Posted by OnBelay on January 15, 03 at 05:08:28:
In Reply to: Remote starter for 2500 Suburban posted by Carl on January 14, 03 at 17:45:29:
Approximately 55-60% of the cost of a remote starter is the installation labor to properly wire the unit. The best recommendation I can make as a former car stereo installer/shop manager is that you find a shop where the installers are "MECP" Certified. While enrolling in the Mobile Electronics Certification Program is not a gaurantee of quality work, I feel you will have a better chance of getting an experienced installer whose employer expects quality work. Another sign of quality work is a shop that solders their connections instead of using crimp connectors: while crimp connectors work great, last a long time, etc., I personally feel that a soldered connection will not only "never" come loose, it's a sign the installer is confident that the wires he's connecting are the correct wires, and he'll never neeed to undo the splice.
There is a price war going on around here, and it is possible to get remote starts with door locks and window tint for $139. Having seen some of the installers, however, I wouldn't trust my ignition, brakes, and transmission computer systems to these guys...I'd barely trust them to wash the truck.
As for brand names, I'm personally a big fan of Direct Electronics, maker of Viper and Black Widow. Astro Start is another quality unit.