Is remote start worth $80/year?

I just confirmed my remote start works. 2021 TRD Off road, Toyota services stopped in early November. Got to go...truck is running

 

Agreed. I have used Mint for a while and like chrome, does about 80%. MS is in the pocket of the big PC makers. They make it worth their while to only put Chrome on their low end systems. You can't buy a system from them without an OS.

 

Hell no

 

Well, technically you get more than just remote start for that, but yes, a little over $6.50 per month for a warmer truck in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Yes, it's worth it to me. I may not keep it over the entire life of the truck but I'm good with it for now.

(Even if I paid it every month for 10 years its still cheaper than some of the mods I've done.)

"Worth" is in the eye of the buyer I guess.

 

Another bennie for those of us with manuals….a key

 

Can someone clarify is Toyota charging for the cellphone remote app or the key fob also ???

 

The app, they are charging. It seems like they aren’t 100% clear about the key fob. It’s like they leave it open to charge.

 

Looks like there's no charge, since it's just a direct interaction between your keyfob and your truck.

 

How is not having remote start a "bennie". I'm confused?

 

Yeah, from a tech standpoint, I don't think they have any way of remotely disabling your key fob itself. Ultimately that is a very simple little chipboard set in there that is only communicating directly with your vehicle via radio waves. There is no wifi or cellular data processing from the fob.

Now... could they disable the truck-side of that remote-start equation over the air via the trucks' built-in wifi? Possibly. I tend to think "no" though the Drive and other sources are taking Toyota at their word.

I don't consider remote start a " must-have" but I'll actually be a little cheesed if my remote start stops working because Toyota just decided to be greedy about it.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/43329/toyota-made-its-key-fob-remote-start-into-a-subscription-service

 

I bought the N2 Designs remote start - the regular key fob version; not the cellular one. Works great for what I need and I'm super happy with the purchase.

I don't need the ability to start my truck far away via a phone app and don't care for the idea of another subscription fee, either (though I understand the neccessity of charging for the cellular fee).

 

N2 with LRR. $0/yr.

 

IMHO, no. WA is pretty mild, but even when living in PA, I tried to drive away as soon as possible. Our fam prioritizes having a garage for both this and general security.

 

I'd be less than amused if I were one of the guys reporting that they bought an aftermarket remote start, only to find out that their truck already had the keyfob remote start included for free... especially with plenty of people here reporting that it keeps working long after any paid subscription has expired.

 

Some M/T people are big on having a key. Personally I'd rather have push button start and remote start even with my M/T. Other cars can do it, so not sure why they don't have it in the Tacomas. I've heard it is due to the clutch start cancel button/ability, but I'd think if anything that would make it easier since it already has a system built in not to require clutch in to start the engine.

 

I have the N2 unit too and at first didn't have the cell service. I added it later and really like it. It's nice to be out of line of sight of your truck and start it (in a restaurant, building in the way etc.). I also forget if I lock my truck and use it for that more than I thought I would. In the end I can see not want to pay for it but it really is more convenient than I thought it would be.

If they want a key; that's their preference, I don't really care. My point though was how is not even having the option for remote start a benefit?

 

Everyone has their preference.

 

The OEM key FOB range sucks. You are lucky if you get 40 ft standing directly in front of it. The N2 with Long Range Kit bumps that up to 3500 ft. I can start from my desk on the 3rd floor 1,000 ft away without getting out of the chair. Not going to do that with the OEM FOB. Moved it from my 2019 to 2021 and through WI winters I use it a lot.

 

Definately. The remote start from key fob is not worth the $80 but all the app has to offer it is well worth it. Remote start from key fob distance does suck but so does toyota shutting vehicle off when you unlock the doors. If all you want to do is start the vehicle while your looking at it, the N2 for $250ish is the way to go and your keeping the vehicle for longer than 3 years. The tracking, find my vehicle, recorded drives, etc... I know when someone borrows my truck and drives like a lunatic or the doors are left unlocked/ open. Also leaving a football game or big sporting event I like seeing exactly where I parked if I am unfamiliar with the area.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cn...toyota-remote-start-digital-pay-subscription/