Matt

There are so many remote start choices out there (Hornet, Viper, Compustart, Astrostart, Prestige, etc.). I am confused about which one to go with. Is any of them really that much better than the other? I'm not talking alarm, just remote start. I could sure use some advice here.

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TDiddy

subscribing....i'm interested as well. Only thing I don't like about remote start only is that there would be another remote on the key chain.

midiwall

Commando FM-870. Hard to beat.... a few of us here have 'em.

There's a special running for YT members:
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=72881


In terms of the factory alarm being there as well? Rip it out! I did.

__________________
~ Mark
'96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

fruitstripe

hey i am new to the board but old hat at remote starts. i run a car stereo shop here in louisville and i do about 10 viper remote starts a day. which is a ton. the viper if it is install corectly is the best one out there. with the lifetime warrenty that is nation wide you have tons of people that could look at it and service it if it ever needs to be. if you want a remote start/keyless go with the viper 160xv you should pay aout 249.99 or so. make sure that the shop that installs it offers a lifetime install warrenty and they stand behind there product

__________________
1986 xtra cab with a 93 bed 22re 5speed 4 inch skyjacker suspension lift, 305/70/16 mickey thompson claws

Matt

Thanks Fruitstripe! They're actually getting $297.00 for it installed.

MTL_4runner

I am a fan of the viper systems as well (as you can see the 550ESP in my signature and I also have the 850XV in my Civic which is just an alarm because it is a manual tranny)......you can certainly install them yourself as well and it is quite a bit cheaper, but you won't get the warranty. You can only get a warranty on the Hornet line if you install yourself. I installed all mine myself just because I prefer viper and have never had an issue with any of them.

__________________
- Jamie

1996 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto

Deckplate Mod, Hayden Tranny Cooler, Amsoil Air Filter, OME 881/906 N86C/N91SC Lift

Best OBD II scan tool I have used!.

.....and I am AMERICAN!

Matt

Thanks MTL_4Runner! So far it's Viper all the way.

MTL_4runner

To be fair I have also seen quite a few people install the Commando FM-870 with no problems too, I just prefer Viper myself.
Either would be very good choices.

__________________
- Jamie

1996 4Runner SR5 4X4 Auto

Deckplate Mod, Hayden Tranny Cooler, Amsoil Air Filter, OME 881/906 N86C/N91SC Lift

Best OBD II scan tool I have used!.

.....and I am AMERICAN!

tarheelrunner

After a recent car break in, I may be interested in an aftermarket alarm. Are these alarms really that much better, or harder to bypass, than the factory 3rd gen alarm? They got around mine like it was nothing, so would it really offer a lot more protection to get a commando or viper setup?

__________________
2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

fruitstripe

if you are wanting to do a remote start/alarm on a 3rd gen it would be wise to go with a 560xv. this unit has starter kill an impact sensor and door triggers this unit also has an 1100 to 1300 foot range. now i sell them for 399.99 without the factory key bypass for the remote start. you will pay 49.99 and posibly lose one of your keys if it has a chip in it.

__________________
1986 xtra cab with a 93 bed 22re 5speed 4 inch skyjacker suspension lift, 305/70/16 mickey thompson claws

TDiddy

Did anyone do a writeup on the Commando install?

yellowspeedracer

Sometimes you can integrate the RS into the stock remote. I just did one like that on a new accord. The user presses the button on the stock remote 3x and the car starts.

__________________
Brandon.
02 Tacoma

yellowspeedracer

oh yea, +1 for anything made by Directed (Viper is made by Directed).

If anyone in Denver wants a remote start, I can install it for you.

__________________
Brandon.
02 Tacoma

DrBeau

Just as a note, DEI (Directed) makes the Viper, Clifford, Python, Hornet, Avital, Vallet, and now DesignTech alarms/remote start. DEI is actually right down the road from me (like 4-5 miles).

__________________
-Beau

No, I am not actually a doctor...yet.
-----------
1998 4Runner SR5- 4x4, V6, AT, Factory E-Locker-
Mods: Satoshi Grill, Alpine HU, E-Locker Mod -otherwise Stock (for now)
To come: Music!, Rear Storage/Audio box/Sleep area, York OBA

midiwall

I dunno if Bob did one or not Tom.

Paging Bob... Bob_98SR5 please come to the thread...

It's pretty straight-forward to do... 5-7 wires and you're in.


EDIT: From the Commando Special Offer thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amir904 anyone do a writeup? installation pics?

amir,

No. as much as i wanted to, it would not be good to have that kind of info out in the public domain.

bob

Good point...

__________________
~ Mark
'96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

BennyTRD

I really like the Compustar 2ways. The 2W900FM-AS and the 2WFM-AS. I have them in my Honda and my Toyota. Never had any problems with them and there are simple to use and program. Also very expandable for windows etc... The only thing I like better about the 2W900FM-AS over the 2WFM-AS, is that is doesn't have such a gay song when your vehicle has armed and in start mode. Little bit longer range and a vibrate feature aswell.

__________________
'97 4Runner Limited w/E-Locker
'99 Coils w/TrekMasters
265/75/16 BFG AT's

My Profile

nakman

Because you know how and you're just a hell of a nice guy? Or do you work in/own a shop? I'm getting more interested in putting something in our Runner, if you're a shop I'd be happy to throw the business your way. If not then I won't waste your Saturday I'm sure I can figure it out.

All I need is power locks, right? 96 LTD....

__________________
2001 Taco DC, 96 fzj80, 05 Prius

I make plastic parts, like mic holders, power seat parts, and clear ARB lenses. www.gamiviti.com is my web site. :)

someoneusedmyname

I bought a remote start for less than $50, installed it myself. It has a timer that shuts the vehicle off after 15 minutes, so then it won't run too long if you forget about it or accidently activate it. I also had one that would start by itself, but it also had a timer, otherwise it may have run for a long time and eventually cooked the motor. If you have a standard transmission, make sure it has a neutral safety swithc, because my Golf didn't, and it was in gear and drove off into a parked car, some 100 feet away. THere are lots of fancy starters out there, but really a timer is all you need to save the vehicle. The kit I had also had other safety features.

Designsbyme

I'm going to have to go with Commando. I had one in my last 4Runner, Helped another guy install his and am putting one in my New 4Runner. This thing has seemingly limitless options and is much cheaper than the good ol viper. The only reason people may like viper more is because we all recognize the name. Jump outside the box for a second and try something new. You really can’t beat this alarm.

__________________
1995 4Runner Limited Edition 4x4.
95 Runner. Pro Comp 4" Lift... That's it for now. SOLD 2005
92 Toyota Truck. Sold 2005
TX4Roc.com

jmach1

I have seriously been thinking about a remote start for my Colorado. I know, this is a toyota forum. The dealership says that if I get an after market remote start it will void my warranty. Any ideas on this?
Oh yeah, my fun vehicle is a 87 22ret.

midiwall

It may be true, but it'll be something that you may want to verify with the regional service folks. I'm not a big fan of believing the dealer who's in the position to generate cash flow.

__________________
~ Mark
'96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams

jmach1

I tell ya, right now I would love to say the heck with the warranty and just get one, this weather here sucks right now, freezing my butt off with 0 degrees and snowing.

jimrockford

There isn't a complete write up on the Commando FM-870 but several of us have information we collected and compiled during our installs. I would be willing to share what I have if you pinky swear you won't use it against me.

__________________
Kevin

2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited - Sold
Deckplate Mod, Rear E-Locker, Anytime Locker Mod, Commando FM-870, 2 1/2" Lift, 285/75R16 Bridgestone Dueler Revos
Kenwood XXV-01D, Sirius Sportster Replay, Memphis 16-ST500D, Rockford Fosgate 4.6x, Image Dynamics IDQ-12, CDT EF-61i

Bob_98SR5

give me his number so i can tell him to kiss my magnusson warranty act---and my arse

what a joke that dealership people try to pull off this kind of nonsense

bob

midiwall

I think this is a tricky point though Bob.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act sales that a dealer can't deny warranty claims just because you installed an aftermarket part, but they _can_ pull it if they can show that the aftermarket part caused the problem that you're trying to claim against.

So... If you install Hella lamps, and later make a claim on a tranny problem, then you'd be okay. But if you tried to make a claim on damaged caused by an electrical fire under the hood, and the dealer sees that in your Hella install you didn't fuse them, then you'd have a problem.


(edit)
Whoops... submitted too soon...

Also, there's a clause in the MMWA that states that the manufacturer has an out if they _clearly and explicitly_ state that the additional of any aftermarket equipment will void the warranty.

__________________
~ Mark
'96 4Runner Limited S/C MI - 370cc injectors, Air! horns, Airaid MIT, ATS A-arms, 285/75/R16 BFG MTs, Bored TB, Brembo slotted, Cobra 75 WXST, Deckplate, Downey headers, Hayden cooler, IPT valve body, Level 10 torque convertor, Meanstreak exhaust, OME/OME rears, On-board PC (XM, Nav, WiFi, etc), Port 'n Polish, Remote Start, SAW fronts, Hilux console, SMT-5, Stubb's sliders, Supra MAF, TJM-17, 2.0" pulley, Viair 450c, Walbro 190, Weasy2k cams