I just bought a new 2010 A4 2.0T Tip Quattro Sdn today and was thinking about getting a remote car starter for the cold winters.

Is it a good idea or am I just asking for problems?

Money really isn't an issue... I would spend as much as it takes to not have to go start my car every morning in the freezing cold. So I was wondering if anyone could suggest the best starter I can buy and if anyone knows the best place/guy to get it installed in Calgary?

I heard that the Viper smart start is coming to Canada next month and really like the idea of starting my car with my iPhone... does anyone have any experience with it?

My salesman at Glenmore Audi said they don't do installs for starters and recommended to go to ARA in Calgary. Has anyone had one installed from them?

 

I live in edmonton and had one put in my 03 a4 this past winter. I love it. No problems from my end, but know that you'll have to sacrifice a key (most likely your valet), as they need a key to install the starter. I used certified radio in edmonton; don't know much about calgary though.

 

That's good to know that it can be done with no problems. I don't mind losing a key, I'm the only one driving it and I only need one.

What model is the starter that you put in? Is it worth it to get a starter/alarm?

 

I had the Ultra start 3295lcd-pro put in. Its a two way remote, but i didn't get the alarm option as the audi alarm is sufficient for me. Although if the viper smartstart with iPhone operation was available i would have gotten that for sure. The only thing with those is the monthly/yearly fee you have to pay for the coverage through cell phone. Just make sure if you get a starter put in, to take it to people who have experience with audi's / german cars. The last thing you need is some guy who has no idea what he's doing ruining your car.

 

hmm how about a block heater: less convenient but probably an easier install. Or is it simply not practical?

 

Don't all cars in Canada come with a block heater? A block heater is great for starting a car in cold weather but I want the car to be warm for when I get in and start it.

Where is the best place in Calgary to get an install done on a remote starter?

I've also been looking at the compustar drone that is coming out this month but I don't know much about it... I hear it will be available in Canada and it's like the viper smartstart where it works with your iPhone and may even have some kind of GPS tracking too.

 

Who told you that? LOL

 

Every car I've owned has had one... I didn't think it was an option.

 

I have never had a car with one. Even my 2003 Jetta TDI didn't have one. Always started right up in -35 to -40 with windchill no problem

 

how does the remote starter work with the push button start. The dealer told me it can't be done because then you lose the convenience keeping the key in your pocket at all times.