Need suggestions .. remote car starters
 

Want to buy a few remote car starters for some folks for Xmas. Does anyone have some suggestions as to good ones, ones to stay away from etc....

Do not need an alarm one.....strictly remote start.

If it matters these would be for 2001-2002 GM Tahoes.

Thanks

I have a Clifford on my F 350 Diesel It starts from 1/4 mile away.

I've been out of the business for quite a while now, but back when I was in it, Clifford was the best. Most expensive too, but the only brand I ever put in any of my own cars.
Things may have changed, and I'm sure there are decent remote starts for less money, but you're probably still safe with Clifford.

I have looking at alot as well for my Tahoe. The ones I commonly see out there are Bull Dog and Valet. Stores around Tulsa want $170 to $230 to install them. I have seen a Bull Dog in Summit catalog that says it comes with a quick connect T harness for installation. I havent talked to them yet to actually see how easy it is. I will keep checking, let me know if you hear anything.



FINMAN

I put a Bulldog in my 94 Toyota PU. It didn't have th T-harness but was easy to install. Doesn't have near the range that the clifford does. Even with the remote antena I'm lucky to see 400'.

There are many differing opinions on what is best. I can help any OSO member make the right decision and provide the best price and wiring guide specific to your vehicle from experience. My statistic on what works best is from being in the business over twenty years and effectively installed over 43,000 systems to date. There is some info at my website, www.buzz-off.com
Clifford declared bancrupcy two years ago. DEI, the Viper people now own the trademark rights to the name Clifford. Setting that aside, the best systems are definitely not Bulldog. Viper is by far the best and thru the end of the year, I can offer OSO private deals at very low prices. Visit www.directed.com See if you prefer a Viper 550 which is remote start and security or just remote start. THey also offer a model with vibrating pager in remote with two way verification.

Feel free to call me with any questions or assistance at (813)882-8477 between 9 and 6. Additionally, if anyone is looking for Rockford Fosgate or many other name brand first quality amps or speakers we are offering unheard of pricing thru the end of the year. Most deals are at dealer cost.

Look forward to helping many out.

Andy Buzz

Guys thanks for the advice.....

Andy, I'll send you an e-mail/PM on Monday to see what you have available.

Jeff

Andy is RIGHT ON THE MONEY with the DEI units. They have external relays, are a little harder to put in HOWEVER they just plain always WORK.

Jon

It DOES matter that you are installing on a 2000 or newer Tahoe. The 00 and newer ones require a unit that will interface with the factory security system and engine computer.

I also have a Clifford unit that has proven very reliable. Cost was around $300 installed, but also includes several unique features:

The main one is that you can program the unit for auto start whenever temperature inside the truck reaches a preset max or min for 10 minutes (to cool or heat the truck). This feature is enabled with a certain button sequence from the remote when the system is armed. Truck usually starts every hour or so in 15 degree cold.
(I use this when I park at football stadiums when it is cold - truck is usually ready to put out heat from the heater almost immediately when we get to it).

When pricing other units be sure they are including any necessary relays and add-on boxes for the 00 up GMs.

mcollinstn, same deal for 00 Sierra as 00 and newer Tahoe?

That auto start sounds pretty cool since you said there is a switch to turn that feature on and off.

Andy, I will send you a PM/email before the year ends.



Man......Board members never cease to amaze me. There is so many knowledgeable here.

Be sure to get a system that works well with passlockIII (newer GM) security. Many do not. DEI is excellent, I believe they also make the Arctic Start system too, which I have installed with success.

For the cars that have factory immobilizer circuits (chip inside of key) I do have the modules needed to bypass during the remote start function. The immobilizer still provides full protection yet the module allows the vehicle to start even though there is a factory security device in place.

I have detailed wiring location and color codes for just about all vehicles. When I provide the unit, you should have no problem installing easily.

For Dodge Rams, around 96 to 01, last generation, I have alarm and remote start systems that include plug in harnesses designed for alarm, remote start and keyless entry. These were manufactured for Mopar and are leftovers from that generation. My guys can install the complete prewire in just under one hour meeting dealership standards. These units come with factory style fuse box, wiring pre-loomed, lengthed and terminated, and plug in t harness door locks. I have about 50 left of these. They cost OSO members $125.00 including sensors, color cases in many colors, etc. They used to sell to dealers uninstalled for more than double that. Once they are gone, they are gone.

I have timers and all the rest of the good stuff from DEI in stock as well as a brand you can see at www.ultrastarters.com that are less expensive.

Email [email protected] with whatever you need.

Andy Buzz

Buzz

a friend of mine killed teh electrical system in his porsche with one of those remote starter systems.

GO WITH THE VIPER, I AM VERY HAPPY WITH MINE AND IT WAS REASONABLE PRICE WISE... I ALWAYS USE IT... EVEN WHEN I'M THREE FEET FROM THE DOOR, I JUST CLICK IT AND HOP IN! IT IS GREAT IN BOTH THE SUMMER AND THE WINTER, JUST LEAVE THE A/C OR HEAT ON AND LET HER GET GOING BEFORE YA HOP IN....:cool:

As was said before stay away from Bulldog. Cheap units. I would stick with any of the name brand alarm companies.

The ones I install have internal relays which makes for a much neater install. Not to mention less chance of something happening.

Bypassing today's ignition systems are not that big a deal with the right bypass modules.

I have even installed several remote starts on diesels. Something most people don't know is available.

Remote start installs is about all I'll be doing from now until Christmas at my shop.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I have talked others here on OSO through such installs on more then one occasion. If you need any bypass modules I have those in stock also.

Buck
#183

Mark

Yeah, 00 Sierra, I think is a Passlock3 also. I believe it is safe to figure if it is a new body style then it needs to be passlock3 compatible or have the external relay setup.

'00 Sierra is a Passlock 2.

I can fax anyone schematics on any vehicle they need....just PM me and tell me what you have.

Buck
#183

VIPER "DEI" I've never had a problem with
and yes Jon's right you need to know what your doing
when you install. There suppose to be dealer installed

I have an extensive database of wire location and color codes to facilitate the install of a remote starter. I provide this to anyone that purchases on of my remote starters to ease the install. Most cars are straight forward. If you are curious wheather yours is easy or not simply send private message.

Andy Buzz how about the price for the remote starter for an 03 F350 Diesel? I would want one to unlock the doors also. I have a remote unlock now just wanted it all on one remote.

I put a BullDog system in my 01 Dodge and it worked great without any problems.

I just installed a commando in my f250 -- it was a little tricky with all the wires -- but it wasn't to bad if you took your time.

http://www.commandoalarms.com/

If anyone is looking for a low priced alternative to Viper, I carry www.Ultrastarters.com The commando is a remarketed unit sold under many different names. I have a few in stock but do not suggest them unless low price is the most important factor in your purchase decision. Though for the prices posted at commando.com you could purchase the real thing for less as long as you mention it is a OSO member deal when you email or call me.

Andy Buzz