Remote Car Starters....anybody have one?

Want to buy for my sister for christmas. I see it at Target for $80. I assume though that it has to be installed by a mechanic? How much does that typically cost? And if sis has remote entry into her car with alarm system does that effect which type of starter i buy???? Clueless.
Thanks for the help.

I just posted on this a couple weeks ago!

FH has a newer car, 2003, and has a computer chip in his key, in addition to a remote entry and alarm system. I am buying him the remote starter for xmas, and I can't use the cheap ones because of the computer chip/alarm.

It is over $100 to have it installed, PLUS you need to supply the mechanic with an extra key that will be destroyed.

They take the extra key, break it, and insert it in the starter (under the hood). This tricks the car into thinking that the key is in the ignition. If you have a computer chip in the key, you will have to get another key from the dealer where she purchased the car, and that can run about $75-85 too.

Try PC Richards - I don't know where you're located, but if you check the PC Richard Website and click on store locator (left side of the page), it will tell you which locations have a carport. You can purchase the starter there and they will install it.

Sorry to be so long winded, but I've been researching this for weeks- FH and I decided on SMALL gifts this yr (under $50, saving saving saving!!!), but it looks like I can't find anything cheaper than $215 + tax for everything.

EDITED to fix link! And to add- this is a HOT gift this year- I hope you are able to get an appointment!!!

I had one put in my Ford Escape, and it was done at the dealership. I think if you go through them it costs about 200-400 dollars.

Since my father works there, I got it for free!!

shorty is unfortunately right about having to use the key.

My DH just had one installed in my car and I absolutely LOVE it! I was able to start my car while waiting on like at the supermarket check out counter and when I got to my car, it was nice and toasty.

I have also been using it to start my car from my classroom so by the time I am ready to leave, again, nice and toasty!

We do have to purchase another key. DH had to use my vallet key and to get another one for my car it will be $90. I'm not too happy about that, but with all that I mentioned above it's a money sacrifice I am willing to make!

I was just glad that it was my DH's idea and not mine- otherwise I would never hear the end of it

good luck!

Lora

WoW! Thanks for the quick and detailed responses. Sounds like a rather complicated gift to get my sister. Don't know if she's still under warranty (i checked the old posts and seems like this matters), don't know if she has a chip in her key, etc. I always seems more expensive to get things done thru the dealership. Don't know what i'm gonna do yet.

Stefanie - nothing beats free...that's awesome!

Shorty...which starter did you buy and how much was it? Thanks a bunch.

Thanks again for all the info...you all just saved me hours of research. My head is definately spinning

I think it depends on the car.
Mind does NOT have a computer chip in the key (2004 sentra).. so they did not have to destroy a key. PC Richards sold the reomte-start and installation for $175.

Check to see what kind of car it is, and if it has a computer chip key....

Best buy sells them too... or any 'auto sound' place should do it ( But I would definately buy it at the same place you install it, it's usually cheaper than if you buy one seperatley)

hope that helps.