Just bought a '13 Edge SEL, gave up my '02 F150. No remorse in not getting another F150. I always get remote start installed post vehicle purchase. Back in '94 I began having remote starts put in. Through contacts I found out that most dealers do not install remote starts themselves. I found out who the contractor was at my dealership and contacted them directly. They came to my house for two installs and I went to the dealer for the contractor to do the other installs. My most recent experience went like this:
Dealer wanted $245.71 for the part. plus $21.00 for the hood swithch.
I called the dealership's contractor and made my appointment with them to take it to the dealer they were working at the next day. I could have waited a few days until the contractor was doing installs at my dealership, but it is cold out and I wanted it done fast. I went to the dealership and was in and out in 45 minutes. I paid the contractor directly. Total cost including all parts, 2 FOB's, installation, activation and taxes was $300.00. When I check the price with my dealer they wanted $425.00. Saved $125 by having it installed at the dealer but not by the dealer.