I am actually having the "Viper 4204V 2-Way 2,000-Feet Remote Start System" installed on both of our cars (Venza and Mazda CX-7) next Friday. This one does not include an alarm. But I am having Best Buy's Geek Squad install them. They hardwired the Garmin GPS and Escort Radar for both cars and they did a great job.
I did not buy the hardware through Best Buy. I found them cheaper online, including some of the additional parts needed for installation.
I wanted remote start when I bought mine and was told by the dealership that the Toyota system had a very short range and they didn't recommend it. They offered a 3rd party unit instead, an Automate AM6.2. I don't know the exact range, but it can be parked halfway out in the lot and I can start it from inside, at least 200 feet away. It is a very basic, 1 way system, but it is very inexpensive, only $50-$55 online. It works the same as the OEM unit in that the engine will shut off when you open the door. It does what it claims and I have been happy with it for 3 years now.
The 2 way remote has an acknowledgement light. For example, when I turn the car on, I see a green light and a series of beeps so I know that the car is on. The 1 way does not talk back to you. So you can turn the car on, but you will not get that acknowledgement.
Our system came with one of each. The 2 way remote is the primary and the 1 way is a backup. Some systems only come with 1 way capabilities. I prefer the 2 way, especially for my wife since she will be turning the car on from a few blocks away. But if I was mainly using it at home, I would have gotten a 1 way only.
I have been wondering why I took so long to get one installed. Although the temperatures have not been too bad so far, it is nice to walk into a warm car. We did have some freezing rain a couple of days and the remote start came in very handy. I have not had any issues with the car not starting. There are many other things that can be setup, like having the defroster come turn on with the car. But I did the basic installation for this model, which is remote start and lock/unlock. I will probably add a few additional features after I use it for a few months.
Yes. You can get a model that just does the remote start. The Viper 4115V is a basic 1-way remote starter. The 4205V is another basic one, but it is a 2-way. There are also other brands out there. This just happens to be what I am familiar with.