Bad exepriance with Toyota Dealer - they installed cheap remote starter instead the OEM one

Sadly, this was your mistake:
"Assuming that was the OEM remote starter i accepted the deal. "

 

Apparently, you failed to clearly spell out the type of remote starter unit you wanted/expected the dealership to install, so I have to agree with pixelmixer. Chalk it up to a lesson learned the hard way. Sorry!

 

Sorry to hear that dimoman. You never assume anything with dealers...especially dealers in Chicago. You have to make sure and spell it out when you purchase something. That is why I have purchased all my Toyotas in the suburbs of Chicago.

I would talk to the general manager about this and that you were under the impression that the remote start would be OEM Toyota. Otherwise you would not have purchased it. Also, tell him the crock of sh*t the salesperson told you about not being able to get an OEM Toyota remote start installed from the dealer. The best thing is to play dumb and hopefully they will give you some money back since you were under the impression you were going to get an OEM Toyota remote start. At this point I rather keep the aftermarket remote start and have them hack at the wiring again. Lesson learned.

 

If the OEM remote starter was part of the earlier negotiation, then substituting a 3rd party unit without notice is a "Bait and Switch" tactic that is a violation of consumer protection laws in numerous states.

 

I side with the OP.

Yes, you shouldn't assume anything. BUT most dealerships will advertise that a reason to go to them for service and accessories is because they provide "Official Toyota Parts". Plus bottom line, while an owner or buyer shouldn't assume anything, I also think a dealership or service department shouldn't install anything on a owners car without explaining first exactly what it is they are installing.

I think a lot of people would assume that if they went to a dealership and said, I want the remote start for this vehicle, they would be getting the TOYOTA OEM remote start and not some generic aftermarket part. The OP shouldn't of assumed and the dealership if NOT installing the OEM part, should of explained that upfront before installing the part. If they did not, I think they are negligent.

I'd complain to Toyota USA, or Toyota Customer service. A dealer not communicating with a customer or not supporting approved TOYOTA accessories is something they do NOT want. TOYOTA wants dealers to support their products with their parts and accessories so I think the OP might have some leverage. Good Luck.

 

Ummmm - it's been a day - and you've only talked with the original sales person. Maybe you could *try/cry* a bit harder (meaning sales manager at least) before starting world war III... Just my thoughts....

 

Oh man....Chicago dealerships.... sorry to say, but if my experience is in any way indicative, what you're going thru i just the tip of the iceberg. They're so busy taking people's money it's like they don't care.

 

I just bought my Prius IV a week ago. I actually went to Schaumburg because several of the dealers in the City gave me a weird feeling. The people I dealt with were great, they actually forgot the front floor mats and caught me as I was leaving. I would probably email a couple of the services groups so that you have everything is writing stating that and OEM starter is possible. Good Luck!

 

I do not think there is a 3rd party remote starter out for the 2010 Prius?

What brand starter is it?

Do you have both keyfobs or is this a really cheap version that requires the keyfob to remain in the car?

By the way the OEM remote is a piece of junk. I am waiting for a 3rd party version so I can upgrade.

I like what Honda did with theirs.

Honda Remote Starter - Bernardi Honda Parts and Accessories

 

I had the OEM Toyota remote start on my previous V and found it useless. It was already installed on the car when I bought it. Otherwise I would not have opted for it. The range is really short and the car turns off once you unlock the car. This works if you have a drive way to park your car or can park your car in front of the house every day. But, I live in a high rise and that is not an option for me. There are better aftermarket remote starts like Viper or Clifford that have a true 1 mile range and a display on the remote of the status of your car. I am not sure if it is out for the 2010 Prius though. I am sure it can be installed with a knowledgeable installer.

 

Aside from the sleazy way they sold you the Avital unit, they may have done you a favor. The OEM unit is very restricted range, making it next to useless. Try comparing the Avital range to the keyfob lock/unlock range. Tell us what you find.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but what is the point in remote starting a Prius? The warmup cycle is a horrible waste of gas, you should be moving to reap the benefits of it. And it warms up really quickly when it needs to.

 

I second that question. In fact, what is the point of remote start on any vehicle? never seen it offered over here.

 

I learned this lesson a long time ago when I bought a Chevy. I got one without a radio and the dealer threw one in for free. Now you'd think a dealer would use an adapter kit and a wiring harness to make the after market radio fit into the OEM space for a radio right?

Nope. They broke out a jig saw and cut the holes for all the places needed for the radio and speakers.

Never get a dealer install. Save your "free" and go to one of those other shops who specialize in such installs and pay them a few bucks to do it right. Or DIY.

 

LOL,That's priceless...brings a new meaning to Chop Shop!!