I have installed about 10 design tech remote starts but the newest vechicle was a 1996 Olds Aurora. I see Ford has 3 types at the dealership a universal, bronze, and gold. I would like to retain my factory remote entry keyfobs and not have two of them on the keychain. Are the Ford remote starts worth it, easier to hookup than the aftermarket ? They are about 2x as costly and the design tech remotes I used in the past have a good 1000 foot range, handy at work or when you are at the ski slops to have the long range, the Ford remote says 500 feet. all comments welcome thanks !!

 

I just went through the same thing, was trying to decide, didnt want an extra keyfob, wanted long range, etc... I ended up getting a Viper system, was $375 installed, everything is on one fob, has 1000-1200 ft range. Very pricey i know, but it works incredibly, also has an auxilery switch that I can hook any other power function in my car up to(i might do windows/sunroof). I take the train to/from work, and when im pulling into my station, i literally cant even see my car, its in a parking garage at least 1500 ft away, I push the start while still in my seat on the train, and its running when i walk to it 10 mins later. Im really happy with the system, and the install.

 

A friend of mine has the newest iteration of the Gold system on his F-350 diesel. The keyfob also operates the door locks, thus no need to have two fobs on a keychain. I would take a look at the literature on the lesser Ford systems, as I'm fairly sure that their keyfobs operate the door locks as well.