Has anyone done this? If so, which after-market unit have you used, how did it work, did you loose any functionality (eg, automatic door unlocking, engine shut off upon opening door, etc.). I have not heard of any case where an owner as successfully installed an after-market remote start on an rx450h without loss of other functionality. I would be very interested to hear of any contrary cases.

By the way, I am not interested in the oem remote because the range is too short for what I would like to do. I have located a reputable local outfit that would install the viper remote start for 375, but they state they cannot promise the auto unlock will still work or that the engine won't cut off upon opening the door.

thanks for any insights.

 

Please,

Get a reference from them for ANY Lexus they have done. Speak to that reference.
Get a commitment that they will return your RX to factory condition if the installation fails....no charge.
Ask your Lexus service advisor if they have heard of this installer.
Visit the Viper Facebook page.

 

Thanks David --

Looks like the failure rate of Viper installs is meaningful. Definitely not worth taking the risk that they damage the car and/or compromise the warranty. I think I will pass unless and until I learn of a device that has been successfully installed in another 450h by a local, reputable dealer. Remote start is cool, but I can certainly live without.

Thanks again.

 

We have Smart Start on my wife's Nissan, but couldn't get it to work on the RX. I've been looking at the Drone, but haven't made the move to it yet.

http://www.facebook.com/compustaronline

So much of this depends on the installer and good technical support from the manufacturer.

My friend just bought a Chevy and the OnStar remote start is very functional. Why Lexus can't partner up with someone and give us a retrofit. They have to know their remote start is barely remote.