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The Best Aftermarket Remote Starters

Remote starters can make your life more convenient, especially in the colder months. Find out which ones made our list of the best aftermarket remote starters.  

Aftermarket Remote Starters 

Remote Starter
Remote Starter

We’ve all been there. It is snowing like crazy outside, and you need to go to work. You get to your car, open the door, and sit in what is basically a refrigerator until the windshield de-ices. Some have the exact opposite problem. It’s sweltering hot outside and your car feels like an oven. Life would be so much easier if you could just push a button and start the car from inside your house.

Remote starters allow you to do this. Some cars come with them built in along with other technology and safety features, but many cars do not. No worries! You can add an aftermarket starter that will do the same job. You’ll be able to start your car from inside your home or office, and in some cases, from the other side of the world.

Just like cars, remote starters come with different features and prices. It is important to consider these when shopping around. The great thing about it is we have already done the shopping for you!

Let’s take a look at the best remote car starters!

Best Overall – Viper 5706V 

Viper 5706V - viper.com
Viper 5706V - viper.com

The Viper 5706V is the best out there for several reasons. First, it has a customizable LCD remote. Secondly, it features a built-in shock sensor with a starter interrupter to prevent theft. Lastly, it has a true range of 1 mile! That means that you can start your car from across a parking lot – up to a mile away!

The Viper 5706V also monitors your car’s internal temperature and sends information back to the remote. This information may be things like door lock reminders or whether the trunk lid is open. It is completely customizable, and that makes it the best on the market.

However, even the best can have issues. The Viper 5706V is more expensive than other remote starters on the market, and the system is very complicated to install. It can be confusing, especially if you have no previous experience installing things in cars. You will probably want to get a professional to do the installation, which will cost even more money. Either way, the system is still cheaper than getting a dealer to install a system made by your car’s manufacturer, so don’t be quick to write it off due to costs.

Even though it is complicated to install and a little pricey, it is the best overall aftermarket remote starter for cars.

Best Budget – Excalibur A18703DB 

Excalibur A18703DB - mooncarstereo.com
Excalibur A18703DB - mooncarstereo.com

The Excalibur A18703DB is a great system if you’re looking to save a little money. It is very affordable and gives you everything you need for a great working remote starter. It comes with all of the wiring that allows you to bypass the factory wiring and a dedicated speaker for the alarm which can be mounted under the seat.

It comes with two remotes that can work with your car’s existing system (may require special setup). The biggest downside is its relatively low range (1,500 feet). If you are on a budget and want to get a simple system, go for the Excalibur A18793DB.

Best Luxury – Compustar CS4905-S 

Compustar CS4905-S - compustar.com
Compustar CS4905-S - compustar.com

The system can also be complicated to install. You may want to have a professional do the job for you.

You also can start your car anywhere you have a cell phone signal or internet service. You download Compustar’s app to your smartphone to control the unit’s features. It also comes with a remote. However, there is a monthly subscription to use their services.

Compustar starters are some of the best in the business, and they demonstrate that with the CS4905-S. This system gives you more than just remote starting capability – it also gives you GPS tracking! That means you can track your car if it gets stolen.

If you want more than just a basic remote starter, the Compustar CS4905-S is your best bet.

Easiest to Install – Start-X Plug N Play Remote Starter 

Start-X Plug N Play Remote Starter - remotestartx.com
Start-X Plug N Play Remote Starter - remotestartx.com

If your vehicle is on the list, grab it up and plug it in to have a working remote starter in minutes.

Here’s the downside; it can’t be wired universally due to the nature of the system. This means that it has limited compatibility. If it isn’t compatible with your car, you can’t use it.

It works with your existing car key fobs to send commands to your car’s system. All you have to do is click the “lock” button three times to start your car. You can repeat the process to turn it off. It is quite possibly the simplest system on the market, and it can save you a lot of money on installation costs.

Sometimes, you just need something simple to get the job done. You don’t need to spend a ton of money getting a system installed in order to have a remote starter. The Start-X Plug N Play Remote Starter is a simple device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port. That’s it. That’s the installation.

Best for Diesel Engines – Compustar CS8900-AS-BL 

Compustar CS8900-AS-BL - compustar.com
Compustar CS8900-AS-BL - compustar.com

It features a 3,000 ft. range and a security system. The security system is great, and it features an alarm with a dual-stage shock sensor. It is also compatible with gasoline engines.

The thing about remote starters is that some of them are not compatible with diesel engines. The Compustar CS8900-AS-BL is compatible and works extremely well with diesel engines. It will need to be programmed by the installer to work with the engine’s glow plugs.

Final Thoughts 

Remote Starter
Remote Starter

Having a remote start system is a great way to make your life easier. You can start your car while you’re getting ready for work to have it warmed up or cooled off by the time you get in. You no longer have to suffer through extreme cold or sweltering heat just because you couldn’t make it out to start your car in time.

There are many great systems on the market, but these systems really stood out to us. Always be sure to read up on any remote starter before you purchase to make sure that your vehicle is compatible. Also, be sure you consider the installation and be prepared to pay for a professional job.

One day, all cars will probably have remote starting capabilities. Until then, let these excellent aftermarket remote starters do the job for you.

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D.L. Shepherd

D.L. Shepherd’s love of anything with an engine and everything that goes fast was kickstarted as a child who spent time at the local dragstrip and dirt track. At Bluefield University, D.L. explored creative writing with published pieces in the university's literary journal. He then worked as a Sales Rep. for Harley-Davidson and as an electronic technician. Now, he's using his expertise as an author. With an endless interest in learning about new cars and analyzing all of their specs, D.L. specializes in vehicle reviews of all kinds.

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