Remote start options

[Vahler1e]

I've been digging into remote start options for '23 S but it turns out if you want to use the remote start through the access app, you're locked into a subscription after the trial ends, and for me it kinda rubbed the wrong way beacause remote start is already built into the hardware, so why are we paying to use something the car is already capable of?, while I get that there's a backend service component involved, but it still feels like a paywall on a feature that used to just work with the key fob (and still does on some older models)
What's worse is that even if you pay, the app remote start won't run the seat heaters or defrost settings unless they were already turned on last time the car was running, my colleague with a kia told me, and this doesn't feel very "smart" for something marketed as a connected car feature.

Has anyone gone with an aftermarket remote start instead? I'm wondering if that's the better route, especially for those of us who don't care about all the bells and whistles in the app and just want to start the car from the driveway in winter without paying a yearly fee

 

[MySoulMate]

It's definitely frustrating to pay for a subscription when the car's hardware already has the capability, right? It's a bit of a letdown that it doesn't even activate the seat heaters or defrost unless they're already turned on, especially for a car that's supposed to be "connected."

I've noticed that some people have opted for aftermarket solutions like Compustar or Viper. They don't require a subscription, work with the fob, and generally activate whatever settings you had on.

Have you checked those out yet? They could be a great option if you're lookin for an easy, no-fuss remote start for the winter

 

[b0unty hunt3r]

I've been digging into remote start options for '23 S but it turns out if you want to use the remote start through the access app, you're locked into a subscription after the trial ends, and for me it kinda rubbed the wrong way beacause remote start is already built into the hardware, so why are we paying to use something the car is already capable of?, while I get that there's a backend service component involved, but it still feels like a paywall on a feature that used to just work with the key fob (and still does on some older models)
What's worse is that even if you pay, the app remote start won't run the seat heaters or defrost settings unless they were already turned on last time the car was running, my colleague with a kia told me, and this doesn't feel very "smart" for something marketed as a connected car feature.

Has anyone gone with an aftermarket remote start instead? I'm wondering if that's the better route, especially for those of us who don't care about all the bells and whistles in the app and just want to start the car from the driveway in winter without paying a yearly fee

Yeah I ditched the app and went aftermarket with a Compustar unit. Starts every time, no fees, and it remembers the heat settings too.

 

[kia_cosa]

I hear you, it's frustrating to pay for a feature the car already physically has. I ended up sticking with the key fob for remote start and skipping the app subscription. If you just want basic start from the driveway, an aftermarket system might actually be simpler and cheaper long term.