Remote Car Starter for 2004 ES

[David Z]

With the cold weather here, I'm thinking about getting a remote car starter
on my 2004 ES. Called the Lexus dealer and they want $455 to install ($180
parts and $275 labor). They would install my valet key in the dashboard
(for the fob). If I want them to cut an extra valet key to put in the
dashboard, the want another $125. The device will work with my current key
(no need for separate remote unit). To start the car, I would hit lock 3
times. There's no confirmation feature and the device would only work about
30 feet away, just like my current key features (lock, unlock, trunk).

I also called a local installation place that was well recommended. They
use Directed Electronics equipment including Viper and Avital. They want
$229 to install a basic unit. The problem is that with Lexus/Toyota cars,
when the engine is running, the other key features (lock, unlock, trunk) are
disabled. That means that once the car is started, I would need to key open
the door the old fashion way (i.e., the buttons would be disabled). To get
around that, I would need spend another $50 to get a unit with auto door
lock/unlock & trunk capabilities. Also, for another $100, I could get a
unit that confirms when the car is started. These units claim to work up to
2000' away.

Any thoughts/comments? I'm reluctant to have after-market equipment
installed on my car. My past experience tells me that after-market
equipment tends to be problematic.

[Ray O]

Post by David Z
With the cold weather here, I'm thinking about getting a remote car
starter on my 2004 ES. Called the Lexus dealer and they want $455 to
install ($180 parts and $275 labor). They would install my valet key in
the dashboard (for the fob). If I want them to cut an extra valet key to
put in the dashboard, the want another $125. The device will work with my
current key (no need for separate remote unit). To start the car, I would
hit lock 3 times. There's no confirmation feature and the device would
only work about 30 feet away, just like my current key features (lock,
unlock, trunk).
I also called a local installation place that was well recommended. They
use Directed Electronics equipment including Viper and Avital. They want
$229 to install a basic unit. The problem is that with Lexus/Toyota cars,
when the engine is running, the other key features (lock, unlock, trunk)
are disabled. That means that once the car is started, I would need to
key open the door the old fashion way (i.e., the buttons would be
disabled). To get around that, I would need spend another $50 to get a
unit with auto door lock/unlock & trunk capabilities. Also, for another
$100, I could get a unit that confirms when the car is started. These
units claim to work up to 2000' away.
Any thoughts/comments? I'm reluctant to have after-market equipment
installed on my car. My past experience tells me that after-market
equipment tends to be problematic.

When I was a factory rep for Toyota, the most common cause of electrical
problems like no-start, stalling, battery drain, etc. was aftermarket
security and remote starter systems. As far as I know, Toyota/Lexus did not
offer a remote start system as a factory or dealer installed accessory so
they are all aftermarket.

As much as a remote start system would be nice on very cold or hot days, I'd
pass and let the very good automatic climate control system and
heated/cooled seats do their job.

[David Z]

Post by Ray O

Post by David Z
With the cold weather here, I'm thinking about getting a remote car
starter on my 2004 ES. Called the Lexus dealer and they want $455 to
install ($180 parts and $275 labor). They would install my valet key in
the dashboard (for the fob). If I want them to cut an extra valet key to
put in the dashboard, the want another $125. The device will work with
my current key (no need for separate remote unit). To start the car, I
would hit lock 3 times. There's no confirmation feature and the device
would only work about 30 feet away, just like my current key features
(lock, unlock, trunk).
I also called a local installation place that was well recommended. They
use Directed Electronics equipment including Viper and Avital. They want
$229 to install a basic unit. The problem is that with Lexus/Toyota
cars, when the engine is running, the other key features (lock, unlock,
trunk) are disabled. That means that once the car is started, I would
need to key open the door the old fashion way (i.e., the buttons would be
disabled). To get around that, I would need spend another $50 to get a
unit with auto door lock/unlock & trunk capabilities. Also, for another
$100, I could get a unit that confirms when the car is started. These
units claim to work up to 2000' away.
Any thoughts/comments? I'm reluctant to have after-market equipment
installed on my car. My past experience tells me that after-market
equipment tends to be problematic.

When I was a factory rep for Toyota, the most common cause of electrical
problems like no-start, stalling, battery drain, etc. was aftermarket
security and remote starter systems. As far as I know, Toyota/Lexus did
not offer a remote start system as a factory or dealer installed accessory
so they are all aftermarket.
As much as a remote start system would be nice on very cold or hot days,
I'd pass and let the very good automatic climate control system and
heated/cooled seats do their job.

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for your comments, Ray.

[Ray O]

Post by David Z

Post by Ray O

Post by David Z
With the cold weather here, I'm thinking about getting a remote car
starter on my 2004 ES. Called the Lexus dealer and they want $455 to
install ($180 parts and $275 labor). They would install my valet key in
the dashboard (for the fob). If I want them to cut an extra valet key
to put in the dashboard, the want another $125. The device will work
with my current key (no need for separate remote unit). To start the
car, I would hit lock 3 times. There's no confirmation feature and the
device would only work about 30 feet away, just like my current key
features (lock, unlock, trunk).
I also called a local installation place that was well recommended.
They use Directed Electronics equipment including Viper and Avital.
They want $229 to install a basic unit. The problem is that with
Lexus/Toyota cars, when the engine is running, the other key features
(lock, unlock, trunk) are disabled. That means that once the car is
started, I would need to key open the door the old fashion way (i.e.,
the buttons would be disabled). To get around that, I would need spend
another $50 to get a unit with auto door lock/unlock & trunk
capabilities. Also, for another $100, I could get a unit that confirms
when the car is started. These units claim to work up to 2000' away.
Any thoughts/comments? I'm reluctant to have after-market equipment
installed on my car. My past experience tells me that after-market
equipment tends to be problematic.

When I was a factory rep for Toyota, the most common cause of electrical
problems like no-start, stalling, battery drain, etc. was aftermarket
security and remote starter systems. As far as I know, Toyota/Lexus did
not offer a remote start system as a factory or dealer installed
accessory so they are all aftermarket.
As much as a remote start system would be nice on very cold or hot days,
I'd pass and let the very good automatic climate control system and
heated/cooled seats do their job.

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for your comments, Ray.

You're welcome!

[gallen]

Very Easy answer to this, three words - DON'T DO IT

The pricing you mention is very typical for a Lexus dealer.

If you do decide to proceed I would ask how much current does this
proposed system draw from the battery?

You'd be far better off running outside and start the car letting it
idle for five (5) minutes then be on your way. $455.00 would buy you
about 144 gallons of gas; how much gas do you used by letting the car
idle for five minutes per instance?

Post by David Z
With the cold weather here, I'm thinking about getting a remote car starter
on my 2004 ES.  Called the Lexus dealer and they want $455 to install ($180
parts and $275 labor).  They would install my valet key in the dashboard
(for the fob).  If I want them to cut an extra valet key to put in the
dashboard, the want another $125.  The device will work with my current key
(no need for separate remote unit).  To start the car, I would hit lock 3
times.  There's no confirmation feature and the device would only work about
30 feet away, just like my current key features (lock, unlock, trunk).
I also called a local installation place that was well recommended.  They
use Directed Electronics equipment including Viper and Avital.  They want
$229 to install a basic unit.  The problem is that with Lexus/Toyota cars,
when the engine is running, the other key features (lock, unlock, trunk) are
disabled.  That means that once the car is started, I would need to key open
the door the old fashion way (i.e., the buttons would be disabled).  To get
around that, I would need spend another $50 to get a unit with auto door
lock/unlock & trunk capabilities.  Also, for another $100, I could get a
unit that confirms when the car is started.  These units claim to work up to
2000' away.
Any thoughts/comments?  I'm reluctant to have after-market equipment
installed on my car.  My past experience tells me that after-market
equipment tends to be problematic.