Full FeedGadgetell Review: Viper 160XVL remote car starter
Product: Viper 160XVL remote start
Price: $299.99
Rating: 7.9/10
Pros: Affordable, Comfortable to hold, Supports up to 1024 x 600 resolution, Makes using Windows XP on such a small device seem natural
Cons: Software keyboard is not usable for extended periods of time, would be nice if batteries lasted longer
Overall: With the type of weather we’re having, an autostart as reliable as this one is a pleasure to have. No matter the weather, knowing your car is ready to tackle the day before you are is a plus in my book.
Just in time for our crazy weather, this Viper 160XVL remote start is more like a piece of lazy heaven more than anything else. In a world where we look to make TV better (HDTV) and make all the sweets we eat healthier (fat free cheese cake), why not make our mornings toastier? This is where my new favorite product comes in. Thanks to Direct Electronics who provided me with this remote start I don’t know the meaning of running outside in the morning to start my car, or have to worry about stepping into a car so cold that my CD player won’t even start. No my friends, with a radius up to a mile away, my car is already warming up before I get off the train. The hardest thing about the remote start was getting is installed, but thanks to “Auto Image” in East Brunswick, NJ I had nothing to worry about. A gentleman by the name of Angelo greeted me at the door and while another, Gary Pastirik, took my keys. In no time, 3 hours in the realm of auto detailing, my car was ready.
One of my biggest concerns with the remote start was grinding, this occurs when your car is already on and you attempt to turn the ignition. The Viper160XVL has an anti-grind guard and I had nothing to worry about. This product is available at the “Auto Image” store as well as others such as Best Buy and 6th Avenue electronics. I used to own a truck that was installed with an older “Clifford” remote-start and while it did its basic job, the features of the Viper can not be compared. You can view Direct Electronics website at www.directed.com At gadetel.com we realize how important it is for our readers to learn about the new products available however what I have realized especially with products falling in the automotive category, you want to be sure the company that installs it takes pride in their work. Auto Image takes pride in what they do and I thank them for helping us out.
Specs - 4-channel remote start/keyless entry system, 1 mile range with Spread Spectrum Technology (SST), Clone-Safe, Code-Hopping, Parking Light Flash, Failsafe Starter Kill, Anti-Grind ,Bright Blue LED Status Indicator, Miniature XCRS (Extreme Capacity Relay Satellite), Defroster Output, Built-in Turbo Timer, Dome Light Supervision, Comfort Closure, 2 Auxiliary Outputs, Horn Honk, Two 4-button Transmitters.
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Your car has officially been pimped!
Well, you can count me as ‘officialy’ jealous now. Nice one! :D
David Wilkinson
on February 15, 2007 at 08:42 PM - LINKhttp://www.techzi.net/
This looks like a neat product to be able to have, but for $300 it’s definetely a luxury item. I’m not sure that I’d be willing to ever spend more then $20 for the functionality, but if GM or Ford included it in their cars automatically, I could see how the technology could be a small differentiator in which cars consumers buy. Thanks for sharing it, it’s interesting technology, but just not useful enough for me to plop down the cash on it.
on February 15, 2007 at 09:58 PM - LINKWow!...The Viper runs XP sounds pretty exciting to me!. The screen must be on the otherside of the fob!!!
on February 16, 2007 at 05:22 PM - LINKReceived as a suprise bday gift. Turned into the remote from H*#L. Have had more trouble from this remote than any other I have had, factory installed or after market (viper product). Works when it wants no matter what distance you are from vehicle. Remote will start the car but then will not unlock the car. Then it will work just fine. Almost need a class to learn how to use it! Lost use of factory setting (key fob, internal use of locks & panic button). Right now would not recommend even to worst enemy!
on December 26, 2008 at 07:57 AM - LINK