I just wanted your impute on what remote starter to get for my 99 f250. It doesn't matter if it has a alarm or not, but would probably be nice. Thanks!

 

do you want any other features?

 

mostly just a simple starter, wanted a good one, but didn't want to get into my wallet too much

 

something like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/DEI-HORNET-REMOT...QQcmdZViewItem would work

 

I am happy with my Ziebart remote start. I have had it for 2-1/2 years now. They even incorporated my XL power locks into the remote. Make sure you schedule for the most experienced installer. Was very resonably priced too. Philip.

 

I know a fair amount about starters, I have one in each of my three vehicles which I have installed myself (actually I have a buddy thats pretty good) and all three are different brands. The first thing I ask is how much is to much??? The reason I ask is because if you can afford it get a 2 way comunicating system, get it! What this does is the remote will tell the status of the vehicle: ie if it started, if the doors are locked ect ect. The other thing is just about all of the 2way starters are pretty decent and have a pretty good range. The one way starters can vary greatly in quality no matter what the dealers tell you. Also get the most range you can afford because I have yet to use any of them that will start a vehicle from the advertised distance.

Now on to brands! I have an Astro Start 2W with alarm on my truck. It's pretty good overall but I have two friends with new ones that say they aren't as good as the previous model (which is the one I have). On a scale of 1 to 10 I'd give it a 6.5. The range is decent. The remote is compact and it has a decent amount of features but it is short on features compared to other models of the same price. cost should be around 400 bones installed.

I have an Innotek Q2000 on my Lumina. This was the first starter I installed on my own vehicle. It has awsome features such as Auto time start, Auto cold start, temp of the car on the remote, and more features than I've seen on anyother car starter/alarm unit. Unfortunatly we've had some problems trying to get replacement parts and cann't find any contact info to the company (only the company that makes E dog collars and they have no recognition of these remote starters) and the local dealer moved away and has a different phone number. The range was about equal to the Astro Start. I'd give this unit a 6 only because I can't find any info or contacts to the company or even a dealer, it's like they disappeared into thin air!!! if it wasn't for this I'd probably give it a 8. and if anyone has any info of a dealer or the company PLEASE let me know as we could use a few new remotes, lol!

I also have an Ultra Start AST XR 2way in my wifes Taurus. This is a new install as of about two weeks ago. It has quite a bit more features than the Asto start but probably just a couple less then the innotek. The range is great I started the car from the hwy while it was at the house and thats over a half mile away although they advertise a 5000ft range I haven't tryed it out that far yet. It by far and way blows the other two out of the water on range alone. The remote is compact but actually has the most information on it of the three. And over the short time I've had it I would give it an 8 to a 9 rating. It also comes with two remotes while the other only came with one.

Now all three of my starters have LCD displays that relay information and give you the status of your vehicle. They are all alarm capabale systems (if you choose to hook all the stuff up) and they all cost about the same give or take $50. being we installed our own none cost me over $175 but all would run $375-$450 installed.

I don't know if I helped but if you have specific questions feel free to ask!

 

Yeh, make sure you don't get a hacker for an installer. We sodder all of our connections and we never actually cut any of the wires were tapping into.

 

I had really good luck with this one I installed myself. Has a lot of nice features for $129.
Deluxe Two-Way Remote Starter / Keyless Entry

 

With all of these remote starts. do you still need the extra key and extra box to wake up the GEM module or is that only on chipped key units. Mine is an 03 and is not chipped.

 

I have installed at least 50 in the past two years. So far the most relaiable remote start i have ever installed. Model CS423 from http://www.12voltshop.com/

 

I have had excellent luck with the Ultra Valet remote start system. I had it in my 99 and transfered it into my 04 Powerstroke no problem. I personally would not be without it. The system is plug and play, nocutting anything, its manufacturer specific. The only extra was a delay timer for the glowplugs...extra 30 bucks. My system cost 189.00 and has lifetime warranty and 2 remotes. Hope this helps.

 

I have an Ultrastart, it has an 1800 ft distance capability and a Turbo Timer for the Diesel engine...

 

mjlevi, JFYI, the new ultra starts have upgraded their range to 5000ft on their two way systems. Has yours been a pretty good unit?

 

My wifes 95 Bronco had an Astro Start in it. It made neat sounds but one day just stopped working.

Put a Viper 550 ESP in the F250 over five years ago and it's been flawless ever since.

Put a Python 871XP in my wifes Excursion last Winter and it works good but the two way option sure does eat the AAA battery.

Put another Python 871XP in the F350 recently.

Circuit City did the installation on all three.

My brothe in law and cousin both have the same Compustar system with the two way and monitor. Nice system but don't drop your keypad unit.

 

I Have The Factory Ford Remote Start. Its A Great No Frills Unit. Its Covered Under My Warranty Also.