I look forward to having a car with remote start in the winter because I can simply click a button to crank the cold engine and get the interior warm and toasty before I climb in. I can't recall ever using the feature in the summer, since I live in a part of the country that doesn't get super hot, except for a few weeks each year.
So when I was out with the family on a recent sweltering summer day driving a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Limited, I was glad it had remote start. I parked right outside of a restaurant, within view of where we were sitting while having a bite, and with the windows partially rolled down to let some fresh air in and the heat escape. While waiting for the check I activated the remote start and had set the air conditioner on full blast to help cool the interior -- at least a little.
With the temp hitting close to 100 degrees, the interior wasn't exactly frosty when we got in, even after having the engine on and AC running full blast for close to the 10-minute time limit. But it did help keep us from feeling like we were stepping into an oven.
The remote-start feature is part of the Electronics Convenience Group Package option, which cost $1,010 on our test car, and also includes AC with automatic temperature controls, fog lamps, a tire-pressure-monitor display, garage-door opener and more. That's a pretty steep price to pay for the convenience of remote start, especially when you can get a standalone system from the aftermarket for much less.
How and when do you use remote start, and would much would you pay for it?
By ralphhightower
on July 27, 2010
11:13 AM
I use the remote start to get our Chevy HHR cooled down in the summer and to defrost the windshield in winter. There's a saying in Columbia, SC that the only thing separating Columbia from Hell is a screen door.
By ne1butu2
on July 27, 2010
09:08 PM
I would love to have it. But I prefer a manual transmission. Does any automaker offer this with a six-speed with a safety mechanism? Or is it limited to only cars with automatic transmissions?
By dougnewcomb
on July 28, 2010
12:54 PM
We don't know of any automakers that offer remote start on a car with a stick; it's limited to auto-tranny vehicles. But it is available via the aftermarket: http://www.mobileedgeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/can-i-get-a-remote-car-starter-on-a-manual-transmission/
By verdi942
on July 28, 2010
08:57 PM
Nice, but kinda wasteful of fuel, no?