Alright, you guys have seen me around for quite sometime now, Those of you who have dealt with me probably are aware of my straight forward, no bullsh!t approach.
I am very honest, and I will tell you how it is, even if it means i wont be getting your business. Cause if I have to lie or mislead you into making a purchase, i don’t want your business.
That being said…
Im lost and devastated at the Remote Start Advertisements out there this year, and i have got to throw those bastards under the bus, so here it goes.
Don’t Fall For the ‘Ol Bait & Switch….
Here at Definitive Auto we Promise a no B.S. Price Estimate for the Purchase & Installation of a Remote Start / Alarm System.
We have found some of our Competitors have been using misleading advertising techniques to obtain your business.
By The Way its not the little guys guilty of this, those Big Box Stores Have been up to it for years!
Examples of these advertisements and what to look for are listed below.
Remote Start $99.99 Installed!
Sounds like a great deal, but here is the problem.
Lets start with the system itself.
This system has to be retailing at about $50 dollars.
In the 50 dollar range we could only offer a NON Keyless Remote Start system with 1 key pad.
The system works about 100’ away from your car
Runs the car for 10 mins.
Blinks the parking lights, and has No programmable options.
Warranty period of 1 yr.
We do not sell or recommend this unit as it is not compatible with most vehicles.
Installation or labor. (apparently $49.00)
We Schedule each remote start system for a 4 hour time frame.
Our Labor rate is $50 per hour, but discounted to about $27 per hour for remote start systems.
Obviously they have faster or less expensive means to install these units.
Okay something that is not included in their “$99.99” Remote Start.
93% of Vehicles Made today require an immobilizer bypass module to duplicate the functions of your key.
Without it, your vehicle may cut fuel delivery, reject an attempt to start, or activate the factory security system
You should expect this module to cost at least the same as a replacement key for your vehicle.
Installation times vary for these modules, and could cost about $15-$50 dollars extra to install.
Electronic Door Locks
If the system is equipped for Power door lock controls you can expect to be charged for additional parts and Labor
For an example, if we are installing on a 2000 Silverado, the vehicle requires activation of a + feed door lock system, which requires the use of 2 SPDT relays.
At these Box Store you will not be notified that this part is needed, but you will be charged at least $12.99 for each relay used.
So Heres the scenario.
We are going to Use that 2000 Chevy Silverado as an example, using their “99.99” Price.
[LEFT]Remote Start Unit “$99.99 installed”
Bypass Module– $44.99
Door Lock Relays (2) $25.98
1 Additional Transmitter - $56.00
Door lock installation charge $25.00
Bypass Module Installation $25.00
Transmitter Programming $25.00
Running Total --------- $302.95
[/LEFT]
Plus the tax that also is not included in the $99.99 price
So heres the total on your “$99.99” Remote Start system installed ------- $ 324.15
Not To bad for a system that still has only a 1 year warranty……
Please feel free to shop around, we are not asking you to believe us, and only buy here, Its just always been our way to be honest no matter what. Even if we don’t get the job, we will know that after you give the Big Box store you money, you will come back and say, (like many customers before have said)
“I Should have just got it from you.”
