Best two-way remote starter with cell capability

[karbonfyber]

I am looking for a 2 way alarm system/remote starter that also works with cell phones for my 2009 camry, does anyone here have one installed on their camry and have recommendations? I am looking at the Viper VSS5000 but the reviews look horrible for the cell portion of it.

[bandit]

Viper SmartStart is the only aftermarket unit that I know of that allows you to use your cellphone

[CamrySExxx]

yeah but your going to be paying a yearly subscription to get it to work along with extra modules.

I like my 5301 remote start (same as 5701 without the alarm portion), have the 5501 (same as 5901 without the alarm) installed on the camry, cost more money and a nicer remote but its bulkier and battery drains quicker even though its recharageable. In my personal opinion i like the 5301/5701 remote over the 5501/5901

[bandit]

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

yeah but your going to be paying a yearly subscription to get it to work along with extra modules.

I like my 5301 remote start (same as 5701 without the alarm portion), have the 5501 (same as 5901 without the alarm) installed on the camry, cost more money and a nicer remote but its bulkier and battery drains quicker even though its recharageable. In my personal opinion i like the 5301/5701 remote over the 5501/5901

Yes, you will have to pay a yearly subscription. I see no point in having the SmartStart. How hard is it to walk to a window/door to start? On average, remote starts have 900+ feet with no obstacles in the way. If it doesnt reach, put the remote to your chin and you'll get a few extra feet out of it.

Its extra money spent that can be used towards other mods, paying insurance or even gas (now that its going even higher). What if you get a new phone and your new phone does not support the SmartStart app? Plus, people lose their phone more than they lose their keys.

[karbonfyber]

Yea, I know I need to pay yearly and it's not bad. Would like a decent two way system, that alerts if glass breakage sensor trips, etc. At work I park about .35 miles from the office. Hence, that would be out of range. Plus I don't lose any of my phones, as long as it supports Android and/or iOS, I can have it on both my phones.

[CamrySExxx]

Originally Posted by dcemureviews

Yes, you will have to pay a yearly subscription. I see no point in having the SmartStart. How hard is it to walk to a window/door to start? On average, remote starts have 900+ feet with no obstacles in the way. If it doesnt reach, put the remote to your chin and you'll get a few extra feet out of it.

What if there are obstacles ...
Its real life, there are always things in the way. 900ft is cool and all but when your in a building and you want to start your car to warm it up (the point of a remote starter) its just as easy when your out of range. Whats the point of a remote start if you live in a building and say you park under ground and the only time your remote start will actually start your car is when your underground 15 seconds away from your car. It's useful, if it wasnt they wouldnt be marketing it and people wouldnt be buying it.

[profuse007]

the useful feature is GPS tracking for theft like getting towed.

don't forget to install it w/ a backup battery.

lock/unlock/remotestart isn't that useful, just a cool factor.

[bandit]

Originally Posted by karbonfyber

Yea, I know I need to pay yearly and it's not bad. Would like a decent two way system, that alerts if glass breakage sensor trips, etc. At work I park about .35 miles from the office. Hence, that would be out of range. Plus I don't lose any of my phones, as long as it supports Android and/or iOS, I can have it on both my phones.

There are some that work 1 mile away.

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

What if there are obstacles ...
Its real life, there are always things in the way. 900ft is cool and all but when your in a building and you want to start your car to warm it up (the point of a remote starter) its just as easy when your out of range. Whats the point of a remote start if you live in a building and say you park under ground and the only time your remote start will actually start your car is when your underground 15 seconds away from your car. It's useful, if it wasnt they wouldnt be marketing it and people wouldnt be buying it.

Obstacles as in huge buildings in the way. If you are parked underground, even a SmartStart or any remote start may not remote start you car. It all depends if the remote and antenna are within range.

You can be parked underground where the reception is poor. So if your cellphone reception is poor underground, the remote start may not even work. So you're still in the same scenario as if you had a regular remote start.

FYI, sometimes even if I'm out of range (I have Viper 5701 2-way) and I remote start the car, the remote doesnt let me know that the car is remote started and sometimes gives me a error tone telling me that I'm out of range but when I walk to the car, its running.

[karbonfyber]

Originally Posted by profuse007

the useful feature is GPS tracking for theft like getting towed.

don't forget to install it w/ a backup battery.

lock/unlock/remotestart isn't that useful, just a cool factor.

Yep, additional reasons I am looking for one...is the Viper/Clifford Smartstart my only option?

[bandit]

Originally Posted by karbonfyber

Yep, additional reasons I am looking for one...is the Viper/Clifford Smartstart my only option?

SmartStart is the only one that I know of that has this. Viper, Clifford, Python, Valet and many other brands, are all the same company (DEI).

[profuse007]

for the first time DEI is actually leading with creating application for smartphones. however Compustar, a spin-off of a korean product, have computrack that is similar with same features.

[karbonfyber]

Well just as an update, I purchased the CS3000 SmartStart and had it installed, works well so far (haven't tested it during peak hours IE 5-7am or 4-5pm). No compatibility issues with the factory VIP alarm, am able to pop the trunk, lock, and unlock with the app too. Panic doesn't work though.