One Year old Tacoma- Anyone paying $15 for remote features in the app?

[EatMyTaco]

In no way am I PAYING Toyota to steal my data just so I can start my truck from my bedroom. It's in a garage anyways. If they want my data that bad (I disabled the cell transmitter by physically disconnecting it), they can give me those features for free in trade for my data.

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[EatMyTaco]

You all are funny. Every word, picture, or link you post on this wonderful Tacoma Forum page is being tracked.

But I know what I'm giving when I post here. I am choosing to say what I say, look at what I look at.

With data from my truck, that's a lot of personal data that I don't want to divulge to random people, etc.

You can do as you wish, but your condescending tone is preachy and annoying AF.

 

[EatMyTaco]

Devil's advocate here, but OnX and such are still subscription based service. Though I agree, much better in back country where service is limited or nonexistent.

I refuse to pay OnX as well. But I can do GIS well for myself, I run Carrymap with custom maps I make for myself on QGIS. Which is also free.

 

[tgrneal]

Yes, through 2023 they offered stand alone remote connect at $8/mo or $80/yr.

For 2024+ it's only in a $15/mo bundle with no annual discount.

That's what's so annoying - they already had a complete ordering & fulfillment system so they could easily offer it again if they so chose.

There may be hope - GMC as of 2025 model year is including 8 years of onstar basic which includes remote start / lock / unlock as standard. See here. They've also cut pricing on a bunch of the other plans. See here.

Downside is it seems to be model year specific, screwing the 2024 owners.



Yeah, I use third-party app based remote start regularly on my 2017. Really handy to start it cooling OTA as my wife and I finish a restaurant meal or some other outing. I also often use if if I have our dog with me and need to run into a store for ten minutes (never gone very long).

Per above, GMC is offering it free for 8 years now for 2025 MY buyers. Ford's version is free for life of vehicle - my wife's Bronco Sport came with it. Connected Nav would be an additional cost, but not needed with carplay.

I wonder if Toyota might consider a change of heart if people responded to any of their socials posts with comments about them charging for stuff Ford and GM provide at no cost.

At any rate, I don't need to buy a new truck right now even as much as I like the 4th gen powertrain, so I'm at least waiting to see 2026MY specs.

Which third party app? I currently pay for remote start just for the climate control fucntion.

 

[coldtaco]

In no way am I PAYING Toyota to steal my data just so I can start my truck from my bedroom. It's in a garage anyways. If they want my data that bad (I disabled the cell transmitter by physically disconnecting it), they can give me those features for free in trade for my data.

how do you disable the cell transmitter? where is that located?

 

[EatMyTaco]

how do you disable the cell transmitter? where is that located?

Behind the flat plate for the cell phone holder. You need a dummy cord from Amazon to plug into it to stop it from throwing a code

 

[gpburdell]

Which third party app? I currently pay for remote start just for the climate control fucntion.

Directed (Viper) Smart Start. Provides remote start / lock / unlock - climate controls just do what they're set to do, there's no remote change ability AFAIK.

While it appears to also support 4th gen, it won't save you any money. Breakeven on the hardware and subscription costs vs Toyota's $15/mo charge is several years. I installed it on my 3rd gen years ago because there was no Toyota option.

 

[Will721]

I can also confirm Compustar being the same price. All remote start systems which operate via LTE require a subscription, and they're all about the same amount of money. The cell carriers don't just let you use their towers for free, and someone has to pay a software team for continuous development, security, and compatibility updates. Then visa/mastercard/ect. gotta get their piece for any payment processing, not to mention the app stores for hosting. All for as long as your vehicle is on the road. Nobody's making big bucks on these subscriptions at $15.

Frankly I didn't read the terms/service as far as Toyota selling your data. It wouldn't surprise me either way. But your phone is tracking as selling your data, individual apps are, various websites you download trackers from like Facebook, smart home hubs, ect. ect. Google your full legal name, mabey even add a city. I bet you pop right up along with your address, previous addresses, known associates, phone number, everything anyone would want to know pops right up.

 

[gpburdell]

I can also confirm Compustar being the same price. All remote start systems which operate via LTE require a subscription, and they're all about the same amount of money. The cell carriers don't just let you use their towers for free, and someone has to pay a software team for continuous development, security, and compatibility updates. Then visa/mastercard/ect. gotta get their piece for any payment processing, not to mention the app stores for hosting. All for as long as your vehicle is on the road. Nobody's making big bucks on these subscriptions at $15.

Sure, I have no issue paying an appropriate amount. Directed / Viper charges $70/yr (5.83/mo) for the non-GPS plan (which is $10/mo). Toyota used to charge $8/mo or $80/yr for the Remote Connect plan.

My gripe is Toyota now force-bundles additional unwanted services and more than doubled the price. Now you have to pay $180 per year instead of $80.

Frankly I didn't read the terms/service as far as Toyota selling your data. It wouldn't surprise me either way. But your phone is tracking as selling your data, individual apps are, various websites you download trackers from like Facebook, smart home hubs, ect. ect.

Not to mention Flock cameras, AI enabled video surveillance in the streets and stores, Ring camera networks, purchase tracking (card #), and all the other data gathering stuff out there.

The privacy horses left the barn a long time ago.

 

[maxx075]

Sure, I have no issue paying an appropriate amount. Directed / Viper charges $70/yr (5.83/mo) for the non-GPS plan (which is $10/mo). Toyota used to charge $8/mo or $80/yr for the Remote Connect plan.

My gripe is Toyota now force-bundles additional unwanted services and more than doubled the price. Now you have to pay $180 per year instead of $80.



Not to mention Flock cameras, AI enabled video surveillance in the streets and stores, Ring camera networks, purchase tracking (card #), and all the other data gathering stuff out there.

The privacy horses left the barn a long time ago.

Ah, got it. We just accept all of the intrusion.

 

[gpburdell]

Ah, got it. We just accept all of the intrusion.

At this point that's the price of participating in society and using modern devices.

Your alternative is to go full Edward Lyle or move off-grid to the Alaskan wilderness or equivalent.

While disabling the cellular module in your 4th gen might feel like you've accomplished something, it's no more effective than covering one hole in a colander and calling it a bowl.

 

[maxx075]

At this point that's the price of participating in society and using modern devices.

Your alternative is to go full Edward Lyle or move off-grid to the Alaskan wilderness or equivalent.

While disabling the cellular module in your 4th gen might feel like you've accomplished something, it's no more effective than covering one hole in a colander and calling it a bowl.

This mindset is the problem. It's a weak, "well it is what it is - if you have nothing to hide, there's no problem" mindset.
Unless you're outside of the USA, we have what is called the right to privacy. Continually accepting and allowing these things will only let the government think it's ok to do this. Seems like you're perfectly happy with having no privacy though.

 

[gpburdell]

This mindset is the problem. It's a weak, "well it is what it is - if you have nothing to hide, there's no problem" mindset.
Unless you're outside of the USA, we have what is called the right to privacy. Continually accepting and allowing these things will only let the government think it's ok to do this. Seems like you're perfectly happy with having no privacy though.

Expectation of privacy in the US has never applied to public spaces.

Now please describe how you're evading tracking by Flock cameras, AI enabled video surveillance in the streets and stores, Ring/doorbell/home-surveillance camera networks, purchase tracking & subsequent shopping habits data mapping/correlation, cell phone tracking (including bluetooth beacons), cell phone app data gathering & tracking, as well as web activity tracking within your browsers as well as by your ISP.

'cuz for all your talk, so far I haven't seen you mention actually doing anything to substantively regain any of your privacy.

 

[EatMyTaco]

Expectation of privacy in the US has never applied to public spaces.

Now please describe how you're evading tracking by Flock cameras, AI enabled video surveillance in the streets and stores, Ring/doorbell/home-surveillance camera networks, purchase tracking & subsequent shopping habits data mapping/correlation, cell phone tracking (including bluetooth beacons), cell phone app data gathering & tracking, as well as web activity tracking within your browsers as well as by your ISP.

'cuz for all your talk, so far I haven't seen you mention actually doing anything to substantively regain any of your privacy.

Aside from disabling the cell connection in my truck, I make certain purchases with cash, have faraday bags for my phones, use a vpn, and live in an area with few flock cameras. This isn’t all I do, but it’s generally some of the generic ways. Yes, privacy in public isn’t a thing, but that doesn’t mean I have to help them, and even give them $ for it. No, can’t ditch all of it, but the smaller footprint one leaves, the better.

 

[gpburdell]

the smaller footprint one leaves, the better.

Just for sake of discussion, (to play Devil's Advocate), I'll ask: Why?

In what material way is your life changed for the better by reducing your footprint?

Or, in what material way would it changed for the worse by not taking the various steps you take?

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