Drive connect and remote connect expired. Alternatives?

[AlexGates]

Yes but from 10 ft away. Its very sensitive and sucks to be honest. The app is 1000% better.

It is terrible. It takes forever and the range is lousy. My F150 is simple and works from 300' away, and it is instant. On the positive side, Toyota's used to turn off when you opened the door, at least they did away with that.

I get mixed messages, but I'm told the remote start via FOB gets disabled too when your trial/subscription expires. $15 is a bit much TBH.

*The Ford app, which isn't as good as Toyota's IMHO, is free.

 

[RideWithYanu]

I get mixed messages, but I'm told the remote start via FOB gets disabled too when your trial/subscription expires.

That would be very surprising and highly disappointing. I hope and expect that’s not the case.

 

[mrCharlie]

IMO, Toyota has a cash cow and they know it. No one will ever convince me that the servers that house the "app" weren't paid for years ago, but it's easy money for basically doing nothing and millions are "hooked" on the convivence of using the app.

It doesn't bother as much as it would otherwise because there are some actual ongoing costs involved for Toyota to provide at least some of these services, specifically the data connection and updating the map data. They still no doubt make money on it, but it's also not pure profit.

It's not the same as BMW's infamous attempt a few years ago require a subscription to access features like heated seats (ie use hardware already present) - though one could argue if features like digital key and remote start are disabled without a subscription (assuming there isn't some reason they need a data connection) is along those lines.

 

[EOD Guy]

It doesn't bother as much as it would otherwise because there are some actual ongoing costs involved for Toyota to provide at least some of these services, specifically the data connection and updating the map data. They still no doubt make money on it, but it's also not pure profit.

It's not the same as BMW's infamous attempt a few years ago require a subscription to access features like heated seats (ie use hardware already present) - though one could argue if features like digital key and remote start are disabled without a subscription (assuming there isn't some reason they need a data connection) is along those lines.

Except for the millions and millions of Toyotas out there and a onetime fee of $1.00 at the time of purchase would more than cover any actual ongoing costs. Most map updates, firmware updates are completed OTA ...............

 

[Captain Trips]

Except for the millions and millions of Toyotas out there and a onetime fee of $1.00 at the time of purchase would more than cover any actual ongoing costs. Most map updates, firmware updates are completed OTA ...............

Has anyone ever gotten a firmware update yet OTA? I didn’t think so.

 

[chris_in_phx]

Its definitely a money grab for sure but it is interesting to me that Toyota moved to the $15 price point. My guess is their costs went up… probably for the newer cellular radios with AT&T and the connection. so they decided to charge more and “bundle” so customers feel theyre getting a more for the higher price. Its disappointing for sure.

 

[chris_in_phx]

Has anyone ever gotten a firmware update yet OTA? I didn’t think so.

Ive never seen a single one come through

 

[EOD Guy]

Has anyone ever gotten a firmware update yet OTA? I didn’t think so.

Well actually my Taco did............

 

[ultane]

Has anyone ever gotten a firmware update yet OTA? I didn’t think so.

How would we know?

My Toyota app is always asking for permission to connect to Miss Daisy. But I don’t know what is going on in the background.

 

[AlexGates]

Except for the millions and millions of Toyotas out there and a onetime fee of $1.00 at the time of purchase would more than cover any actual ongoing costs. Most map updates, firmware updates are completed OTA ...............

They do have to pay for the cell service to send it out, but that sure isn't costing them $15 a month per vehicle lol.
Like I mentioned, FMCO seems to be able to do it for free. Though the map updates now require payment, but who on Earth uses the auto mfg maps? If you are out of cell service that often, buy a Garmin. I still carry a road atlas in my vehicles anyway.

My LC's remote start from the FOB is virtually worthless. Because of the range, the time it takes to actually start, and the specific button sequence, I'm already standing at my vehicle. . Hell, if I had security concerns and used RS/FOB for that, I would get a TBI if things went sideways, because the range is like 30'.

 

[GaryA]

Beside the $15 dollar a month they charge $1.05 in tax. Seems like everything is taxed now go figure. I renewed for many reasons.

 

[chris_in_phx]

Like I mentioned, FMCO seems to be able to do it for free.

I think Ford offers the service at no charge for 10 years, which is great but then after that 10 years, I think you have to pay for it.

 

[AlexGates]

I think Ford offers the service at no charge for 10 years, which is great but then after that 10 years, I think you have to pay for it.

I don't think a Ford will actually last 10yrs, joke's on FMCO.

 

[chris_in_phx]

I don't think a Ford will actually last 10yrs, joke's on FMCO.

Haha fair - and truthful. Both my F150’s had serious issues within 5 years. Hence why i have a yota now

 

[Nift250]

I too find the $15 quite steep. More than my wife's BMW for the same service...