Okay...so I read the forever-long board about the Viper vs. Compustar debate and want to pose the question, but in a different context:

I'm in a small town in Minnesota for school and want to get a remote car starter/alarm. I'm not, however, too worried about the security of my car. If anything happens to it, it will most likely be some high school kids who lean on it, or think they see a cell phone they want to steel. I'm in the Twin Cities a couple times a month, but park in a lot w/ an attendant or at a friend's house. So, while an alarm is something I want, I'm not too freaked about the security of my car on a daily basis.

BUT, my concern is that I will not live very close to my car—at least the chances of living close are not too good. I could be within 50 feet, 200 feet, or a half a mile. I will not know until I’m assigned a lot next term, but either way, I want to be able to keep somewhat of an eye on it when I’m in my room or when I’m in class. SOOOOOO, my main draws to these 2-way systems are the convenience features they offer. Remote start is what is most important to me (-40 is cold as hell and I would like the heat and seat warmers going when I get in the car), auto up/down windows is great in the summer, etc. But, range could be an issue with me... I know that Compustar is new (thanks to Dan for answering some of my questions via email) and people swear by DEI because of their reputation, but in this situation, I’m trying to figure out which system would best fit my needs.

Does anyone have experience with the range on the Viper 791 xv or a Compustar 2W900FM-AS. If I’m in Target, which one will keep a signal? I’ve heard some complaints about the signal in the Viper not being anywhere near what its advertised to be in real-life situations and that, honestly, is what made me seriously consider the Compustar. I heard of the Compustar when talking with a local audio/security shop that sells both models. They told me just about everyone in their shop uses the Compustar and not the Viper. I have, however, heard the exact opposite thing from other people.

From a quality standpoint, which one would do best? From a features, which one?

Also, I got this price quote and am wondering how good it sounds:

Compustar unit: $500 w/ install. Add: $130 for windows up/down, $30 for trunk pop, and $80 for a backup battery for the siren.

I lost the damn quote for the Viper, but I’m sure it’s cheaper for the unit w/ install, just don’t remember exact prices...

Thanks

 

When my compustar was working 100% it was great! Unbelievable range, in stores, apt buildings, parking garages, in the basement, 2-3 city blocks in Manhattan, 3-4 blocks in Brooklyn, and out of sight in farm land areas. Having the window features is a Big plus, when its too hot in the summer open them before getting in the car. And then close them and start the car with the a/c on and have it nice and cool when you get it. But due to very poor installation it eventually failed and even locked me out of the car and would not start until I disconnected it.

If your going to have the compustar installed please make sure the shop is familiar with your car and the alarm system, or you will have problems.

Would I have another compustar system installed again, probably. But I'd like to try the 791XV and then be able to compare them with real world experience.

 

Had the Compustar 2WSS-AS (motion/tilt, glass break, window rollup sensors) for about 6 months now and loved every minute of it. The range is really incredible. Wether you are deep in a mall or blocks away, it really has awesome range. I also really like the built in turbo timer, its nice having one less box inside my ride. Anyways, it definitely gets my on both quality and range.

Bbasso is right though when he talks about instalation woes. It took the shop i had it at FOREVER and they were even familiar with the product. It isn't an easy task getting it installed, but its well worth the trouble. Definitely talk with your local shops as to what they typically install and what they are willing to work with. I went with Compustar mainly because it would allow me to remote start my manual car, something all other shops in town refused to do both with a dei system and compustar. I had to drive a hour and a half to find a shop willing to do it.

 

We sell both in our store, I will keep this short

1-Quality wise, they are both the same, very good
2-Features wise, again about the same, they can both do the same things
3-As for price, I can't help you, "I am Canadian" and we always pay more then you
And I have to agree with the others the Compustars range walks on Viper, and if you can get the Canadian model, you get even more range, something to do with your FCC and our Canada Communication, the other thing that may come into play here is your car is it an auto or standard transmission, DEI, [Viper] does not make a remote start for a 5 speed
As for install on the two units, I have heard a few people say that the Compustar is a pain and takes longer to install, I have installed 100s of both, and I find no real diff. in install time, if you install the 2 units into 2 identical cars with the same options, the number of wires and connections will be the same, and they will be made at the same points, except on the Compustar you have to wire the E-brake if it's a standard, one more wire, and programing is easy as pie, no harder then the Viper.
All that said, get the Compustar, I think you will be a lot more satisfied. 94

 

Well, I'm leaning towards the Compustar SW900FM-AS. Anyone use that one? It's not the one with the CRAZY range (over a mile) but it gets 3/4 of a mile, and that should do me. It's the 2nd model on this website: http://www.compustar.org/secur...t.htm

I talked with a place that does the installs here. They actually recommended it to me over the Viper from the start, but I wanted to see if others said the same. They said that just about everyone in their shop has this one on their cars, so I think I'll be okay with it. I just didn't plan on spending that much money! It'll be $740, before tax, for what I want (windows up/down, trunk pop, and backup bat.). I was only planning on spending around $500... ouch. But, if it's worth it, then I guess I'd do it...