Remote starters offer unparalleled convenience, especially during harsh weather conditions. Imagine stepping into a pre-warmed car on a frosty morning or a pre-cooled vehicle on a scorching summer day. If you’re considering this upgrade, one of your first questions is likely, “How Much Is A Starter For A Car?” Specifically, you’re probably wondering about the cost of a remote car starter system and its professional installation. Let’s delve into the details to unravel the true cost and factors involved.
Understanding the True Cost of a Remote Car Starter
When you search online for “car starters,” you might encounter seemingly low prices, often ranging from $50 to $100.
However, these prices are deceivingly incomplete. These budget-friendly listings typically represent the hardware cost alone and come with two significant omissions:
- Installation is NOT included: Remote starter systems are complex and require professional installation to ensure proper functionality and avoid damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
- Essential Integration Hardware is Often Missing: Modern vehicles require specific bypass modules and additional components to seamlessly integrate with the car’s starter and security systems. These are rarely included in basic online kits.
Attempting a DIY remote starter installation without expertise can lead to serious issues. You risk personal injury, damage to your vehicle’s sensitive electronics, and potentially voiding your car’s warranty. Furthermore, remote starters purchased online often lack manufacturer warranties, leaving you unprotected if issues arise. For peace of mind and guaranteed performance, professional installation from a reputable retailer is the recommended path.
Average Remote Starter Installation Costs
So, what’s a realistic cost for a professionally installed remote car starter? Based on surveys from authorized remote start dealers, you can expect to invest between $349.99 and $449.99 for a basic, short-range remote starter system, professionally installed on a standard, non-luxury vehicle.
This price range provides a more accurate picture of the total expense, encompassing both quality hardware and expert labor. Keep in mind that this is an average, and the final price will be influenced by several factors specific to your vehicle and desired features.
Factors Influencing Remote Starter Prices
Several key elements determine the final cost of your remote car starter installation. Understanding these factors will help you anticipate the investment and make informed decisions:
Vehicle Year, Make, and Model
The complexity of integrating a remote starter system varies significantly across different vehicles. Newer, more technologically advanced cars often require more sophisticated bypass modules and intricate wiring procedures, increasing labor costs. Luxury vehicles, in particular, may have complex electrical systems that demand specialized expertise.
Alt text: Professional technician expertly installing a remote car starter system inside a vehicle, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Type of Remote Starter System
Remote starters come in various configurations, each offering different features and price points:
- Basic 1-Way Systems: These are the most affordable, providing basic start/stop functionality with a single-button remote.
- 2-Way Systems: Offer two-way communication, confirming successful starts and providing vehicle status updates on the remote. This added feedback increases the price.
- Extended Range Systems: For those needing to start their car from a greater distance, extended-range remotes are available at a premium.
- Smartphone-Controlled Systems: The most advanced option, allowing you to control your car starter and access features via a smartphone app. These systems typically involve subscription fees in addition to the initial hardware and installation costs.
Range and Features
Beyond basic remote start, you might desire additional features that impact the price:
- Extended Range: As mentioned, longer range remotes add to the cost.
- Keyless Entry: Integrating remote start with keyless entry functionality can increase convenience but also the price.
- Trunk Pop: Remotely opening the trunk can be another desirable feature that may add to the overall system cost.
Installation Labor
Labor costs are a significant part of the total price. Professional installers charge for their expertise, time, and the complexity of the installation process. Labor rates can vary depending on your location and the installer’s experience.
Bypass Modules and Additional Hardware
Modern vehicles almost always require bypass modules to allow the remote starter to communicate with the car’s computer and security systems. These modules are essential and add to the overall hardware cost.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission
While remote starters can be installed on both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, manual transmission installations are often more complex and may incur higher labor charges due to added safety measures and specific wiring requirements.
Is That $199.99 Remote Starter Deal Legit?
You might stumble upon online promotions or deals, like on platforms such as Groupon, advertising remote starters with “installation included” for prices as low as $199.99.
Alt text: Example of a Groupon advertisement promoting a low-cost remote car starter deal with installation, highlighting the importance of reading fine print for potential additional costs.
While these deals might seem appealing, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and read the fine print carefully. These advertised prices are often starting prices and may not include:
- Bypass modules: Likely to be an extra cost for most modern vehicles.
- Extended range remotes: The base deal probably includes a basic, short-range remote.
- Installation for luxury vehicles or specific makes: The deal might be limited to standard, non-luxury cars.
- Features like keyless entry or trunk pop: These will likely be add-ons at extra cost.
- Manual transmission surcharges: Installation on manual vehicles may not be covered at the base price.
These deals are not necessarily scams, but it’s essential to understand that the advertised price is often just the entry point. To avoid surprises, proactively communicate with the retailer, clarify what’s included in the base price, and inquire about potential additional costs specific to your vehicle and desired features.
Steps to Buying a Remote Car Starter
To ensure a smooth and satisfactory remote starter purchase and installation experience, follow these recommended steps:
- Find a Local Authorized Dealer: Use the Authorized Dealer Search Tool from reputable brands like Compustar to locate certified professional retailers and installers in your area. Authorized dealers offer expertise, product warranties, and reliable service.
- Check Vehicle Compatibility and Shop Availability: Contact your chosen retailer in advance to confirm they can install a remote starter on your specific vehicle (year, make, and model). Also, inquire about their installation schedule and availability.
- Discuss Range and Feature Upgrades: Talk to the retailer about your needs and preferences. Explore options for upgrading remote range, adding 2-way communication, or incorporating other desired features.
- Purchase and Install at the Same Location: For warranty and service convenience, always purchase your remote starter system and have it professionally installed at the same authorized retailer location.
By following these steps and understanding the factors influencing cost, you can confidently navigate the process of getting a remote starter for your car and enjoy the comfort and convenience it provides.
Conclusion
Determining “how much is a starter for a car” in the context of remote starters involves considering more than just the initial hardware price. Professional installation, vehicle-specific requirements, system features, and potential add-ons all contribute to the final cost. While basic online kits might appear budget-friendly, they often lack essential components and professional installation, potentially leading to complications and additional expenses down the road. Investing in a professionally installed remote car starter from an authorized dealer ensures proper functionality, system warranty, and peace of mind, making it a worthwhile upgrade for enhanced vehicle comfort and convenience.
