Toyota kills physical remote start...

[bjcheung77]

Um, looking to upgrade from a 2014 Corolla to a newer Toyota vehicle and came across this article... this sounds so much like a money grab on their part (even though I don't use this feature as I don't live in an area that's extremely cold)...  They have a "trial period" for vehicles that use the remote start function, after that 3 years trial, it's $8/month or $80/year just to have a remote start option!  For people who purchase a certain model of new vehicles, they are providing a 10 year "trial period".

The RAV4 doesn't look too bad, I don't know if people in Texas need this feature either... - Link: Toyota kills physical remote start, digital function will be pay-to-play (msn.com)

[rachel83az]

That's weird! That said, having remote start makes it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle. I wouldn't want it.

[dfrecore]

That's weird! That said, having remote start makes it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle. I wouldn't want it.

Not true at all.  My car can be started remotely, but the doors automatically lock, and my car won't even drive without the key being inside the car (not even sure how it knows, but it does).

But, I park in the garage, so I'm certainly not going to pay $8/mo for this feature! That's nuts.

[quigongene]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAcHkASm...l=BlackHat

[ss20ts]

I live where we have winter and I won't buy a car without a remote starter. I'm not going out in the snow or ice to start my car and come back in my house while it heats up and defrosts the windows. Nope. I won't pay a monthly fee to use one either. That's just ridiculous.

[Vonne]

The entire auto industry is looking at converting to a subscription model. There’s been some great write ups and interviews with senior executives. The business model that they’ve operated on is changing, so they’re looking at residual income streams, car sharing options, etc. Volvo has been doing limited lease deals that include all maintenance and even insurance, an all in one short term lease. Audi & BMW have been doing fleet lease options, allowing you to change out the vehicle based on your intended use, every month or so. Mercedes has subscriptions now for different performance and handling characteristics. Almost all the companies are looking at reducing their trim levels for each model. They’re save a fortune in manufacturing costs by building them all at higher levels, then having subscription models for all the features. Remote start, heated seats, extra horsepower, turning radius, AWD, all available on demand for a premium or at a lower cost with an annual subscription.