Remote Starters: OEM vs. Compustar Prime R3 (2-way)?

[Namuna]

I'm looking to get a Remote Starter (had some recent issues with the battery and one of the root causes is thought to be due to the car sitting for days at a time not being used, so I'm looking at a remote starter option so I can start it everyday...Not to mention the other features).

After some shopping and calling around, I'm looking at either the OEM Kia remote starter, or the Compustar Prime R3. Both I've gotten a quote of $500 +tax installed.

The Compustar seems to be the way to go since it has 2-way communication so you know the car actually started (big plus for me, for piece of mind).

One big thing I don't understand though is the cost. The OEM kit, even on Ebay, is about $400 but the Compustar R3 can be had for $80 (from BestBuy)....What am I missing?

Thank you.

 

[fastestneon]

The $80 kit you see at best buy is just the remote itself not the system.
Search RS1B-DC3 on Best Buy and you can see the real remote start system. $249.99
What's nice is the compustar system allows you to use your OEM fob for remote start so you do not have to carry around that other keyfob.
Also the engine will stay running when you open the door and get in and not turn off like the OEM one will.

 

[Never thought]

The $80 kit you see at best buy is just the remote itself not the system.
Search RS1B-DC3 on Best Buy and you can see the real remote start system. $249.99
What's nice is the compustar system allows you to use your OEM fob for remote start so you do not have to carry around that other keyfob.
Also the engine will stay running when you open the door and get in and not turn off like the OEM one will.

So you can get in and drive without having to turn the car off with this system?

 

[fastestneon]

Yes, as long as your have your oem remote with you.. It will automatically detect the remote when you hit the brake pedal. If the remote is not detected in the car it will turn off the car.

This is the system I have on my car...

My actual job is install remote starts and other car audio into vehicles and I am pretty sure I am one of the first or second people to put this compustar system in, since it just released a few weeks ago.

 

[Never thought]

Yes, as long as your have your oem remote with you.. It will automatically detect the remote when you hit the brake pedal. If the remote is not detected in the car it will turn off the car.

This is the system I have on my car...

My actual job is install remote starts and other car audio into vehicles and I am pretty sure I am one of the first or second people to put this compustar system in, since it just released a few weeks ago.

Sweet! I was at Best Buy a few days ago and they had no info on the wiring of the Stinger so said there are no compatible systems. do you happen to have access to the instructions for the Stinger?

 

[fastestneon]

idatalink.com you can put the car info in and look at the pdf instructions.. It is NOT plug and play.. To do it right will require a soldering gun..

 

[niko]

I'm looking to get a Remote Starter (had some recent issues with the battery and one of the root causes is thought to be due to the car sitting for days at a time not being used, so I'm looking at a remote starter option so I can start it everyday...Not to mention the other features).

After some shopping and calling around, I'm looking at either the OEM Kia remote starter, or the Compustar Prime R3. Both I've gotten a quote of $500 +tax installed.

The Compustar seems to be the way to go since it has 2-way communication so you know the car actually started (big plus for me, for piece of mind).

One big thing I don't understand though is the cost. The OEM kit, even on Ebay, is about $400 but the Compustar R3 can be had for $80 (from BestBuy)....What am I missing?

Thank you.

check ur pm i sent u one!

 

[Chris W]

Yes, as long as your have your oem remote with you.. It will automatically detect the remote when you hit the brake pedal. If the remote is not detected in the car it will turn off the car.

This is the system I have on my car...

My actual job is install remote starts and other car audio into vehicles and I am pretty sure I am one of the first or second people to put this compustar system in, since it just released a few weeks ago.

Was it tough to install? Did you need any other parts to make it work? I'm in Massachusetts so I would need to find someone to install it since my days off climbing under a dash for hrs is long gone.

 

[fastestneon]

You should be able to get any reputable compustar dealer to install it. Even Best Buy, only recommendation is just talk to tech. Best buy has alot of very good highly paid techs but they also have brand new ones. Obviously dont want a brand new one installing someone on my brand new car.

Any no its not very hard. You have to remove the driver and passenger side kick panels. Also the driver underdash has to come out. Then a couple of bolts to pull the fuse box out to get to the wires in the back. It took me about 2 hours. And that is because I hid every wire and soldered every connection. But I have 100s of remote start installs under my belt. I would NOT recommend you do this yourself. You can really mess up your car. Like fry your BCM.

I highly recommend you get it done by a professional.

 

[MekstingerGT]

Dont mean to thread jack but @fastestneon, I'm trying to install a proximity alarm to the stinger but I dont know if I can tap the hood switch or the door switch? I cant the door switch anywhere.

 

[fastestneon]

Dont mean to thread jack but @fastestneon, I'm trying to install a proximity alarm to the stinger but I dont know if I can tap the hood switch or the door switch? I cant the door switch anywhere.

Your just trying to add the prox to the factory alarm? If so the common way is to tag the door trigger. You will have to use a relay to cut ground from the prox when the vehicle is on, so your cluster doesnt show door open when your driving around.
I dont really like of prox sensors. Mainly because of the false triggers. Heavy rain and other things ussually set them off. Even if you adjust it perfectly. As the temperature outside changes the bubble it puts around your car gets bigger or smaller.

 

[MekstingerGT]

I would add a full alarm but I dont trust anyone working on the stinger lol. I'll probably just add a switch to the proximity to turn it off when I want to. Do you know what color wire is for the door switch? Our doors dont have buttons and I believe it's the latch that tell it if it's open or close. Or I can tap the hood switch but I dont know if thatll work.

Your just trying to add the prox to the factory alarm? If so the common way is to tag the door trigger. You will have to use a relay to cut ground from the prox when the vehicle is on, so your cluster doesnt show door open when your driving around.
I dont really like of prox sensors. Mainly because of the false triggers. Heavy rain and other things ussually set them off. Even if you adjust it perfectly. As the temperature outside changes the bubble it puts around your car gets bigger or smaller.

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

You should be able to get any reputable compustar dealer to install it. Even Best Buy, only recommendation is just talk to tech. Best buy has alot of very good highly paid techs but they also have brand new ones. Obviously dont want a brand new one installing someone on my brand new car.

Any no its not very hard. You have to remove the driver and passenger side kick panels. Also the driver underdash has to come out. Then a couple of bolts to pull the fuse box out to get to the wires in the back. It took me about 2 hours. And that is because I hid every wire and soldered every connection. But I have 100s of remote start installs under my belt. I would NOT recommend you do this yourself. You can really mess up your car. Like fry your BCM.

I highly recommend you get it done by a professional.

I'm definitely interested in this system. Do you know if the Stinger remembers your old Climate control settings when remote starting?

 

[Johnni]

@fastestneon, Shut up and take my money....only if you were local Only trust people who own a stinger to work on a stinger.

 

[StingaGT]

Has anyone done remote starter installation through bestbuy?
I left my vehicle with them today as they said they could do it. But hours later, i received phone call saying they can't...
Because one of the connector they need to get to is behind radio unit and it requires removing whole dash..

 

[CVD]

I have heard only horror stories about Best Buy installations. I would search for a more reputable installer.