Need Remote Car Starter For Christmas Advice.

[Pro-8250]

My daughter wants a remote start for her 2012 Ford Fusion. Can they be started with a smart phone? Are they easy to install? I did look on line but there seems to be so much to choose from and I have never had one before so it's kind of confusing on what to get.

 

[DUKHTR3]

Do yourself a favor and go to your local car audio store and talk to them. I can us a app to start and monitor. There are so many brands I would go with what they recommend sense they will have a warranty. I installed one on a truck once and it took me and a friend 10 hours. So 20 man hours. Definitely wont try that again

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

 

[MX86]

https://www.compustar.com/remote-start/pro-t11

This is what I run in my wife's Wrangler. It's compatible with their Done software so you can use with any Android or iPhone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xc6rider]

Last time i installed one, i did quite a bit of research. Led me to Autostart brand. Installed it and had great luck with it! Install on my '03 Tundra was fairly simple, had good instructions etc, but took me way longer than i wanted to, to do it right.

If i ever need another, im definitely goin with an Autostart model, but probably lean towards having the dealer install it.

http://www.autostart.ca

 

[tadder52]

Compustar or Autostart can't really go wrong. I wouldn't definitely not do it myself.

Buy one of the best you can get. The ratings are for open fields no electronics around. Trying to get it to start in a mall from 1/4 mile away can be a challenge even with a "2 mile range".

Also, a lot put on good deals, "half priced" or what ever, but then they nickle and dime you for the extra modules and such that you need. Put one in the wife's Impala. $700 base price, half off for early in the season discount. Well a 200 dollar module brought it right back up to about the same price. I don't know if that module was included in the original $700 price tag, but it is what it is.

They are damn expensive, but worth it. Happy wife, happy life. I would assume that saying you can insert daughter into as well.

Good Luck.

 

[Pro-8250]

I didn't realize that they were that much. Wow!

 

[xc6rider]

Totally depends. Basic units with install go around $375 here. I was able to find and buy the unit i opted for, bought it for $125 and installed myself.

Alot of the prices youll find are "installed".

But then like said above, additionals... You want the extra button functions (say to make all windows roll up, or security chiped keys bypass etc) can add up.

Do some reasearch into a model you want, and know what all functions to shoot for, then call around. You can try to beat em down on prices, theyll over charge for the units/relays ALOT.

 

[zalez]

Have you checked to see if the car has a remote start option available from the factory? I think the Fusions do but not 100% sure.

 

[mortelec]

There are several companies that make a can bus module that you use your factory remote fob to start it by pressing the lock button 3x. I put one in my wife's car a few years ago and worked great. Cost about $100.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I wouldn't definitely not do it myself.

Ummm...does that mean you would do the install yourself or you would suggest an installer doing it?

 

[meathooker]

If the fusion had an option for a factory remote start it might be easy and cheap to have the dealer ad it. Did that on my 14' xlt f150 for 300ish. No brainier for oem

 

[ryanjeri]

I have a compustar remote start, With Drone Mobile.

I needed a remote that worked from around 1 mile, which was my walk from remote parking lot to my job, so i would start my truck on the way to the lot. I have had autostar, and a couple others in the past, but my current setup has been the best so far.

 

[tadder52]

Ummm...does that mean you would do the install yourself or you would suggest an installer doing it?

Grammer is hard.

I would pay for install 999 out of 1000 times.

 

[bobback]

Factory remotes typically have no range - so works well if vehicle is sitting in driveway. Plus they are not 2 way so you don't know if vehicle has started. This is based on experience with factory remote start on 15 Ford diesel.

I have on my car a Clifford 2 way - great range and you know your vehicle has started. Installed by car shop was either $400 or $500 for everything.

I think to start vehicle / tie into smart phone there is a monthly fee.

 

[bradburck]

Put a Viper 2-way on the wife's 2015 fusion... has great range, she can start it from work and the two way lets her know it started out in the parking garage. Had Bestbuy do it.. it was a long job and one I wouldn't undertake on my own.. plus got us a lifetime warranty on the install, etc... was like $450 around this time last year I believe. Totally worth it.

 

[meathooker]

Factory remotes typically have no range - so works well if vehicle is sitting in driveway. Plus they are not 2 way so you don't know if vehicle has started. This is based on experience with factory remote start on 15 Ford diesel.

I have on my car a Clifford 2 way - great range and you know your vehicle has started. Installed by car shop was either $400 or $500 for everything.

I think to start vehicle / tie into smart phone there is a monthly fee.

the factory ford ones seem to have a decent range - probably 200' ish.

I had an aftermarket Arctic Ice that worked for 1/4" mile and had the 2 way portion on a diesel a few years ago and it wouldnt consistently work. Maybe I had a lemon???