Remote Starter Installation Cost
The greatest invention after the internal combustion engine is the remote start of the engine. Especially in winter, on blizzards, snow, frost, etc. but also in summer, when the asphalt melts.
Starting the engine remotely is a function of comfort first of all and secondly, a function of maintenance and prevention for the good operation of the engine and the avoidance of unpleasant situations that involve towing/car shop specialists and additional expenses. The feature is available for a large number of car models, but some models remain limited, enabling only the manufacturer to activate this feature. Also, for older models, the configurations are no longer done considering that it is not worth investing in older models because the costs are not justified.
The remote engine start function allows users to start the engine before reaching the car to bring the temperature in the passenger compartment to the comfort level. This is useful in both cold and warm seasons. The function can be limited by a time interval – for example, 20 minutes, so as not to forget the engine running in case you have changed your program.
How Much Does a Remote Starter Installation Cost?
The price of a remote starter is influenced by a few factors such as the brand, the age of the vehicle, and the features of the remote starter.
When talking about the cost of remote starter installation it will depend on the car’s setup, the type, and the mechanic you choose to go to. Just for the starter, you will have to pay anywhere between $60 and $210 and for the installation another $85 to $160. Overall, plan on spending anywhere between $150 and $420, including the part.
For the most basic remote starter, which will only start, lock, and unlock your vehicle, you will have to pay anywhere between $60 and $80. These estimates are only for the starter, without including the installation costs.
For the remote starter that comes with a car alarm and keyless entry, expect to pay anywhere between $75 and $130.
Be prepared to pay anywhere between $140 and $190 for a remote starter that has an alarm, keyless entry, and security system pager. With the help of this system, you will know if a trunk or door is opened, if the windows are opened, if the car is running, and a lot more. You will get all of this information from up to 2500 feet away.
Expect to pay around $410 for an advanced remote starter which will notify you when the car engine has been turned on and will also help you with turning on the lights. Also, these starters will set customized timers, turn on the defroster, and a lot more.
You might also like our articles about the cost of a car keyless entry installation, garage door opener installation, or the cost of programming a key fob.
You can find car starters for a wide variety of vehicles such as Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Buick, or Ford, at prices of $55 to $130 at many car part stores.
For instance, the price of the highly-rated Bulldog RS1100 remote starter is $70 to $85. This starter can be easily installed, has a range of up to 400 feet, and comes with a 4-button transmitter, plus dedicated start/stop buttons.
In the table below you will find some price estimates for remote starter installation for some of the most popular car models.
| Model | Total with Installation |
|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | $275 to $450 |
| Toyota Camry | $275 to $500 |
| Honda CR-V | $225 to $450 |
| Honda Civic | $225 to $375 |
| Ford Fusion | $200 to $400 |
| Ford Focus | $175 to $325 |
| Ford F-Series | $225 to $450 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | $225 to $425 |
In the table below you will find the average costs just for the installation, charged by some well-known companies.
| Company | Average for JUST The Installation |
|---|---|
| Ziebart | $250 to $450 |
| Walmart | $115 to $350 |
| Pep Boys | $200 to $400 |
| Midas | $180 to $400 |
| Best Buy | FREE (with promotion) to $200+ |
What should be included in these price estimates?
The only thing that will be included is the actual remote starter kit, but it depends on the company you choose. There are companies that will include the installation costs as well, but it rarely happens.
Most remote starters come with two key fobs.
The characteristics of remote staters will vary as there are models that will only start the engine, while others may also include a keyless entry, window defrost, a trunk release, and heated seats.
The majority of remote starters will come with a kind of limited warranty.
The control module will be mounted and the wires will be connected to the starter, door locks, and lights during the installation process. Then will be a keyless entry installed so you will be able to unlock the doors. Also, an alarm will be installed as well, if included.
What are the extra costs?
The installation will be an extra cost in case you purchase the remote starter from a company like Commando. You can ask for installation instructions, but it is recommended to go to a professional. For example, Car Tunes company will install the remote starter for $55 to $110. In case you buy the remote starter from them the installation is done for free.
In case you lose your key fob, then you will have to pay an extra fee to buy a new one or to replace it.
If you are thinking about uninstalling the remote stater, then you should know that you will have to pay the same price as for the installation.
If the remoter stater fails and has to be repaired you will have to pay an additional price. This job can be done by a technician or by a third-party vendor.
Important things to consider
Before buying a remote stater make sure it will work with the make and model of your car.
In case you will install the remote starter at a third-party company make sure it is an authorized dealer.
The majority of manual transmission cars require a push of the clutch in order to start the engine, so the remote starters will not work with these vehicles.
You may also want to install an alarm when installing a remote starter system. This way you will be able to save on an alarm.
Top brands to take into consideration
- Viper
- Astra
- Python
- Bulldog
How can I save money?
Keep an eye out for promotions and sales available from time to time at the majority of the stores.
Buy a remote starter with the basic features as you will not need all the extra characteristics all the time.
Take into consideration the age of the car as on some types of vehicles it will not be worth installing a remote starter.
It would be a good idea to install the remote starter on your own as there are many online tutorials that will guide you through the installation process.
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