I've checked all the recent threads and haven't seen any new comments on remote start. We live in Minnesota and my wife is used to using remote start. Our Toyota dealer said a remote start is now available. Here's a link to the site - Prius  Specific Accessories you can click on the link next to the remote start to take you to all the remote start options. Judging from the picture on the Prius accessories page, it would seem this model should work: AutoStart AS-2450vTW 2-Way LED Anybody have experience with successfully installing a remote start on the Prius? Thanks!
my toyota dealer in knoxville, tn said we could do a remote start, but could not do the "keep your key in your pocket" smart thing...we would have to use the pushbutton on the keyless remote. really like not messing with keys...so we opted out.
You couldn't use the Proximity key when using the remote start or you couldn't use the Proximity key once the remote start system was installed? I think you're talking about the latter which would be rather inconvenient. If it's only a matter of having to insert the fob when using the remote start then I don't think that's too bad.
I understand I won't lose a key but based on Skynight's comments I wanted to ensure installing a remote start doesn't totally disable the Proximity key feature. I can live with the fact that you can't use the proximity key when engaging the remote start. I agree a remote start is not fuel efficient but we could only get our hands on a package 6 2008 Prius with leather seats. Since Minnesota mornings can be downright brutal, my wife would prefer heated seats (which are also offered by Walser Toyota) and a remote start. Since she used remote start the last few winters with her V6 Hyundai Sonata, I still believe we're further ahead this year if we use remote start with the Prius. Although, I'm sure when she sees her avg. MPG go from 46.7MPG to something like 25MPG, she might opt not to use it as much.
Fuel economy on my last car went down 3-4 mpg if using the remote starter 5mins every time (twice a day). I only used it below -20 degrees C (-4F) approx. One dealer here did offer a remote starter for the Prius. Another dealer said it would void the warranty because it forces a modification of the starting system.
Engine block heater might be more (cost) efficient when garaged... and you get that cool plug-in prius look! :-P
Our new car purchase also hinged on the availability of remote start. We got the Prius even though it did not come equiped with it. The Prius warms up much faster than any other vehicle we have ever owned and the leather seats seem to get warm pretty fast even without heaters. The leather in my Outback will chill you to the bones without the heaters on even after the car is warm inside.
Ahem. Huntington low temperature in January is about 25 F - but Minneapolis low temperature in January is about 4 F... I want a remote start! - Jim
Argh! You live in a cold climate in winter....dress for it. Remote starter in a Prius is just wrong. Agree with the ebh if you use a timer and don't leave it plugged in all night (unless you really need that... like at -50C)
