OT: Remote Starters

[Ragby]

Calling all car specialists -- what options are there for getting a remote starter installed on my car? I have a 2007 Volvo s80. Dealership said they can't install one. BestBuy quoted me ~$350 for parts and installation, which doesn't sound terrible. I'm not sure how to research this because I don't know anything about cars.

Anyone used BestBuy before? I don't think I've bought anything there since 1998. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated! We're moving from a condo with a heated garage to a house without a garage, so we're trying to lessen the blow a bit.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

I would avoid Best Buy, most people ive seen there are amateurs, plus all European cars are picky with electronics. I recommend ABT electronics as my top installer followed by this local shop on Western & Rockwell (forgot the name) as my second. Also, do not skimp on brands as that will cost you. Use DEI products like Viper, Clifford, or Avital.

 

[JB63]

Have you tried AutoZone or even Amazon? From my recollection they sell some DIY kits.

If you want to do a remote-start with the car IN the garage, gotta make sure you open the garage door first (of course).

 

[Ragby]

Thanks guys. I'll look into Abt and the place on Western/Rockwell (as that's nearby.) We don't have a garage anymore, so no need to worry about keeping the garage door open.

 

[PSam]

Showtime Audio on North Ave. I've had a Viper 5901 install by them running flawlessly for years.

 

[Ragby]

Thanks!

 

[GumbyIl]

I pull a ton of those out of cars because they puke and the car won't start. Having some idiot at a car stereo place hack into your ignition and start circuits is just asking for problems.

Man up and start your car like the rest of us.

 

[Hodge1995]

After having one on my new f150 I wont have another without remote start, just to handy.

 

[DgenR8]

I pull a ton of those out of cars because they puke and the car won't start. Having some idiot at a car stereo place hack into your ignition and start circuits is just asking for problems.

Man up and start your car like the rest of us.

The installation is pretty straight forward. If you work in a car audio/security place, it's reasonable to expect you can handle it. I've always been partial to Viper, but Clifford makes quality stuff, too.
I would have less trust in a place like best buy, as they are not car people.

 

[Ragby]

Gumby, thanks for the warning. It's a chance I'm probably going to take, though with a reputable place like Showtime. I lost my man pants a long time ago when I got a Volvo.

 

[Fish_wiz2]

I pull a ton of those out of cars because they puke and the car won't start. Having some idiot at a car stereo place hack into your ignition and start circuits is just asking for problems.

Man up and start your car like the rest of us.

GumbyIl does have a valid point as ive had to yank units out of some of my own cars myself due to buying them used with these cheaper brands poorly installed. I believe the key is to seek a reputable installer and use reputable brands. Ive installed viper's myself and never had a problem. But when i used cheaper brands like autopage, my security and ignition hits the roof....

 

[DgenR8]

I lost my man pants a long time ago when I got a Volvo.

I've had 3 or 4 Volvos in my time. They're pumped up as being really safe, but I don't buy into that. The right collision is going to kill you no matter what car you drive. That said, they are reliable, mileage was always good, they're just expensive to repair, like as expensive as Mercedes, and Volvo just doesn't compare to ME/BE otherwise