On all new Toyotas, depending on the model, buyers receive a free trial of Toyota Remote Connect that lasts somewhere between three and ten years. The service has an after-trial price of either $8 per month or $80 per year.
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Does the Toyota remote start need a fee?
Drivers must pay $8 per month or $80 annually to continue registered in Toyota Connected Services once the free trial has expired. You may already be a part of this initiative if you bought a new Toyota in 2018 without even realizing it. Even the moderators flagged a recent Reddit discussion touting the program as “possibly deceptive” when it was posted.
Drivers may no longer have access to remote starting after the Toyota Connected Services trial expires, a Reddit user said. The carmaker acknowledged to The Drive that remote start will cost extra for owners. The feedback on Newsbreak reveals that many drivers are not overly thrilled with the change.
The Verge also notes that some drivers unintentionally learned about connected services. Why some vehicles’ remote starts would still function while theirs did not was a common query among users in a Toyota forum. This implies that Toyota won’t even let you know when your free trial is up.
Additionally, the fact that Toyota Connected Services and the duration of the trials are not mentioned in the dealership videos doesn’t help. Dealers simply state that while you have the Audio Plus package, remote start is still an option. That doesn’t apply to all Toyota vehicles, as we’ve learnt.
How much does remote starting a car cost?
The price of installing a remote car starter depends on a number of things. In addition to the starter’s price, you might also need to buy a bypass module to make it work with your car. A remote car starter’s expert installation typically costs between $150 and $500.
A remote car starter is not hazardous for your car, but there are certain restrictions. It must, first and foremost, come from a reputable, superior producer. Engine speed sensors are a common feature of aftermarket car starters, preventing the engine from being harmed by excessive revving.
Second, you need to hire a certified technician to install your remote car starter. Improper installation might lead to wiring damage in your car and result in high repair costs.
When talking about automobile alarms and remote starts, the phrase “aftermarket” is frequently used. The phrase “aftermarket” refers to a system that was added after the car had already been built. It’s crucial to distinguish OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) remote car starts from aftermarket systems that work with your OEM key fob. OEM remote car starters are found in some vehicles.
Toyota: Does it have factory remote start?
Toyota has removed the remote start buttons from its physical key fobs, so owners who wish to start their cars remotely will have to pay. The feature will no longer be part of the actual car key as the automaker transitions to digital services and a subscription-based approach, the manufacturer informed Roadshow on Wednesday.
Here is how it works. The remote start technology will operate for three years during a “trial period” for automobiles made in 2018 to 2020 that have it on the key fob. The button is present on the owner’s fob, however after three years it will no longer operate. Owners must search the brand’s Connected Services for Remote Connect in order to regain the remote start feature. The cost, which also includes a plethora of additional digital features accessible through the Toyota smartphone app, is $80 per year or $8 per month.
The remote start functionality on a key fob won’t be available on any new Toyota vehicles. Key fob remote start is not a function we actively market as we transition to more digital interactions through the Toyota app, the business stated. Owners of specific automobiles from the 2020 model year and newer enjoy a 10-year trial for connected services. In other words, since owners receive more than a decade of free use, there’s a strong chance they won’t need to fork over the cash to use remote start. However, it will eventually become permanently invalid and call for a Remote Connect subscription.
Toyota stated, “We routinely incorporate feedback from customers to ensure we’re giving features that are beneficial and enrich their ownership experiences,” despite the fact that it is a controversial move in an era where manufacturers continue to seek revenue streams via subscriptions.
How Much Does a Remote Starter Cost?
A simple, short-range remote starting put on a non-luxury vehicle will cost between $249.99 and $399, according to a quick survey of remote start dealers. The year, make, and model of your car will have a significant impact on the price you are charged.
You choose to look for a remote start system to heat up your car because you’re sick of sitting in an ice box on your commute every morning. Naturally, you’ll type “remote starter” into Google or Amazon.com. This is what you’ll discover:
However, these findings have two ESSENTIAL flaws:
- Installation IS NOT INCLUDED IN THESE PRICES.
- Most online-sold remote starters are NOT covered by warranties.
You ought to be discouraged from purchasing one of these systems for either of these reasons. You shouldn’t try to install a remote starter on your own unless you are a licensed 12-volt automotive electrician. If repairs are required for either the car or the wallet, you run the danger of harming yourself, the car, and the wallet. Visit a seasoned retailer instead who is familiar with installing the brand of your choosing and is knowledgeable with remote starters.
Does a remote start make sense?
Perhaps you’re envious of your friends and neighbors who can start their cars remotely on chilly winter mornings so they can be toasty and comfy for their morning commute because your car didn’t come with one. While you wait for the car to warm up or, in the summer, for it to cool down enough for you to grab the steering wheel, you are standing outside scraping the windows and shivering.
Fortunately, aftermarket remote starters are widely available and may fit almost any budget. Others include all the bells and whistles you might imagine, including key-less entry, trunk opening, 2-way LED displays that show whether the car is running, and so on. Some are quite basic.
To help you decide if it’s worthwhile to spend the money and effort of installing one, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of owning a remote starter before going down the remote starter rabbit hole.
Pros
The comfort and convenience that a remote start system provides is by far its greatest benefit. Regardless of the weather, you can start your car and have it ready to go as soon as you get in by having it warmed up or cooled down. You may accomplish all of this while remaining in the convenience of your home or workplace. In addition, many remote starter systems also let you unlock your car, which is convenient if it’s pouring or you need to get into your car fast in a dark parking lot and don’t want to fiddle with your keys.
If your system offers this feature, another benefit of a remote starter is the opportunity to check if your car is running or not using the 2-way remote. This is advantageous since you can easily restart the car if it stalls.
The fact that your car continues to run even when it is locked is a major benefit of a remote starting if you are concerned about someone taking your vehicle after you left the keys in the ignition to warm it up while you walked back inside the house. Alternatively, if you have to leave your pet in the car on a hot day while you dash inside the store. Your pet and your automobile will be secure if you use a remote starter to keep the car running while the air conditioner is on and the doors are locked.
Last but not least, a remote starting comes in handy when you have your hands full with the kids or the shopping. Many remote start systems allow you to unlock the car in addition to starting the car with the push of a button, so even if you have full hands, you can start the car and enter without too much hassle.
Even if it all sounds wonderful, there are some drawbacks to using a remote starter.
Cons
The price of an aftermarket remote starter is its main drawback. You could spend hundreds of dollars on the starter and the installation if you hire a pro, depending on the gadget and your familiarity with installing electronic devices. Additionally, the installation must be handled by a professional unless you have previous wiring skills.
If you already have a FOB or other device for your car’s doors and other features and you buy an aftermarket remote starter, you’ll have another gadget to tuck away in your pocket or purse.
The gasoline you waste warming up the car is yet another drawback of a remote starter. Although most individuals don’t give this element much thought, using your remote starting will result in you filling up your tank more than usual.
A remote starting should be avoided if you’re concerned about engine wear and tear. Your engine is put under additional stress when you frequently pre-heat and cool your car before you travel, which could reduce its lifespan. This is particularly problematic in the summer when your engine relies on the radiator fan to cool it rather than the air that is forced through it while you are driving.
The kind of car you drive is a further factor to take into account. The majority of automobiles have automatic transmissions, but there are still those that have manuals; in some cases, it is difficult or even impossible to get a remote starter to function on a manual transmission.
Last but not least, if you care about the environment, you should be aware of the additional pollution your car emits when you let it idle.
Although having a remote starting might be quite convenient, you should carefully consider your alternatives before investing in one.
Myth #1. Remote starters increase engine wear and tear.
This is a typical misunderstanding of remote starters. It’s not accurate, and it’s unknown why individuals are led to believe this. The general opinion among mechanics is that remote starts are beneficial for your engine, particularly for those who have turbocharged or diesel motors.
Because they warm up the engine before usage, remote starters are beneficial for your vehicle’s engine. The oil in your car thickens in cold weather. The viscosity of the oils is increased during engine warming to ensure proper circulation. Thus, preheating your engine makes your drivetrain last longer.
Myth #2. Remote starters waste a ton of gas.
It makes sense that we’d all want to use as little gas as possible. If you’re not careful, the cost of gas can seriously cut into your monthly budget. However, some who believe remote starts use a lot of gas are misinformed.
Most cars only require 3-5 minutes to warm up, using less than 0.015 gallons of fuel on average for each remote start. This indicates that a single gallon of gas will power 75 remote starts. You no longer have to scrape ice off your car in the winter or risk burning your hands on a hot steering wheel in the summer thanks to four dollars for 75 remote starts. A remote starter’s advantages (time savings and improved comfort) far outweigh its cost.
Myth #3. I will lose a key if I get a remote starter.
For their systems to function, several remote starter manufacturers demand that you hand up one of your car keys when the device is installed. They need a key since a method of integrating the remote starter with the current car security system has not been created. The average vehicle key costs $200, so you might as well factor that into the price of your installation. If you misplace a key, you probably won’t have a backup key for emergencies. Yikes.
Myth #4. Adding a remote starter will void my new car warranty
Auto dealers are to blame for spreading this fallacy. Though we share your apprehension, this is utterly untrue. The Magnuson Moss Act, a small piece of legislation, forbids automakers from acting in this manner.
The use of any good or service recognized by a brand, trade name, or company name cannot be a condition of any warranty, whether expressed or implied, according to this federal law. There is therefore no justification to put off purchasing the remote starter of your desires.
How can I turn on the remote start on my Toyota?
Press the lock button on your key fob three times to remotely start your Toyota. For the first two presses, make sure you push the lock button quickly, and for the third press, hold the button down for around three seconds.
Does the Toyota app require payment?
The Toyota app was created to provide a simple method of staying connected. The Toyota app also assists the driver in maintaining vehicle knowledge. Additionally, the app gives car owners access to repair specials, maintenance data, and recall notifications.
The software provides a distinctive in-car entertainment experience and is available for Apple and Android. It facilitates the connection of a smartphone to a Toyota car. There are no additional fees or yearly fees must be paid. This Toyota software allows you to use a variety of well-known apps on your phone while driving. These are listed below:
- Pandora
- OpenTable
- MovieTickets.com
- Slacker Music
- iHeartRadio
- Location-Based Search
Entune can be useful whether one needs to look up the weather, reserve movie tickets, or locate a restaurant in a specific city.
Utilizing the smartphone app couldn’t be simpler. The user only has to download this software from Google Play or the iTunes App Store. They must next register their vehicle using the VIN, or vehicle identification number. After that is finished, particular model-specific information will be accessible. These can be specific recalls or the vehicle’s warranty. The app also contains additional vehicle-specific data including the owner’s manual and how-to manuals.
Additionally, drivers will be able to make service appointments, request roadside help, and get some service discounts. There is also a forum where drivers may ask other Toyota owners questions about their vehicles.
When it comes to smartphone connectivity and car performance, Toyota is in the lead. There are several different Toyota apps available that can improve convenience and safety.
Do you need help downloading the Toyota app or do you have any more questions about it? Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at Stevenson Hendrick Toyota Jacksonville.