auto starters - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

iidestined · 01-17-2005, 11:07 PM

i have an 05 camry and i was thinking about getting an auto starter since i go to buffalo and its damn cold in the morning. i'm looking to spend about $100-150 on the system. i just basically need the auto starter. the security system isn't that important. but i don't know anything about companies or anything. can you guys help?

***Edmond*** · 01-17-2005, 11:19 PM

I think that even the local Best Buy and Circuit City stores will install them for you if you buy the system from them. Check them out first, there are plenty of those stores around.

98CamryLE · 01-17-2005, 11:56 PM

ewww....I don't know if I would trust those auto starters. (At least the ones that aren't from the factory) (Like new GMs). I know of more than a few people that have experienced really wierd problems as a result of installing them after a year or so. They have to tap into your starting system, and if you have a camry that has a theft deterrent system that requires a special key (I think they are gold instead of silver keys) you are asking for trouble. My boss installed one on his Avalon, and about a year later he got stranded because after prestarting his car, the computer would no longer recognize his key. After a very long diagnositic process, his mechanic traced it to the auto start system. Ever do some computer/wiring replacing on a Toyota? Trust me, it ain't cheap.

If you really want one, make sure you do your research and make sure you read the fine print about who would pay the repair bill if it caused a defect in the factory systems.

iidestined · 01-18-2005, 09:10 AM

are there any respectable companies that make good auto starters? anyone know? my car just has remote for the locks. i hope it won't be so bad. its damn cold today.

***Knailgun*** · 01-18-2005, 09:27 AM

I'd go with a DEI product (either Viper, Valet, or sidewinder), as their only installed by certified installers, and are built really well. Also, you can have your power locks incorporated into the new system (that is your door locks will be on the same remote as your starter). I did that on my 92 (of course it was expensive with the options), but I haven't had a poblem with it.

iidestined · 01-19-2005, 03:21 PM

alright cool. thanx. that is what i was looking for.

***EKam*** · 01-19-2005, 07:12 PM

You can also find starter only systems that might come with keyless entry but no alarm. Those will definitely be at your price range.

If you have a 5-speed manual however I don't think most starts work with it.

604-Mico · 01-19-2005, 07:16 PM

I believe compustar has starters for manual transmission now

Technically you CAN put an automatic transmission starter into a manual transmission car.....but if you leave your car in gear and start the car....

Fever · 01-19-2005, 07:42 PM

DEI for sure.

rapsux2000 · 01-19-2005, 07:46 PM

Whether you will experience problems or not is based on the quality of installation. As long as the person is knowledgeable and has done it before, you should be ok. Also you should only put one on an automatic tranny. If you try it on a manual, you're asking for it. I've had mine for about 5 months now with no problems at all. I use it everyday 1-2 times. I have the Viper one.

anuthaCamry · 01-19-2005, 08:14 PM

did it come with 2 rubber black keys and one rubber grey?

iidestined · 01-19-2005, 08:33 PM

my roommate has the one with the picture of the car and it looks cool. i'm thinking about getting something like that. and my car is an auto tranny.

RockettMan · 01-19-2005, 09:34 PM

I got my auto starter at circuit city almost five years ago and I have yet to have a problem with it, and it was the best thing I bought for my camry. It was right under $200 I think and until I got a garage it was a must have. I don't remember the brand name other than the remote has Vallet on it with two grey buttons.

SmokingTires · 01-19-2005, 10:40 PM

They only work on autos (unless you want to bypass the clutch, but then there is the chance it might fall into gear).

But then your also looking at spending another $100 on professional install. Mine ended up costing me $320 at Circuit City (after install)

However, they tend to not work well in extremely cold weather for some reason. I am on MNSportCompacts.net, and a lot of people have been having trouble with their remote starters in the extreme cold. It's iffy with mine. But they are 100% worth it

anuthaCamry · 01-19-2005, 10:47 PM

autostart with a manual, in gear, I guess we could call her "Christine"