Remote A/C versus remote engine start

Remote A/C

Pros:

• Does not start the engine and the rest of the car accessories to run A/C

Cons:

• Only runs for 3 minutes.
• Will not heat the car in the winter
• You cannot start the car from more than 100 feet.
• In the winter the defroster will not come on.
• It cost $3,000

Prius OEM remote start

Pros:

• Runs A/C for up to 10 minutes
• During Winter will heat the car for 10 minutes

Cons:

• Only runs the A/C or heat for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes it turns off, you can remote start the car a second time for 10 minutes. After the second time remote start will not work until you start the car with push to start.
• During summer it will run the engine for 30 seconds to go through heat up period. After this period the engine remains off during the 10 minutes. During winter the engine will keep running until the interior temperature gets to desired temperature.
• You cannot start the car from more than 100 feet.
• In the winter the defroster will not come on.
• It costs $500
  

Prius with aftermarket remote start (I have a Viper System)

Pros:

• You can run the A/C for up to 60 minutes
• During winter you can heat the car for up to 60 minutes.
• You can leave the car running and lock the doors using the key FOB in the winter or summer.
• You can start the car from 1 mile away or with a cell phone app anywere in the world over the internet.
• You can set an aux to turn on the defroster.

Cons:

• You need two carry FOBs or leave the OEM one in the car
• During summer it will run the engine for 30 seconds to go through heat up period. After this period the engine remains off during the 10 minutes. During winter the engine will keep running until the interior temperature gets to desired temperature.
• It cost $600