I just found out that my 2022 tundra remote start (via key fob) is subscription based.
I unsubscribed from their remote "services" a while ago as the idea of Toyota tracking and selling my information after I paid over 50k for a truck didn't sit well with me. I don't use remote start that often but I tried it the other day with no success and did a little digging. I'm beyond fucking pissed, this is my first Toyota and will now most likely be my last.
I had remote start in my 07 Duramax. Used it almost everyday in the winter. My 4R doesn't have it but I don't drive that much these days so don't miss it.
Years ago GM thought they were clever with putting On Star on most of their vehicles about the time cell coverage blanketed the US. That was a subscription thing also and it worked great because of the direct sat link with out a tower. It was a good idea but most people have good cell coverage these days. Unfortunately I'm not one of them.
Toyota has it's problems with connecting with their customers. I'm not hearing anyone saying great things about their 22 pickups.
I went to Costco yesterday and they had a new F-150 by the entrance. I was curious so I looked at the MSRP. 68K and change. It was just a plain 4 door F-150. May have had an upgraded interior. I didn't look at the MSRP sheet that closely. Prices must have gone up considerably since I was shopping in Aug of 2021.
In the P-F basket of deplorables.
I have some irritations with the new truck, and I was expecting a few jumping on first year of the 3rd gen.
Having to pay a subscription to use a feature of a key fob that I already own I find to be absolutely ridiculous.
Overall I do like the truck alot. But the above just feels like I'm purposely getting bent over and I do not appreciate it.
The funny thing is that I can't even really use the remote start with my current parking situation so it took me a while to find out after unsubscribing from my free connected services trial.
Didn't BMW say the seat warmers were going to be subscription based? Fahk that!
...maybe the future will be converting our old ICE cars and trucks with electric crate motors and battery packs.
We're disappointed that my wife's new-ish Subaru requires a subscription for remote start.
My F-150 doesn't.
David S.