Toyota owners have to pay $8/mo to keep using their key fob for remote start

[MX793]

I guess they didn't learn from BMW locking their owners out of carplay

BMW at least had a somewhat reasonable excuse for the charge (their wireless interface would require updates to stay compatible as ACP updated, so they were providing some value-add through continued app maintenance for the interface).  When the remote start HW is self contained in the vehicle and fob, what is Toyota actually providing for $8 that would be needed to facilitate that functionality?  It would be one thing if it allowed you to remote start from anywhere via an App that Toyota maintained, and transmitted via 4G network.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Yeah, my next car is going to be a Stanley Steamer.

Tough on dirt.
Gentle on carpets.

[r0tor]

But Wait There's More

https://www.jdpower.com/automotive-news/mercedes-benz-eqs-rear-wheel-steer-requires-subscription

[Soup DeVille]

But Wait There's More

https://www.jdpower.com/automotive-news/mercedes-benz-eqs-rear-wheel-steer-requires-subscription

Yeah, if consumers don't stick together with a collective middle finger towards this ridiculousness (and they won't), its just going to get much worse.

[JWC]

Used car market will remain very strong.

[AutobahnSHO]

But Wait There's More

https://www.jdpower.com/automotive-news/mercedes-benz-eqs-rear-wheel-steer-requires-subscription

[CaminoRacer]

May the El Camino live forever.

[Rich]

The subscription thing is here and much more is on the way. As more cars use screens instead of buttons all that needs done is to gray the button out after the subscription expires. It would simplify production since option choice would happen after sale.

[Submariner]

But Wait There's More

https://www.jdpower.com/automotive-news/mercedes-benz-eqs-rear-wheel-steer-requires-subscription

Gross.

[Eye of the Tiger]

The subscription thing is here and much more is on the way. As more cars use screens instead of buttons all that needs done is to gray the button out after the subscription expires. It would simplify production since option choice would happen after sale.

It is already obscene that the average new car costs over $45K. I don't think I'll ever buy a car new enough to have a screen. 1996 is new enough.

[Laconian]

But Wait There's More

https://www.jdpower.com/automotive-news/mercedes-benz-eqs-rear-wheel-steer-requires-subscription

What the hell. What the goddamn hell.

[Eye of the Tiger]

If there wasn't such a huge EV push, I could see multi-displacement systems locking out cylinders unless the subscription is paid. 10 speed transmission? You only get 5 speeds unless you pay a subscription. 4 wheel brakes? You only get to use 2 unless you pay a monthly fee.

[Soup DeVille]

If there wasn't such a huge EV push, I could see multi-displacement systems locking out cylinders unless the subscription is paid. 10 speed transmission? You only get 5 speeds unless you pay a subscription. 4 wheel brakes? You only get to use 2 unless you pay a monthly fee.

EVs already basically do this.

The next step would be pay-on-demand.

Need extra range next week for that cross country trip? Pay an extra $40/day to access the reserve tank and cruising gear!

[Raza]

Wait until the execs learn about loot boxes...

1 in every 12 million times you start your car, they'll unlock an extra 100 horsepower, but you can buy boxes with a better chance of getting legendary items like brakes or turn signals!