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

[Lando]

It is a dangerous slope, I’ve heard on some cars the subscription is needed for the heated seats to work and other features.

Right now is just the early phase, training the masses to pay a monthly subscription to have features on a new vehicle. Eventually it may be needed for most features on most cars.

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[Sagebrush]

A truck with cheap plastics and no nav unless you pay.

Lando: You've been here since 2023, and if I read your avatar correctly, you don't own a Toyota. Is that correct?

You don't pay for CarPlay or Android Auto, and of course, Google Maps is more refined than subscription-based highway navigation programs.

For off-road stuff, I used Gaia and OnX, and I don't blink at having to pay a subscription. They are products I'm willing to pay for.

 

[maxx075]

Lando: You've been here since 2023, and if I read your avatar correctly, you don't own a Toyota. Is that correct?

You don't pay for CarPlay or Android Auto, and of course, Google Maps and other programs such as Gaia or OnX work great for backcountry driving–much better than a subscription-based map system.

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.

 

[gpburdell]

Yes this is a good hack, I wonder what others there are. (Roll down windows I’ve seen on another car)

Tacoma owners manual mentions holding unlock to roll down windows, but it might need to be enabled by dealer (which means Carista might be able to enable it if it's not working).

It is a dangerous slope, I’ve heard on some cars the subscription is needed for the heated seats to work and other features.

Right now is just the early phase, training the masses to pay a monthly subscription to have features on a new vehicle. Eventually it may be needed for most features on most cars.

Yes, BMW tried the heated seats subscription but discontinued due to backlash. I'd imagine we'll see continued efforts towards a Vehicle as a Service model - already look at how many lease instead of own.

and frankly, the Toyota $15/mo thing is part of why I've not yet bought a 4th gen. I'd be okay with the $80/yr that Toyota used to offer - that's close enuf to what my aftermarket system costs on my 2017 Tacoma, and I do use the app based remote start regularly enough that it's worth it.

I find it troubling that Toyota used to offer that option, but is now forcing people into paying more than double by forced bundling with an unneeded service. That's a clearly a money grab. The cellular service is still active for the ServiceConnect and SafetyConnect services, so it's not like they're trying to recoup the cost. They're just blocking features unless you pay. As you say - slippery slope - what next? Will that become $30/mo?

That Ford offers their version of remote connect for free does have me considering a Ranger when I do make a change. My wife's been very happy with her Bronco Sport. Biggest thing holding me back though is I can't find any Ford equivalent of the Toyota wallet keyfob - which I've become extremely fond of having. Just grab my wallet and phone and I'm good to go. No lumpy keyfob in my pocket.

 

[Sagebrush]

Devil's advocate here, but On and such are still subscription based service.

You're correct, of course. I edited my post.

 

[Lando]

Lando: You've been here since 2023, and if I read your avatar correctly, you don't own a Toyota. Is that correct?

You are incorrect. I’ve owned my 2024 OR for almost a year. I’ve posted a good unbiased one year review on this site that is worth checking out.

 

[tgrneal]

I use the app. I like most if not all the features on these newer modern vehicles. People do pay for convivence. The range on our key fobs isn't great in my opinion. its nice that i can start my truck and warm it up or cool it off before I get in from much further than the key fob allows, not to mention viewing the status (even if it isn't always up to date). Unfortunately it makes sense that they use the subscription model since someone needs to update and maintain the app. I just wish that they'd bring back the annual payment option.

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