akaido

Just got an email from Lexus saying my Enform is going to expired. It lists several columns with several items under each.
I was surprise to see remote lock/unlock as one of them.

Does other auto mfgrs have similar plan? meaning all that remote features like starting, lock, heat... all expired after 1st free yr?

I personally think remote lock/unlock, vehicle finder should be standard. I see ads for American cars where they can roll up windows...

MKenM

Nothing in life is free including these apps. GM offers a free trial period then an annual fee, Lexus is the same way. The telematics for these vehicles costs the manufacturers $$. They build a revenue stream from these apps (since there are no commercials to pay for it otherwise). Jaguar offers it for 5 years.

For me personally I don't think any of it is worth the $$. I can turn on the AC or heat when I get to the car. I usually remember where I park my car. Destination assist, that's what a navigation system is for. If my car is stolen that is what insurance is for. I'm sure there are those that would not go without it. In the end if the app is on your phone it needs the telematics in the vehicle to respond and someone needs to pay for it.

GoHuskers

For me all I want is the remote starter. If renewal is cheap then I'll renew (doesn't seem like it) otherwise I'll get an aftermarket 2-ways remote starter.

mjeds

any of the functions of the app will cease to work.

remote start, lock/unlock, and windows down still work via the key fob.. at least mine do since the Enform subscription ended on my RCF last October.

MKenM

That would be the better way But, how long would you intend on keeping this vehicle? Unless you remove it before selling it might be cheaper to pay a fee. I think they have different tiers for different apps.

TechNut

I believe the Safety Connect (SOS), Service Connect and Remote start is $249 per year. Destinations adds something like $80 per year. You can renew at current rates for up to four years if you want to protect yourself against rate hikes. I prefer to just use the built in equipment rather than deal with the aftermarket stuff - just my personal preference. The remote start can only be tacked on to SOS, it cannot be purchased independently. This is why it gets so expensive.

twebb726

I wish they would offer each at al-a-cart. I'd pay a little more for remote start if I could only buy that. One can only hope.

15RC350F

I'd like to select cable channels a la carte as well. Ain't happening. But I'm totally with you on this one.

typocl

only thing I'm irked with is that the FOB remote start has no need to be tied to enform or cellular data usage, they just chose to disable it when enform subscription lapses

chuckNX

It would be interesting to know if the remote start feature is tied to the Enform Service being enabled. Or if you can somehow disable the cell service prior to the Enform expiration to prevent them sending it kill signal.i..e., Pull a SIM card for the cell service prior to expiration.

MKenM

So you disconnect if for lets say a month before and after. Don't you think the cell carrier is going to say "who should I bill this air/data time to?" Nice try but just another dream.

typocl

that's the thing, the remote FOB start doesn't require cell carrier data

only reason it doesn't work after enform lapse (FOB remote start) is because Lexus just chose to disable it

MKenM

Then what does it use and from what distance does it operate?

TechNut

It must use the same RF signal the lock/unlock buttons on the FOB use. As for distance, you should get a feel by testing with your FOB buttons, but I would think something along the lines of 50 to 70 feet, depending on battery charge. That's just a guess on my part of course.