Remote starter install on LX450 or heated seats?

[bowyer2002]

My wife is asking about having me do this remote starter install.

Has anyone else done the install is it really hard or complex?

It seems cost prohibitive to spend $300-400 just to warm up the truck in the winter!

I am also thinking that heated seats would be better - any thoughts?

[hntashdjian]

I just had a remote starter/alarm installed couple of days ago. I went with the Viper 5900. It looks like a nice unit, and it has the "1 mile" range, but I dont think it will reach 1 mile in most conditions. The remote starter works good, but sometimes it does not fire up on the first attempt, but always does on the second. The unit does this automatically.

I paid $450.00 installed. I think I overpayed just a little, but the installer really knows what hes doing, as ive used him in the past, and I am really happy. Now I feel a little more comforatable knowing that if the alarm goes off, then my remote vibrates and warns me.


Harry

[Jrob80]

I got the Viper alarm/remote start I only have 1/4 mile range (they didn't make the other ranges untill after I got mine installed ) $400 installed. I love it I think I may use it more in the summer time then in the winter. On top of that you get piece of mind with the alarm system.

What is nice about the Viper they have the key fob (spelling) that shows you when the car is running or if someone is trying to break into your car!

[NLXTACY]

You would get more use out of heated seats in the long run I would think. Although....remote start is nice on 115º days when you want the truck to cool down before you burn off the back of legs when sitting down in shorts.

[bowyer2002]

I didn't consider the cool down factor as well as heating in the winter time.

But I come from the old school of owning old VW's where being too cold and too hot were just part of it. I can't convince my that a little sufferage is good for your soul and makes you appreciate things more!

I figure that the seat heaters will run about $300 installed anyway - so maybe I should buck-up and get the remote starter for just a little more $$$.....

[jditom]

I think having your LC idle to warm it up before you get in it is a waste of gas. I would go with the seat heaters. My loves them on her car.

[Doc]

You guys are getting ripped off!

I paid $200 to have the LOCAL TOYOTA dealership install a remote start in my truck. In cold climates I think the remote start is good for the truck. Most folks start driving within 30 seconds of starting their rig. Starting it 5 minutes before you're ready to go allows the oil and coolant to get warmed up before the rig starts really putting out power.

[bowyer2002]

Doc,

Do you know the toyota part # or more info on who did your installation? I live in NE MO just 30 miles from Iowa and it may be worth the drive to save $200.

Thanks!

[Jrob80]

[quote=Doc;3419259]You guys are getting ripped off!quote]

I don't know about that??? Look at it this way, right now I am sure you could buy the 2 mile range Viper/remote start for probably $450 or so (some even come with GPS so that if your car is stolen you can go see where it is or heading to)

This is a very nice alarm system my key fob shows me that my car is started if someone try's to break in the fob beeps so you know something is going on. And I got 2 fobs

Yes $200 is a great price for getting remote start installed but I also have a very nice alarm system which I believe will help deter someone from breaking in or even stealing my LC. On top of that I now have keyless entry into my LC. IMHO I think it is worth the extra $$$$

Viper - Vehicle Security | Remote Start | GPS Tracking - here is a link to Viper pretty cool stuff!

[slinger5150]

If you are considering doing it yourself, you'll need the wire color codes for your year and basic knowledge of wiring. Depending on the brand you use, you may need to wire a few relays to get it to work also. I did it in about 2 hours, but I use to do that stuff for a living.

[4xoddic]

Originally Posted by bowyer2002

My wife is asking about having me do this remote starter install.

I am also thinking that heated seats would be better - any thoughts?

Hmmm, as my LX450 has neither, I've been thinking along these lines.

Remote start = since I'm retired, I've become the valet = start up Cruiser; remove ice &/or snow from windows as appropriate. Defrost F & R; heater is toasty when leaves for 3 mi. trek to work. Probably better on it than the other 9 months of the year = start & go short distance.

Alarm system = no personal experience. But, in the last month:

(1) I witnessed my BIL trying to figure out why his son's GF's Prizm won't start again. Son, O'Reilly's AP asst. mgr., has new generic ignition switch to install. HOURS later, I hear that the real problem was a faulty alarm relay.

(2) Call Sis. She's = husband's F.O.R.D. F150 (1st yr. of last version of Product mfg. now claims has Toyota QC) won't start. Happens all the time. Something to do w/alarm. Has happened since new. I ask if it's been honking for 45 min. she's been trying to start it? NOPE, the dealership just disconnected the horn years ago. She would've taken her CRV, but he's biking w/buddy 160 mi. away (F150 = sag wagon, or maybe that's SAD wagon?). Later in week, check back. Total time to start: 1 hr. 15 min..

From QC I've seen from dealers & aftermarket audiophile car AV system installers' use of Scotchlok taps, I would not want anyone I wasn't observing install a remote OR heated seats in my vehicles. Solder & heat shrink is a lost art, I guess.

Oh yeah, BIL did confirm that yes, his son knows NOT to use Scotchloks. Had to admit son does push the little packets of Gremlins over-the-counter.

Just my $0.02. If you're skeptical, ask a friend or relative to open up a Scotchlok to show you the 1 or 2 strands of wire not cut when installed improperly. Can't say I've ever seen one installed properly (one size/color is not for all gauges of wire, fella).

[Atoyot1031]

I'd go with the remote start as it is useful in both the winter and summer. Besides, I grew up in Missoura, and your winters aren't that bad.

Anyone every have this experience in heated seats: As the seat starts to heat up, I get the sensation that I've gotta drop a deuce. Seriously, it goes away after a few minutes when my body realizes that it's a warm seat, but there is some weird physiological thing that takes place for me there...

[Doc]

Originally Posted by bowyer2002

Doc,

Do you know the toyota part # or more info on who did your installation? I live in NE MO just 30 miles from Iowa and it may be worth the drive to save $200.

Thanks!

I don't know the part number- I had it done at Fort Dodge Ford/ Lincoln/ Merc./ Toyota. I was so surprised at the quote they gave me I dropped it off the next day.