or cool down while leaving it locked, lessening the threat of theft.
Viper D9857v: The D9857v remote car starter installation has an LED 2-way communication system that works up to 1 mile range, starts and stops the vehicle, unlocks and locks the doors, comes with a rechargeable 2-way remote control, and a 2nd 1-way remote control. Key-less entry and aux/trunk control options are available.
Some new cars can be purchased with remote starters, but a remote starter can be installed separately on any car. Most of the remote starters also come standard with keyless entry capabilities. The cost of a remote starter can depend on the features, the age of the car as well as the brand.
How much does a remote starter install cost?
The cost of a remote starter installation will depend on the type, your car’s setup and the service you use. The starter on its own will retail for $50 to $200, while the installation can be an additional $80 to $150. With the part included, plan on budgeting $140 to $400.
The most basic remote starter, which only starts, locks, and unlocks your car, will cost between $50 to $75. These are all prices for the start only and won’t include installation costs by a professional.
The next level of car starters, which has a car alarm in addition to the remote start and keyless entry, will cost about $70 to $120.
A remote starter, keyless entry, alarm, and security system pager will cost between $130 to $180. This security pager will tell you if a door or trunk is open, if the car is running, if windows are opens, etc. It will do all of this from up to 2500 feet away.
Advanced car starters that can notify you when the car engine has been turned on as well as can assist with turning on lights. These same starters can also turn on the defroster, set customized times and more. Higher end remote starters can cost as much as $400.
Other stores sell car starters as well, stores such as Car-Stuff.com also offers car starters for different types of starters for Hyundai, Ford, Buick, Volkswagen and Toyota are priced $48 to $125.
For example, the highly rated Bulldog RS1100 remote starter retails for $66 to $80. Easy-to-install, this starter comes with a 4-button transmitter, dedicated start/stop buttons and has a range up to 400 feet.
Noted below are a few quotes we received for a professional remote starter installation. These prices are for both the starter the installation job.
Model | Total with Installation |
---|---|
Chevrolet Silverado | $200 to $375 |
Ford F-Series | $200 to $400 |
Ford Focus | $150 to $300 |
Ford Fusion | $175 to $375 |
Honda Civic | $200 to $350 |
Honda CR-V | $200 to $400 |
Toyota Camry | $250 to $450 |
Toyota Corolla | $250 to $400 |
We called up a few local shops and asked them what they would charge us. Here’s what we found:
Company | Ballpark Average for JUST Installation |
---|---|
Best Buy | FREE (with promotion) to $200+ |
Midas | $180 to $400 |
Pep Boys | $200 to $400 |
Walmart | $115 to $350 |
Ziebart | $250 to $450 |
What is going to be included in the estimates?
Depending on the company you choose, the actual remote starter kit is the only thing included. Other companies will include installation in the price, but this is rare.
Two key fobs are included in the purchase of most remote starters.
As for features, car starters will vary. Some will just start the car, while others may include a trunk release, keyless entry, heated seats and window defrost.
Most remote starters come with some type of limited warranty.
During the installation process, the control module will be mounted and the wires will be connected to the starter, lights and door locks. The keyless entry will then be installed so you’re able to unlock the doors. An alarm, if included, will be installed as well.
What are the extra car starter costs?
If you buy the remote starter from a company, such as Commando, the installation will be an extra cost. Installation instructions can be requested, but it is best to take it to a professional installer. Car Tunes is an example of a company that will install remote starters. Installation usually costs between $50-$100. (You could also purchase the remote starter from them, usually resulting in free installation.)
If the key fob you are given is lost or stolen, there will be an extra cost to replace it or buy a new one.
If you need to get your remote starter uninstalled (if you are turning in a lease or selling the car and wish to keep the starter), there is usually a similar cost to getting the initial installation done.
Repairs down the road may be required if the remote starter fails and work needs to be done. This work can be done through either via the technician that has done it in the past or through another third-party vendor.
Tips to know:
If purchasing a car remote starter, make sure that the starter is going to work with your car make and model.
Be sure to go to an authorized dealer if you’re going to have a third party install the device.
Most remote car starters won’t start with a manual transmission car. This is due to the fact that the clutch has to be pressed in to start the vehicle.
If you’re going to have a remote starter system installed, you may also want to consider having an alarm installed with it. This type of combination package is a great way to save on an alarm.
Top brands to consider:
Astra
Bulldog
Python
Viper
How can I save money?
Most stores that sell and install remote starters will have them on sale from time to time. Watch the store ads to get the best price.
Get the remote starter with the least added features for your needs. For example, if you don’t live in a high-crime area, the car alarm may not be necessary.
Consider the age of the car. Older cars may not require a remote starter because of it’s age. It’s unnecessary to install a starter into an older car as it may not last as long as expected.
Consider installing the remote starter on your own. If you have any sort of car experience, the job isn’t that hard to do. Consider various resources online that can assist with the installation process. Trust your gut on this one. If you feel that you don’t have the necessary experience, it’s best to leave it up to a professional.
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Average Reported Cost: $160
Best Buy Remote Starters Installed
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Remote Car Starter Free Installation Cost
- Jill (Ontonagon, Michigan) paid $160 and said:I bought a Viper kit for $60 and a car guy friend installed it in my Toyota Echo for $100.Was it worth it? Yes