At TintGTA, remote starters start at $375 + tax. Your exact price depends on the type of remote, your vehicle's electronics and the work needed to install it. A simple key-fob setup and a smartphone-controlled system are different purchases. Compare the options below, then get an exact price for your vehicle's year, make, model and trim.
Remote starter types and starting price in Toronto
When you ask how much a remote starter costs, make sure you're comparing installed prices, not a box price for the equipment alone.
| System | Example manufacturer range rating | Suits drivers who... |
|---|---|---|
| 1-way remote starter | Up to ¼ mile on the Viper 4109V | Park nearby and want straightforward control |
| 2-way LED remote starter | Up to 1 mile on the Viper 5808V | Want the remote to acknowledge a command |
| 2-way LCD remote starter | Up to 1 mile on the Viper 5908V | Prefer status information on a screen |
| Smartphone-connected remote start | No fixed fob-distance rating; requires network coverage | Want to send commands from a phone, subject to service availability |
Viper models are feature examples, not confirmed in-stock fits for every vehicle. Manufacturer distances are “up to” ratings under favourable conditions, not guaranteed real-world range. Viper 4109V · Viper 5808V · Viper 5908V
Remote starters at TintGTA start at $375 + tax. The system you choose and your vehicle decide the final price, which we confirm in a written quote. For an exact price, call (416) 285-8468 or see current offers.
Some compatible vehicles can remote-start using the existing factory key fob. Fob range and eligibility vary, so ask whether TintGTA offers that arrangement for your vehicle and how its installed cost compares.
If you're weighing the convenience of each type, read our guide to 1-way, 2-way and smartphone remote starters.
What changes the price of a remote starter?
1. The system type and the range you need
A 1-way system sends a start command. It doesn't send a confirmation back to the remote, although some vehicles flash their lights. A 2-way remote communicates back to its owner through an LED, sound or screen, depending on the model. That feedback can be helpful when your vehicle is parked out of sight.
An LCD model adds a display rather than making every remote starter more powerful. And a phone-based system changes how the command travels: through an app and a connected module instead of relying solely on a handheld remote.
Tell the installer where you park, not just how far away it is: high-rise buildings and underground levels can affect reception.
2. Your vehicle, key and security features
Vehicle compatibility isn't determined by the year alone. The exact make, model, trim, engine, transmission and whether the vehicle uses a conventional key or push-button start can affect the parts and setup.
Some vehicles require an interface or bypass module to communicate correctly with their factory electronics. Others need additional programming or vehicle-specific connections.
TintGTA's current remote starter offer excludes manual-transmission vehicles. If you drive a manual, ask the shop before planning a purchase, even if a remote starter manufacturer's literature describes manual-transmission functionality.
3. Smartphone control and service plans
A dedicated fob-based remote starter normally doesn't need a cellular subscription for its basic remote-start functions. Connected phone control is a different matter. Viper says its SmartStart Pro uses a professionally installed module and an active service plan to communicate with the vehicle; the car needs cellular coverage, while the phone needs cellular data or Wi-Fi. Viper SmartStart Pro
That means there can be two prices to compare: the equipment and installation today, and the app service cost after any included trial. Some plans include additional features, such as GPS location or vehicle-status alerts. Don't pay for a feature before confirming it's supported on your particular vehicle and service plan.
Already have factory remote start? You may not need to shop for the same solution as someone starting from scratch. Read how to add phone control to a factory remote start before deciding.
4. What the installation involves
A professional remote starter installation is more than connecting a starter button. The installer needs to verify how the vehicle communicates, connect any required interface, configure the system and test operation and safety features.
TintGTA currently describes the wiring and integration stage as typically two to four hours, with most installations completed the same day. That's a published shop estimate, not a guaranteed appointment length. More complex vehicles or additional features can change the schedule. TintGTA remote starters
What should a remote starter quote include?
Before booking, ask for a written quote that answers the following questions:
- Equipment: Which starter, fobs and phone modules are included?
- Integration: Does your vehicle need an interface module, harness or programming?
- Labour: Is professional installation and system testing included?
- Ongoing charges: Is a smartphone service plan required, and when would billing begin?
- Taxes and support: Is HST extra, and what do the product and installation warranties cover?
A lower advertised equipment price can become a higher installed cost if the necessary vehicle parts aren't accounted for. Conversely, you may not need a premium LCD or app-based package to start a car parked close to home.
Ask the installer to demonstrate what happens when you unlock the doors, press the brake, open the hood and attempt to drive.
Factory remote start vs. aftermarket: which costs more?
Some vehicles already have remote start built into the key fob. Others offer a manufacturer app, sometimes with a trial period and later subscription charges. Aftermarket systems offer dedicated remotes, potential additional range or connected control, depending on what your vehicle supports.
A July 29, 2026 Engadget comparison reported US-market automaker app subscriptions in the range of US$10–US$25 per month. That's useful context, not a Canadian price quote. The article also notes that dedicated aftermarket fob systems avoid an automaker app subscription, while smartphone add-ons can have their own service fees.
Compare what you actually need: a working factory fob, greater range, command confirmation or app access, and whether a service plan is worth it.
Using a remote starter in Toronto: an important idling rule
Convenience doesn't cancel local idling restrictions. The City of Toronto's Idling Control By-law limits vehicle idling to no more than one minute in a 60-minute period, subject to specified exceptions. The City does not list using a remote starter as a general exemption. If you're unsure how the rule applies, contact Toronto 311.
The City's February 2025 anti-idling report says enforcement is complaint-based; that is not permission to idle longer. Natural Resources Canada says idling is not an effective way to warm a vehicle, even in cold weather: “The best way to warm it up is to drive it.” This is the agency's fuel-efficiency guidance, not legal advice.
Ask the installer which run-time settings and safety behaviour are available for your vehicle. Never remote-start a vehicle in an enclosed garage, and never assume that a long programmed run time is lawful wherever you park.
Get a remote starter quote in Scarborough
The fastest way to get a useful answer is to provide the vehicle details before discussing upgrades. Have your year, make, model, trim, transmission and key type ready, along with where you park and whether you want a separate fob or an app.
TintGTA has served the GTA for over 25 years and offers remote starter installation in Scarborough. You can also check current offers, which may have separate eligibility and expiry terms.
TintGTA, 1213 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L2
Phone: (416) 285-8468
Hours listed by TintGTA: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday closed.
Get a remote starter quote. Tell us about your vehicle and the kind of control you want; the exact installed price can then be confirmed in writing.
