Aftermarket remote start - what to expect?

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dsimonl

New member
I was set on buying the Toyota RS because it was plug-n-play, and covered under my factory and extended warranty. It would also be installed by a Toyota tech who knows how the truck comes apart/goes back together again. I'm not sure I can live with the short-comings - especially the 10 minute run time.

After extensive research, I like the thought of a Compustar RS. Good price, nice features, etc. Here's what scares me....the thought of a Best Buy kid cutting up my wiring and not putting the dash back together correctly again. How much care can they take for a $99 installation?

How much wire cutting/splicing is done on a Compustar RS? Any experiences with aftermarket installers? I'm not talking about GShadow.....we all know he's the best.....but he's on the opposite side of the country!
 
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Where ever you end up taking it ask them to walk you through the install (not just an over view, I mean which wire, location, how are they going to connect etc). I have limited understanding of the remote starts offered but I thought they were becoming essentially plug and play with little to no splicing, maybe someone can comment on that. One of these days I would like to get one installed for MN winters its just not a priority and this one is almost over so maybe next year
 
I have been in the installation industry for 20+ years with aftermarket security/remote start and audio.

It does really depend on the tech, not just Best Buy but anywhere including dealerships. A majority of dealership mechanics are parts swappers, very rarely splicing any wires.

If your going to Best Buy, talk with the tech. Check their confidence level. Also all Best Buy techs are required to be MECP certified and should have a patch on their shirt. There is MECP basic, advanced and master certification. Advance and Master certification requires 2+ years of professional experience.

There is no plug and play remote starters for 4runners. Compustar systems are really good units.
 
The experience & thoroughness of the installer is key. I had mine done aftermarket on my 97 t4r 5 speed about 14 -16 years ago. Works to today and I have only had to replace the fuse on the controller.
 
Some remote start systems will require more splicing than others depending on which system and transponder bypass you go with. The Compustar system with ADS BLADE AL (bypass) in my 5th gen requires only about 6 or 7 splices compared to the much older Avital and DEI bypass in my 08 in which every connection reqires a splice. Like others have stated, the installer is key. I would do some research before committing to a shop. Ask those that have had alarm/ remote start/ stereo work done and visit the shops, talk to the installers. As for brands, I recommend Compustar. They are definitely a notch or two above the rest.
 
Find a reputable shop that specializes in auto electronics and get them to do the install. Check the regional forums on T4R or look at recommendations from other local forums - shouldn't be too hard to find a few shops that people like.

I got a Compustar unit installed by a third party that I trusted and didn't worry for a second. For a qualified installer its not a difficult job.
 
I bet your local Toyota dealer would install an aftermarket remote start. They may even stock them.

When I bought my 4Runner I asked for remote start to be installed before I took delivery and the dealer actually recommended & installed a 3rd party one.

Of course you may pay more having it done at the dealership, but the advantage is you get Toyota techs doing it. I believe mine was something like $450 (although it was part of the vehicle price negotiation so who really knows what it would cost if you just wandered in and asked for one).
 
Dealerships just hire out local shops to do the work and jack the price up, unless it's a plug and play unit.
 
Superjet said:
Dealerships just hire out local shops to do the work and jack the price up, unless it's a plug and play unit.
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I know my dealer did the install onsite. I got my mandatory "service department tour" while they were still working on it.

Anyway, even if a dealer has someone else do the work I would still feel better knowing the dealer was vouching for the installer. Presumably they trust whoever they contract the work out to. (If some cowboy tech is gouging the interior with a screwdriver trying to tear apart the dash it would be pretty obvious on a new car...).

Of course everyone can decide for themselves whether the dealer markup is worth it, but since OP specifically mentioned concern about whatever random guy shows up for work at Best Buy that day I think the dealership is a good option.
 
vjack said:
I bet your local Toyota dealer would install an aftermarket remote start. They may even stock them.

When I bought my 4Runner I asked for remote start to be installed before I took delivery and the dealer actually recommended & installed a 3rd party one.

Of course you may pay more having it done at the dealership, but the advantage is you get Toyota techs doing it. I believe mine was something like $450 (although it was part of the vehicle price negotiation so who really knows what it would cost if you just wandered in and asked for one).
Click to expand...

Definitely. I did the same thing while negotiating for my 16TE. The dealer warranties anything they install. Took them 40 minutes, and did it while I waited. Mine was aftermarket as well, but they had them at the dealership, and an in-house tech installed it. I would say it is 100% worth asking.
 
Superjet said:
Also all Best Buy techs are required to be MECP certified and should have a patch on their shirt. There is MECP basic, advanced and master certification. Advance and Master certification requires 2+ years of professional experience.
Click to expand...
where exactly is this info coming from?
First time I hear that they're required to have anything.. and i've managed a BBY store for a short while..

Peyto said:
Find a reputable shop that specializes in auto electronics and get them to do the install. Check the regional forums on T4R or look at recommendations from other local forums - shouldn't be too hard to find a few shops that people like.

I got a Compustar unit installed by a third party that I trusted and didn't worry for a second. For a qualified installer its not a difficult job.
Click to expand...

this.
 
Foques said:
where exactly is this info coming from?
First time I hear that they're required to have anything.. and i've managed a BBY store for a short while..



this.
Click to expand...

I work for BBY supporting the installation staff. Training and technical support,
 
MECP has been around for a long time. All the installers were required to have it when I worked at an IL store in 2003.
 
dsimonl said:
I was set on buying the Toyota RS because it was plug-n-play, and covered under my factory and extended warranty. It would also be installed by a Toyota tech who knows how the truck comes apart/goes back together again. I'm not sure I can live with the short-comings - especially the 10 minute run time.

After extensive research, I like the thought of a Compustar RS. Good price, nice features, etc. Here's what scares me....the thought of a Best Buy kid cutting up my wiring and not putting the dash back together correctly again. How much care can they take for a $99 installation?

How much wire cutting/splicing is done on a Compustar RS? Any experiences with aftermarket installers? I'm not talking about GShadow.....we all know he's the best.....but he's on the opposite side of the country!
Click to expand...

I have the Compustar, EZGO, Drone mobile in my 4Runner, purchased from [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION]

It has become one of the best investments I have made to date! I bought it 1 year ago, and expected to easily install it, as Steve (gshadow325) made it VERY easy, as he did all the pre-work for the installation before he sent it. I then got worried to install it, and splice the ignition wires. I have done nearly every other mod on my 4Runner, but for some reason, this worried me.

I then talked to my install buddy at Best Buy. He stated that although this area does not really do Compustar, he felt he could handle it. He has installed multiple Viper modules, and really they are very similar in their connections. With coordination from Steve(gshadow325) , who provided awesome technical support during the install, I had everything up and running about 4 hours later. Clean, perfect install. No problems whatsoever!

Love the fact that I can start my car from the Drone app, check doors, location, unlock or lock as needed, see battery voltage, start car from key fob, and enter car hands free, without the engine turning off like the OEM remote start.

LOVE it!
 
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Thanks for the kind words gentlemen.

Portland Oregon is not far from Kent Washington that's where compustar mother ship is located. I'm sure I can find you a awesome installer in your area that can selland install a system for you.

Read my signature for contact info. I'll set you in the right direction.
 
Anyone have any comments on viper units? Been debating investing in a one way alarm/RS unit and trying to install it myself, even though viper says to only get it done by a professional or whatever
 
cantaloop said:
Anyone have any comments on viper units? Been debating investing in a one way alarm/RS unit and trying to install it myself, even though viper says to only get it done by a professional or whatever
Click to expand...

Have a Viper 5901 - older model - with remote start and one two way key fob. The other fob is the standard one way type. I have the added smart start system that allows me to see where the truck is on a map, receive alerts on the phone as well as lock/unlock and start the truck all from the app.

When I get my next truck I will get another Viper system installed.
 
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