Gen II - Prius remote starter What kind [brand] to get?

I'm interested also

 

Does anyone know of a shop that would do it? I took it to a few around me here near Chicago and they all said that they couldn't do it. I'd be willing to take a vacation with my car to get one put in!

 

I just had the VIPER 5706v installed with SmartStart at Certified Car Audio off Miramar Rd in San Diego. They used a DBall adapter harness as well. Works awesome!

 

for what? it doesn't ever get cold where you live. must be nice...

 

Moving to Canada at the end of the month...having to winterize my car including installing a block heater.

 

wow. big change, huh? gonna put some snow tires on the oe wheels I guess...

 

They make a not too expensive winter 215/35R19 tire I'm going to use.

 

Ski.dive (OP)... you might not get a huge response on here because I think a significant portion of the Prius drivers here feel that a remote start defeats the purpose of the Prius. Remote start will start the car and allow it to run warming up while moving nowhere, when the Prius is most efficient warming up as you drive. It will decrease your mpg's and increase fuel consumption/dependence and greenhouse emissions too.

NOW thats what the thought process is on the forums with some people - not all - and certainly, by all means, its your Prius to do with as you please. However, I dont think you will find an overwhelming reponse on this particular topic.

I am fortunate to have several shops in my area (Metro Detroit) that specialize in vehicle customization. I have gone hopping to each store to check out what product they sell and get to actually see one of the systems work on a car that they just worked on. I do not have remote start on my Prius, because I garage it and have an engine block heater I run when its cold out - this was cheaper to install than a remote start and the car is warm when I pull away every morning. My winter mpg's go down ever slightly because of this. Have you looked into an engine block heater instead?

I would recommend you check out your area for stores that install remote start systems, and at least go to 1 or 2 of them and feel/see the products out before you buy. But also consider installing an EBH.

 

Op said that he’s going to install engine block heater anyway. You should have block heater if it’s that cold. Even if Prius starts fine in -35c or -31F (actual temperature) doing that will wear it out faster.

Block heater and interior heater should get it warm enough to start comfortable driving right away. But of course if you want remote starter install it.

 

No he didnt. Another poster did, however.

 

Did you guys notice the initial post is over a year back?

My 2 cents: remote starts are just wrong. Walking the dog this sunny morning, a bit up the block someone's got a visitor with some sorta low rider pick up. Nobody in the cab, idling away. Maybe 15 minutes later, look out the kitchen window: still running.

 

can't fix stupid...

 

Ya, but Benjas96 revived it...

Wrong? They help warm up ( or cool down) the inside of your car, making your driving experience more enjoyable. Remote starts allow you to warm up the engine to help with longevity (notice I didn't mention MPG). They help with Safety by allowing the windows, mirrors and lights to defrost for better viewing for those who don't have the luxury of parking in a garage. Also, Usually Remotes help Re-sell Value and most of them include alarms that have Security Features.

Doesn't seem wrong to me...

 

wrong isn't the correct word, but I wouldn't even think of letting someone chop into my wiring with those damn t-taps or worse to put that crap on my car. I can deal with a few minutes of cold in the morning, but then I don't live in Canada. worst it gets is about 5f around here. I would feel much different if mornings were regularly below 0.

 

Sadly true. Its currently -30f there right now. I'm gonna miss this mid 70s F weather. Hopefully it will only be for a year or two.

 

ok ok I'll retract the wrong.