We've got a '13 SR5 with factory remote start. One thing I don't understand is that after a remote start a door unlock shuts down the engine.
There's no way to get in the car while it's running.
It just doesn't make sense and Toyota confirmed that it's designed to work this way.

Has anybody looked at the system and figured out a way to get into the vehicle without a shut down after a remote start?

Every other vehicle I've owned with R.S. lets you enter and put the key in the ignition and turn it to on and be able to drive.

Try crawling in the window?

I agree I think it is strange too, I guess it keeps someone from just driving off with it or being malicious. It is the first car I have had with remote start.

I have a few friends that have and use it and it does indeed stay started, theirs shuts off if you don't insert the key and put the shifter in any position other park.

I do like the fact that it shuts off after 5 minutes.

This is the downfall of the factory remote start...and also why aftermarket ones are the much preferred choice. I am not aware of any way to "trick" it I'm afraid

There has been many complaints concerning the OEM RS...I had mine installed by a company in Westwood, NJ....was a Viper system, $325 out the door.

Which system did you go with? I am looking at one that I can start with my phone from viper but haven't pulled the trigger... Happy with yours?

Don't remember the model...but I know it didn't have lots of bells and whistles. The installer had a hard time because the truck was so new, that it wasn't really in the online resource they use to hook stuff up...so he had to do some trial and error. It has been flawless, so there's no complaints.

Awesome. Thanks. Think I might need a late Christmas gift...

Just had my Clifford 5806x installed a few weeks ago. I refused to go with the OEM RS for that very reason. I did not want to put excess wear on my starter unnecessarily. Plus, the Clifford system allows me to unlock all doors with one push of the unlock button. Another stupid thing you can't do with the factory alarm system, not even through Techstream.

I am very happy with my system. It was $500 installed, but it comes with 2 remotes and it is a 2way system.

That was the exact reason I did go with an OEM. There have been a few times too many I have had "reputable" shops do assorted kinds of electrical work for me, they have, in my opinion, done work. Sure everything works but breaking push pins, cross threading or stripping plastic back screws, loosing factory fasteners only to replace them with with something completely different or worse breaking trim. There are good shops out there, there must be, I just haven't been lucky enough find/deal with one.

At this point, I will either have done by someone whom actually has proper replacement parts (ie a dealer) or do it myself.

Starter motors "wear" out. I just keep a new set of contacts with me (thanks for the reminder, I'll have to grab a set for this one too). 99% of the time that is all it is. You can replace them faster than to remove and pick up another starter and you get to keep your starter motor too

My wife just bought a 2013 SR5 (new) and had the dealer install remote start. The engine does not quit when entering the vehicle unless you hit the brakes prior to inserting the key. Not sure if this is a genuine Toyota product or an aftermarket. They had a special going and the cost was $300. I would have been pissed if opening the door after remote starting the vehicle resulted in the engine shutting down.

Most likely aftermarket, that's how mine works too...