Aftermarket Remote Starters start to look a little better

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by Gelacy

Did you go to CarToys to get it installed? And is there a reason why you went with the 4203v from Viper?

CarToys looks like a decent place but we have none in NJ. I went to the Viper website and did a dealer search for my zip and picked one listed as a Preferred Dealer and one I knew woud be a smaller shop. Not that big electronics chains like BB are bad. I just think your chances of a quality install are better with the smaller specialized shops.
I went with the Viper 4203v beacuse it is one of the few made for a car with a remote electronic key. You can't do away with your Subaru key so why carry another remote with with lock/unlock buttons. The Viper is a very small one button remote that fits nicely on your keychain. 2000' range is also very nice. 2 way feedback lets you know your car has actually started. Avital makes a similiar less expensive one (4113) with less range and no feedback but still a **** of a lot better than the one Subaru gives you with the SAP model.

[Gelacy]

Originally Posted by mpnret

CarToys looks like a decent place but we have none in NJ. I went to the Viper website and did a dealer search for my zip and picked one listed as a Preferred Dealer and one I knew woud be a smaller shop. Not that big electronics chains like BB are bad. I just think your chances of a quality install are better with the smaller specialized shops.
I went with the Viper 4203v beacuse it is one of the few made for a car with a remote electronic key. You can't do away with your Subaru key so why carry another remote with with lock/unlock buttons. The Viper is a very small one button remote that fits nicely on your keychain. 2000' range is also very nice. 2 way feedback lets you know your car has actually started. Avital makes a similiar less expensive one (4113) with less range and no feedback but still a **** of a lot better than the one Subaru gives you with the SAP model.

So basically you're able to unlock and lock your Subaru with the OEM remote even after the install?

I considered Best Buy for a tiny bit but I've heard horror stories about aftermarket remote engine starter installs so I'm just going to choose one of the smaller shops in my area. It's still a worry for me since they specialize in auto sound and aftermarket remote engine starters but I guess it's better than going to a large chain store like Best Buy.

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by Gelacy

So basically you're able to unlock and lock your Subaru with the OEM remote even after the install?

I considered Best Buy for a tiny bit but I've heard horror stories about aftermarket remote engine starter installs so I'm just going to choose one of the smaller shops in my area. It's still a worry for me since they specialize in auto sound and aftermarket remote engine starters but I guess it's better than going to a large chain store like Best Buy.

Yes the OEM remote still works. Here is a pic showing how small the remote is next to the key. Click on it for a bigger pic.

[adymax]

I got Viper 5301 installed at BB about a year ago and very happy with it. BB gets more traffic and installers are trained and more familiar since they do many installations. I wouldn’t trust a small shop but that’s me.

[JCBERB]

So in addition to the Viper system I have to purchase a Dball data transponder bypass kit?

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by JCBERB

So in addition to the Viper system I have to purchase a Dball data transponder bypass kit?

Yes. The viper 4203v is 299. installed plus 100 for the transponder bypass. Prices are pretty much controlled by viper

[TarmacDaddy]

I also have a 2013 Outback (actually my wife's) and I'm at a crossroads here with the Remote Start decision. I am a little cautious about going aftermarket.

OEM Remote Start kit vs. aftermarket unit such as the Viper 4203v that OP has described....hmmm?

Viper 4203v
Viper - Viper Responder One 2-Way Remote Start System

What about the optional SmartStart module for the Viper alarm iPhone users? I read a lot of bad reviews since the latest software update, but it seems like a pretty cool feature for iPhone users once it's working correctly...although its doubtful if SmartStart is worth the $299 price just yet. I also read somewhere that there is a $29 annual service fee for this as well.

I'm not asking to be convinced to go Viper vs. OEM, but I certainly appreciate any details Pros/Cons of either system as I'm still learning about the two.

OEM RS:
$330+ Retail Price
Fairly small remote
400+ ft range
After remote start, open door and car shuts off. Seems to defeat the purpose of the kit, however seems to protect the starter from the owner turning the key too far.
Double-click the OEM button to start
Putting your foot on the brake pedal (before the key in ignition) will shut off the car?

Viper:
$299 price includes installation
$100 transponder bypass needed
Small remote
Farther range (2,000 ft?)
Did I read there is an option to program door locks?
Room to grow with optional SmartStart iPhone app/module ($299)

With either choice, the user would still need to use their keys. And speaking of keys, I'm curious if using the Viper kit means the user has to be extra careful when putting the key into the ignition and into the ON position?

I'm leaning towards the Viper at this point...just need a little more clarity to ensure this is more convenient vs. inconvenient for my wife.

[JCBERB]

I have the factory RS, the SAP models have far less range at about 70ft compared to the key start models at 400ft ( I wish I had at least that much). I like the simplicity of it being plug and play, but the short range and the shutting off upon opening doors makes me regret my decision. I am more likely going to go with a Viper system later on. If your going to do it I say go with the Viper, it has better range, and a two way small remote. In addition the vehicle will not shut off when you open the doors. Whatever you pick hope it works well for your wife.

[TarmacDaddy]

Thanks for the reply and advice. I'm 99% sure I'm going with the same viper 4203v as mentioned here. My only concern is damage to the starter if she puts the key in while its already running and turns it too far. I'm not sure if this is a real issue or not.

The buggy SmartStart iPhone app looks to actually be $199, so that's a potential future purchase. It allows you to also lock/unlock the car with your phone which is really helpful. However I am thinking this lock/unlock feature would only work if I bought a more full scale Viper alarm rather than just a remote starter?

My next step will be to talk to an installer at Best Buy.

[mpnret]

Originally Posted by TarmacDaddy

OEM RS:
$330+ Retail Price
Fairly small remote
400+ ft range
After remote start, open door and car shuts off. Seems to defeat the purpose of the kit, however seems to protect the starter from the owner turning the key too far.
Double-click the OEM button to start
Putting your foot on the brake pedal (before the key in ignition) will shut off the car?

Viper:
$299 price includes installation
$100 transponder bypass needed
Small remote
Farther range (2,000 ft?)
Did I read there is an option to program door locks?
Room to grow with optional SmartStart iPhone app/module ($299)

With either choice, the user would still need to use their keys. And speaking of keys, I'm curious if using the Viper kit means the user has to be extra careful when putting the key into the ignition and into the ON position?

I'm leaning towards the Viper at this point...just need a little more clarity to ensure this is more convenient vs. inconvenient for my wife.

I self installed the factory RS in my 2010 Legacy, ordered the factory RS in my 2010 OB and just had the Viper 3203v installed in my 2013 OB. I will try to answer some of your questions.
Regarding the OEM unit, $330. sounds a little cheap for a dealer purchase and install. I would check your local dealer prices. Most quotes I have seen have been in the $550. + range. Other than that everything you said about the OEM is right.
Regarding the Viper 4203v the price is correct. Viper pretty much controls their dealer pricing so they should all be the same. I am sure there are always exceptions. Doors can be unlocked with the RS remote by pushing the RS button after the car has been remote started. You can also have ignition controlled door locks, where they will lock when you turn the key to on and unlock when it is turned to off. Plus buttons on your key still work. All these features are included in the standard installation price. Also no problem with turning the key too far. Nothing happens. I checked it many times. SmartStart seems to have a lot of issues and complaints. Also you have to pay ongoing for the service. They just introduced a new SmartStart which does not require the service but because it goes directly from phone to the car the distance is limited to 200'. It works with the 4203v and cost was $199. but I declined, even though it would have been neat to tell Siri to start my car.
Some suggestions:
Stay away from installs at big box electronics stores. There are so many horror stories. (I even have one of my own) I am sure they do many good installs but when you have a bunch of semi trained high school kids doing the work there is a lot of room for error. Tip: When you go to BB and ask some of the standard questions does the kid seem to know the answers or does it seem like he is guessing?
Moving upstream, even in the Viper line does not always get you a better product. Find a model with many happy users.
Whatever unit you go with download the owners manual ahead of time and discuss each feature you expect to work with the installer. Big box stores like to leave out standard things sometimes like parking light flash.
Discuss where the antenna is going to be located, especially if you have EyeSight. Many big box stores like to leave the antenna up in the dash someplace which greatly reduces your range but makes their job easier.
Make sure they are using the proper transponder bypass and you do not have to give up your valet key.
Also make sure they are not going to permanetly bypass your immobilizer. To clarify: There is an id chip in the electronics end of your key thet allows your your car to start. Right now if you cover the head of your key with aluminum foil and try to start the car it won't start. If it starts with the aluminum foil on the key after the RS install they permanetly bypassed your immobilizer. There is a guy with an OB on the forum who had a high end Viper installed at BB. They did this plus the other usual BB screw ups. I'll post a link if I can find it.