Buyer Beware Before You Buy!: Not all remote starters offered online are DIY (Do-It-Yourself) systems or can be taken to your local shop for installation
Almost on a daily basis, we receive calls for help with several different brands and models of remote starters and alarm system's that were bought online whereafter they were received the system didn't provide any information other than the basic wiring of the system, no specific information regarding how it's installed in the vehicle they wanted to install the system in or what additional parts may be required.... and with no technical support to call!
Although we try to help these DIY individuals as best we can within a margin of time, this has motivated me to post some "before-you-buy" information insights. After reading and following this information, you will be much more prepared to purchase any system online without the worry of any buyer's remorse.
First things first: If your not the car-savvy DIY type and you see a system on the internet that interests you unless the same company that is offering the system to you will install it for you too, don't buy it! It's that simple.
There are several reasons for this, but I will sum it up for you this way; you don't want to be driving around town walking into automotive accessory shops with the system under your arm trying to find someone to install it. Most won't, and for good reason. And that's another long list of why they won't, starting with that they are either just not familiar with the brand of the system and don't want to cause any headaches for you or them in case of any technical difficulties during installation or after. Rule #1: Always purchase the same system and the installation from the same facility if you're not going to install the system yourself!
Now, you may be the "DIY" type that's more than capable to install a remote car starter into your vehicle, but without the right information this can slow down your installation. Unless you are absolutely sure you know you can get the system in without anything other than a general installation manual for the system, with nothing about the wiring of your vehicle, then go for it!
But, even if are the car-savvy type...wouldn't you like a remote starter system that has all the parts and information that you need to install the system with no headaches?
For example, take our Prestige 901Z-VSS, it's the "Vehicle Specific System" version of Prestige's popular APS-901Z. The Prestige APS901Z is their universal line of remote starters that require additional parts, vehicle wiring information, and programming to be installed. It's the platform designed for the professional installer that is familiar not only with how the systems wired and programmed but also familiar with the wiring of the vehicle it's going to be installed into.
Additionally, you have to consider this; the APS901Z version will have no warranty unless sold and installed by an authorized dealer, or the distributor that the system was originally purchased from, directly offers warranty replacement. Generally, a manufacturer does not supply a warranty directly to the consumer, the manufacturer supplies warranty service to the distributor of the system. So any defective parts are returned to the provider (a.k.a. "seller"), the distributor warranties the part to the customer, and the distributor returns the defective part to the factory for credit or replacement. This is how it's handled here at MotorCityRemotes...
