Another reason to not sub to remote connect

I was excited to get some good use from the remote connect. We went out of the country for a couple weeks and I was thinking oh I’m still on the trial of remote connect, I’ll use to to cool the truck off. Got on the shuttle bus and hit remote app. Started getting an error. Apparently if you haven’t driven it for the past 7 days it block remote start. Add it to the list of reasons to order a Fortin remote system… rant over… just a fyi for everyone in case you parked more that 7 days..

 

This was probably implemented as "battery saver feature". Depending on implementation, GSM/LTE/5G modems can draw substantial amount of power and if left for long would discharge the battery to the point it wouldn't crank. And that would be much less pleasant surprise than unable to remotely start it...

 

I have never used it and don't plan to pay for it

 

Well, that sucks.

 

so you want to pay to install a 3rd party remote start for the cost of having remote connect for 4-5 yrs ???

your roi wont happen until you break even around 5 yrs down the road with the 3rd party (probably closer to 7 yrs depending on service plan and if you go above only remote start hardware). paying for the hardware, install and 3-5yrs of service you can get the same with the toyota system, just saying for a minor inconvenience.


i did the math on drone mobile and it will take 5 yrs to break even on the 3rd party hardware, install and 5yrs of advance plan which includes gps location vs just paying toyota for 5 yrs. not even sure if we are keeping our current plat for that long as we are waiting to see if toyota comes out with a better blue color (light shade like the Blazing blue pearl)


but if you are keeping it longer than 7 yrs then go ahead since you will save money after that point.

toyota : $15 month x 12 months = $180 yrs

vs

drone mobile : 5 yrs plan is like $180 at the cheapest and gps plan is like $380 for 5 yrs

 

If no one pays for it, eventually Toyota will realize ripping off their customers just to give them active hardware they paid for initially is a losing proposition.

 

That'll never happen because there will always be someone who will pay for it.

 

Why would I pay for a remote start that shuts the engine off as soon as I open the door. Useless feature, IMO.

 

True, and 95% of manufacturers in the over $70K range do the same thing. Kinda like the pay for an extra bag on a plane,....1 airline did it , now they all follow suit

 

What does drone mobile do that is better than Toyota remote? Thanks

 

www.accessorides.com

I've had their remote start for over a year now...no issues and range is phenomenal. I didnt get the app version, just the 2 or 3k ft 2-way

 

pricing long term. after you even out roi on the install and hardware for 3rd party remote start, the yearly cost of a plan is about 3rd of the cost of the toyota plan.
once you factor in 3yr or 5yr plan the pricing drops down to about $3-$4 month vs toyota's $15 month plan since you can only get toyota at a monthly rate.

 

Hard pass for me. The hassle to savings ratio 3-5 year’s from now doesn’t work for me.

 

yep, thats why i usually ignore the people complaining about the toyota remote start app cost, the roi only works if you keep the vehicle greater than ~7 yrs.

the only solution i see where the 3rd party remote starts are viable is when the celluar module goes outdated. good example is my sons 2018 hyundai santa fe, it had an old 3g module so it stopped working since no cellular company ran them anymore. only way to get remote start was to have a 3rd party remote start installed.

 

I don't like the 'paying' for it but really appreciate the app and having the info available. During winter used it much more than thought I would, plus for hybrid owners it's better to warm up before taking off so I will keep and pay for it even though I plan on owning a decade or more depending on dependability thru the 10 year ext warranty

 

the ROI doesn’t necessarily take 7 years. There are other systems available that I have looked at. The fortin system is one of them. Can install it myself too so that’s more savings. Plus the aftermarket systems don’t do that dumb shit shutting off when you open the door.

 

the major downside to the toyota remote start is that you can only cycle it twice. after that you have to go out and open the door and re-lock the vehicle to get remote start to run (for another 2 cycles then repeat the process)

it sucks up here in ND during our deep freeze's when its -20F outside

 

Just below you and only needed 2 cycles a couple times ..10 min is usually enough. I also have no problem with the engine shutting off //just not a big deal to me. I do wish if I shut truck off with defrost on ...it would stay on with auto start, but again not a huge deal to hit the button after restart.

 

Eh I use the built in remote start in the winter and that's good enough for me as most of the time I'm close enough for the remote start to work that way. Tap the lock on the remote 3 times and then hold until the lights flash and it'll remote start. I wouldn't pay what they're asking for it. If it was an individual feature $5/month I'd go for it in the winters here.

 

Thanks. Didnt know about the 7 days. My trial expires in a month anyway and I refuse to pay for add-on “Services”

 

dont use defrost, use feet/defrost mode. defrost only mode will turn off when you remote start.

 

Thanks, can use that mode with auto temp as well, right ? Think I was just in auto/main vents heat mode.

Like now, truck set to auto (ac) 70/main vents with back vents turned off ...truck hits number quick then fans quiet down. Cold enough for me and may up it to 75ish as last night was almost too cold for my liking.

 

dont use auto mode, it will adjust the fan speed and which vent mode to use.

 

Any vehicle you can start with an app, doesn't matter if it is a third party product or baked in by the manufacturer, will have a subscription. Unless Toyota (or other manufacturer) starts up it's own LTE network, the cost will be passed on to the consumer. Maybe one day UNICEF will get into the remote start business, until then, pay or don't.

 

So you really think when our subscriptions lapse Toyota is going to let the data plan go on our trucks? No way in hell. The data they collect off us makes them money. That plan pays for itself.

 

Same. With kids and them going to the truck to grab something and being able to unlock anywhere I am is great. Also, being able to be notified if the door, windows, or pano roof is open and/or unlocked is great.

 

Yes, warning me I’ve left it unlocked (kids are grown and gone) has saved me 3 times already.

 

I even setup an automation on Siri Shortcuts to auto lock at 9pm every night.

 

Like that!! I’ve gotta set that up. Have tripple back tap to Start it set for warm ups.