Any problems with it? What brand, etc; any comments appreciated. I've been doing some research and pretty much decided to get one unless I hear enough horror stories to stop me.

Only decisions so far is iPhone compatible and professional installation,

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A previous owner installed a Compustar remote starter on my 2005 RX330 that also has lock/unlock (including all-window roll down using unlock), panic mode and remote trunk. I've tried it out a few times and haven't had any problems. It's an older discontinued model (~2008-2010 I think). No compatibility with iPhone that I'm aware of. Here's a link to their site if interested.

http://www.compustar.com/remote-starters.php

 

Yes, have use the Viper and Clifford brand Remote Start/Security with my wife's and my last 5 cars. Best $450-500 we spent on each car. Never had any problem with it. Always had it professional installed by the Authorized reseller for warranty purpose.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

 

And the Viper SmartStart system is Iphone and Android compatible. Can't comment on this SmartStart since I don't have this feature installed.

 

I don't have a remote start on my RX, but have heard good things about Compustar. I have used many DEI (Directed Electronics Inc) alarms and remote start systems on my other/previous cars and have had a very good experience with them. The oldest alarm system I had was a Clifford, which worked for 15 years (until I accidentally shorted the power for it, face palm). For those that don't know, DEI owns Viper, Autostart, Clifford, AstroStart, Automate, Python, Avital, and XPresskit; all of which do car alarm/remote start applications.

I personally like DEI a lot, and would put a DEI system on my RX if I wanted a remote start or alarm system.

 

Thanks for the tips. I'll probably do it next month after the iPhone 6 drops, I have to get the cable replaced on my Kenwood so I'll let CarToys do it.

 

I have the Viper 5403 installed and have the smart start as well, although it is linked to my other vehicle, not the RX (both have Viper systems installed, only one has smart start capability). Works flawlessly, great in the winter. Only complaint with the Lexus is that if you remote start it then turn it off again, or the run timer runs out, the headlights will stay on if it is dark out and they are in "auto" mode....so if you forget they can stay on and drain the battery. Other than that, no issues. I typically just keep the switch off and use them manually or am conscious to not let the lights stay on.

 

Yep, did that a couple of times on my 08 Avalon with my Clifford matrix rsx3.5 and drained the battery and required a jump start. After a couple of these lessons, I just keep the switch OFF too.