Ridiculous OnStar Prices

[Tylus]

Called and setup OnStar in the 2017 Burb I just got. The OnStar module had gone bad, Dealership replaced today. OnStar gave me a "free trial" for 30 days with LTE and 3gb of data. Offerred a 3 month "free trial" if I gave them my CC # so they could start auto-renew. Yeah...NOPE!

After 30 days they want me to pay $15 monthly to get basic access to my vehicle.

I just got rid of a 2015 Tahoe. For the entire 4yrs I owned it, I had access to my vehicle via the app. I cannot believe how worthless this service has become. And it's even worse because GM forces you to purchase the crap/gizmo's with the vehicle. Instead of giving you an option to OPT out.

I doubt GM monitors the forums, but what a crock of crap. I can't App Unlock, or App Start my vehicle unless I pay them $15? Get out of here, especially since it was a free service for YEARS!

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I’ve been thinking of dropping OnStar for a month now. I don’t use anything but the remote start

 

[swathdiver]

I like it, pay in advance for the year for a discount. You're lucky and get access to the app and its features. You like it, pay for it. You no likey, you no pay.

 

[RST Dana]

The app version is basic and free for the first 5 yearsI believe.

 

[bsch3001]

They recently changed the policy - you no longer get app access (e.g. lock/unlock, start/stop) for free for 5 years. Older vehicles were grandfathered in (at least mine was - '15 Sierra). Our '18 Yukon isn't unfortunately. Seems like a reasonable move - the cost of it was factored into vehicle price, theoretically it is now just being paid by those who chose to use it. Impossible to tell how the saved money is spent (e.g. lower msrp, other features, etc.).

 

[dbbd1]

I would still like to try and figure out where the module is in our rigs, so I can completely disconnect it.

 

[4OFFSHR]

I had just the app when I had my 2011 Burb, and after the trial period expired on my new truck, 17 Yukon I opted not to renew, and in thinking about it, the app was great for my 2011 if the keys were locked inside etc. but with the new truck, it is impossible to lock the keys in it, if the keys are inside the outside door buttons will lock and unlock LOL! As far as remote start, I would only do that from inside the house if I wanted to warm it up or get the air running and the remote will do that, so the app is sort of useless on the new car too. Amazing how they try to rope you into paying that monthly service...kind of a outdated feature now.

 

[Tylus]

I only used the app when we were in a mall, or when we went hiking. I'd lock the keys inside and do my thing. Then use phone to get back inside

Same for mall, remote start about 5 min before leaving the mall so she'd be nice and cold


Not anymore. The service shouldn't cost but $1-2 a month. I'd happily pay say $15 for 1yr of basic service (app access). but no way I'll pay $180 yearly

Especially as the initial cost is amortized heavily due to all equipment already being installed. Its merely server fees after that. And with millions of GM vehicles, the fees per unit are pennies on the dollar

This is simply OnStar being greedy. I sincerely hope the business model fails. Then GM could stop forcing OnStar down our throats. Maybe lower cost of the vehicle a hair

 

[GTNator]

Everything is becoming subscription based, I think its just the way technology is headed

 

[swathdiver]

Everything is becoming subscription based, I think its just the way technology is headed

Yuck! I refuse to buy subscriptions or downloads of software, I want to own it and hold it. So far I've been able to keep doing with few compromises, but it is becoming increasingly difficult.