Tacoma "Trial Services" what do I lose?

[gpburdell]

If only the remote connect thing ALONE costs around sub $8 a month. I would purchase it. Unfortunately, we do not have the option to purchase just the remote connect by itself. I do not see any practical reason to pay $15 for some other service that I do not need. Mine will expire later this month. Still debating what to do for I find the remote connect feature really usefull.

Yeah, for me $8/mo would be easy-peasy but the $15 bundle with shlt I don't need is a put-off. Especially when Ford provides similar service free on my wife's Bronco Sport for as long as she owns it.

As an alternative, look into a combination of a Fortin ONE with Viper SmartStart. I have the SmartStart on my third gen and it provides app-based remote start/lock/unlock including from my watch.

Downside is it looks like it'd take about five years or so to hit breakeven against the $15/mo Toyota subscription.

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[TacoCorp]

Safety Connect and Service Connect are "up to ten year" trial periods.

See the brochure for details of what each service provides.

Pretty sure the wallet key card will continue to work fine, but you'll lose the app features and app remote start.

Worth it? That's subjective. I have a third party LTE remote start/lock/unlock my 3rd gen and use it regularly from outside keyfob range* - so with a 4th gen I'd need to either subscribe or put in a third party system which looks to be a 5-6 year breakeven even if I DIY the install.

That said, I find the $15/mo subscription is galling - Toyota used to offer the Remote Connect alone for $8/mo or $80/yr but ceased with the 2024MY. Even more galling is that Ford provides their FordPass Connect service free for the life of the vehicle.

(*) not that I ever carry the keyfob since doing the Lexus card key mod in 2017. Pleased to see it's now officially supported with the 4th gens. I also see Ford doesn't seem to have an equivalent, and going back to a button fob in my pocket would be a big step backwards.

For what it's worth my 4th Gen Taco came with a "credit card" key. Once I get a HomeKit compatible door lock I'll stop carrying keys altogether. The downside is I'll no longer have a need to carry my Lego Yoda keychain : /

 

[Spike]

Can something like Carista get ride of the "Experience Drive Connect" blue screen permanently which I find to be an annoying distraction to get around?

 

[maxx075]

Can something like Carista get ride of the "Experience Drive Connect" blue screen permanently which I find to be an annoying distraction to get around?

No.

 

[gpburdell]

For what it's worth my 4th Gen Taco came with a "credit card" key. Once I get a HomeKit compatible door lock I'll stop carrying keys altogether. The downside is I'll no longer have a need to carry my Lego Yoda keychain : /

Yes, I am pleased to see that Toyota is now providing that with the 4th gens.

We have a garage door opener and home alarm system so I've not carried keys or a fob since doing the credit card key mod. I grab my wallet and phone and go. Unexpected plus - I can't forget my wallet.

Tip - homekit door locks are great, we have a Schlage on our weekend place so we can easily let friends use the place if we'll be at home. Just have a backup entry method. One of AA batteries failed unexpectedly (leaked while still fairly new) and the lock was dead. Used the backup key to get in.

 

[TacoEd]

OK, Note, You can still use the MAP through CARPLAY!! - Make sure your cell connected to your Tacoma, Let CarPlay load. Then hit the arrow on top left of your screen or if you can bring-up the selections just select the map. What you see may differ depending on other items.
I too thought the map was gone. It's just Toyota stopped giving their map but you can use the map from CarPlay if your cell is connected.
Also, Your remote start stops working from the Toyota app on your phone but still works from the key-fob.

 

[gpburdell]

Yes, maps from you phone via Android Auto or CarPlay will always work, and if going somewhere with sketchy cell service you can download selected maps to your phone ahead of time. GPS location isn’t cell service dependent.

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