had "non mazda" $240 remote starter installed
 

After checking with 2 Mazda dealers who wanted between $650 to $800 to install "dealer authorized" remote start.( they needed to upgrade my existing Mazda alarm system first). I went to a local car audio dealer who had advertised he installed remote starts. He put one in for $240 (Direct electronics model 561T and a model #555 adaptor). He used my existing Mazda key fob. You hit the unlock button 3 times and car starts.

So far (had it 4 days) it works great. He would only do install on automatics. I know he had a slight learning curve on my rx-8 (something about a single wire ground).

Just wanted to get this info out to the forum, while weather is still cold.

I'd watch those type of mods as it gives the dealer a reason to no longer honor your warranty as to ignition/starter and associated wiring and electrical problems. Just like VW has issued warningst to it's service shops to not hook up the VAG 1553 to any car that has an aftermarket audio systems! It burns out their $3k computer systems!

This is not to say your servicing dealer would do it but it opens a whole can of worms when it comes to the dealer fixing electrical problems in the future!

Yea, I would never get anything installed by a dealer. Thats an automatic 50% markup at least. I had a DEI remote starter put on my car too; it's a manual transmission though. I have to be really careful.
http://jthang615.mysitespace.com/remote.jpg

One thing you will realize soon, is that your remote start won't start from a very good distance. I'm in the business, and have been selling and installing remote starts for 10 years. The factory keyless entry remote isn't designed to operate from a very great distance because locking/unlocking the doors isn't necessary from a great distance.

Adding remote start to the existing keyless entry system will limit the distance to that of the factory system, thus defeating the purpose.

Most "stand-alone" remote starts get up to 1000 ft. of range, if installed properly. However, you made a good choice with the DEI remote start, they're the best in the business.

For future reference, if you do become disatisfied with your system's range you can upgrade and have a "stand-alone" DEI (VIPER) alarm system installed and your remote start will operate in conjustion with it. The new VIPER XHF alarms get 1000 ft. range.

Just a thought.

good to know mdw, thanks

the 8 is def better than average on distance for factory remote, although its no where near 1000 ft. My old Eclipse had about a 5-10 reach and that was it.

Before I installed "non mazda" remote I gave it alot of thought. I had read and posted to prior threads about possibility of mazda giving me a hard time regarding warranty issue. Many forum members responded that their were laws on books not allowing mazda to "beg off" on possibe problem unless they could prove it was directly related to my install, even though I know possibility could arise. It just bugged me too much to have to pay an additional $400 to $600 when "mazda installed" remote would basically serve same purpose as "non mazda" remote. I felt I was being held hostage.

As far as limitations on distance remote will function, "standard" mazda distance works for me. My RX-8 is parked outside my office window (so I can keep an eye on it) and I can start it by pointing at car from my office (I'll guess a distance of approx 400-500 feet).

Hope this thread stimulates more discussions regarding RX family not getting imtimidated by thinking they only must go "mazda dealer" installed service.