remote engine starter - is it needed?

[syscon]

Are those OEM Toyota Remote engine starter worth the price ?
I'm in Alberta so the temp in winter sometimes goes below -30C to -40C (-22F to -40F).
Reading on some other forums it seems to me the Prius has some problem with remote starter at -22F and below.

From Yahoo FAQ:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...8124152AAawITZ

...Besides that, as other people have pointed out, you have an insulated thermos container under the driver's side headlamp that will keep the coolant hot for up to three days. That, plus the automatic temp that doesn't blow air on you until it has warmed up, are two of the ways you will have a faster warm up in the AM.

Is it correct?
I would assume this is still the case for 2012.
It is hard to believe that anything would stay hot at -40C/F for three days.

[Paradox]

No, the thermos container was Gen II. The Gen III has a exhaust heat recovery system which uses exhaust gas to quickly help warm up. If you use auto it won't start pushing air right away until it's a bit warm.

As for if you need one, that is so up to you. It's far from necessary but living in Canada, if it is that cold and you want to get in warm then it sure would help with that, although use more fuel of course.

[Paradox]

In case you want to learn more about the exhaust heat recovery system:

Exhaust Heat Recovery System

How does the exhaust heat recovery system work?

[Cactus Hybrid]

Originally Posted by syscon

Are those OEM Toyota Remote engine starter worth the price ?
I'm in Alberta so the temp in winter sometimes goes below -30C to -40C (-22F to -40F).
Reading on some other forums it seems to me the Prius has some problem with remote starter at -22F and below.

From Yahoo FAQ:
Car starter for Toyota Prius? - Yahoo! Answers
Is it correct?
I would assume this is still the case for 2012.
It is hard to believe that anything would stay hot at -40C/F for three days.

I was looking into getting an after market remote starter, until I discovered that you have to give up one of your key fobs for the after market installation.....

[smokiejoe]

Originally Posted by syscon

Are those OEM Toyota Remote engine starter worth the price ?
I'm in Alberta so the temp in winter sometimes goes below -30C to -40C (-22F to -40F).
Reading on some other forums it seems to me the Prius has some problem with remote starter at -22F and below.

From Yahoo FAQ:
Car starter for Toyota Prius? - Yahoo! Answers
Is it correct?
I would assume this is still the case for 2012.
It is hard to believe that anything would stay hot at -40C/F for three days.

It is really a preference issue and more about your morning routine. I have the Toyota Remote Start installed in my 2011 Four, and it works pretty well. On cold icy mornings probably below 38F, I start the vehicle about 3 or 4 minutes before I come out of the house. It turns on the rear defroster automatically, and I think it will turn on the front defroster also, but you can preset/turn these on the night before. Cost was $500. I usually don't have to scrape the windows and car is just starting to get warm. Also the Seats are warm since I always leave the seat heaters on in the Winter. So my morning routine is not slowed down in any way. The only thing lame about the Remote Start is as soon as any door is unlocked the car shuts down. I think car should stay running until you press on the brake, like my last car (GM Product). But I guess that's how Toyota prevents Car Theft.

[Chazz8]

My remote started was installed at the port by the time my dealer found it for me. We were talking $500 above invoice at the time, so it was easier to keep the option at invoice price than to have it removed as they offered.

I have used it 6 times (in less than 2 months, in real life when I want to start heating up the cabin for my passenger(s) a little early. You have to put a little forethought into using the remote starter. You have to turn on the front and rear windshield heaters that you might need later with the remote start. Also, before you turn your Prius v off, it is best to put the vehicle in Normal mode (no eco or power indicators on right side) to prioritize heating systems more than Eco mode does. I read somebody that uses Power mode when planning for a remote start and that could certainly effect cabin heating time and MPGs.

I knew that I would only use it occasionally, but it is nice when the weather is nasty and the price was right ($320).

Now for the deal breaker for some; When you touch the door handle to get in your pre heated Prius v, the car turns itself off. This safety "feature" is frustrating enough to make some people insist on aftermarket remote starters that keep the car in ready mode when you get in and want to go.

Other short comings are:
No confirmation that vehicle started.
Lengthy procedure to activate; Press lock twice fast then press lock again and hold it for a slow 3 count (just give me a button).

Other issues:
For safety it will shut off after 10 min (that's smart in my book).
Some say the range is shorter than they would like, but i have not tested it's range in my normal use.

I am glad I have it, but then I'm a self proclaimed gadget lover.

[Mendel Leisk]

Maybe it's my CleanMPG mindset, but I've got several issues with a car sitting unattended and running:

1. It's a total waste of gas.

2. It's an increased source of polution, vs just starting it up and going: the car's just sitting in a spreading pool of carbon monoxide and unburnt fuel.

3. There's a possible safety issue.

4. It's a total waste of gas (did I already say that?).

I believe it's actually illegal, though the law is rarely enforced and often flaunted, in some municipalities.

I'd prescribe a block heater.

[stevemcelroy]

Everyone else say what you will about the environmental impact of a remote starter, but if I lived in Alberta I'd sure have one.

[deltanh]

Originally Posted by Cactus Hybrid

I was looking into getting an after market remote starter, until I discovered that you have to give up one of your key fobs for the after market installation.....

Not all aftermarket remotes require this. I had an Avital remote installed in November and did not have to give up a fob. It's nothing fancy, press the button twice, in 5 minutes the ice just falls off the windshield with little effort from the ice scrapper. If you want I'll try and dig up the invoice for the part numbers of the module used.

[mattheikkila]

Originally Posted by stevemcelroy

Everyone else say what you will about the environmental impact of a remote starter, but if I lived in Alberta I'd sure have one.

Word...I wouldn't have hesitated to get one.