ES Designs

We just order a 2012 3 i Grand Touring for my wife. She really wants remote engine start. Our mazda dealer priced the OEM remote start right around $500 installed. A local auto electronics dealer quoted me at $299 for an aftermarket system installed. $200 seems like quite a premium to pay for the OEM system, although if money were not an issue I would probably opt to keep everything OEM. I am looking for pros and cons, and experiences from 3 owners who have remote start systems (OEM or aftermarket). Thanks for any info or suggestions.

djs2571

Benefits of the OEM system are having only one remote to carry around. I don't think the aftermarket one will be able to tie into the OEM system - unless your remote has a start button on it... even then it may be difficult.

Aftermarket systems can have issues, from where they splice into the wiring, to potential warranty problems. Anything having to do with electrical / starter problems the dealer will be able to say it's the fault of an aftermarket system... related or not.

Spring for the extra $500 if you want remote start, you already paid some $20k for the car, what's another $500, or $200 above an aftermarket option if it avoids any potential warranty problem.

ES Designs

Are you sure there would only be on remote? The 2012 that we test drove had the keyless entry remote built into the actual key, kind of like a swiss army knife, so I thought for sure there would be separate remote for the engine start. Anyone know for sure?

doubletee64

I recently purchased a 2014 Mazda 3 hatchback and had the dealer install a remote start since it wasn't factory installed. I have had nothing but problems with it either not starting the car at all or giving an "ER" code and it does start the car. I have even video taped my issues to provide proof to the dealership, but they say it works perfectly for them. Great. Obliviously the video shows there is an issue but they deny it. This has taken out the "fun" of purchasing a new car and has frustrated me to where I wish I had never purchased their car. How do I get them to take care of this?

doubletee64

Okay, you took my money but have not given me any kind of answer. Really? Am I going to get an answer?

djs2571

you can have them demonstrate & see if they are doing something you're not. Also have them tell you what the ER code is / means.

Scorpion87

If somebodupy can help me please I will appreciate it I recently bought. A 2006 mazda 3 hatchback the dealership didn't give me a keyless remote only they car's key I am trying toy buy a keyless remote from ebay but the seller is asking me for the FCC ID on the back of my remote but I don't have one I called the mazda dealership they don't know that code can someone tell me how I find that out thanks