Napoleon54

Everyone likes a poll. What do you think of OnStar?

For those who have it, how much does it cost?



(Disclaimer: no offense is intended toward Nija. I wanted an alternative to the standard G|A poll last option of "Mojo is (still) a slut", and Nija seems like the type who won't be offended. GAM, feel free to exchange his handle for mine if you see fit.)

__________________
There is all the difference in the world between treating people equally and attempting to make them equal. - Friedrich Hayek

ShawnLee

I voted that I think I'd like it, but don't have it. But for the record, that thing about Nija's probably true. But Mojo's still worse.

__________________

Jeffbx

Have it, never actually used it. I guess it would be good to have in an accident or if you lock yourself out of your car. Apparently it can even do remote diagnostics & tell you WHY your check engine light comes on, if it does. My new car came with a year of free service, and then after that I think it's about $10-12/mo.

Markel

I don't think I'd choose a vehicle just because it came OnStar-equipped. But if I liked the vehicle, I'd take the year of "free" OnStar. After the first year, I doubt that I would pay $10-12/month to keep it.

__________________
stay low... keep moving...

mechmike0034

Never used it when we had the free service, and I don't see paying for it...

__________________
"The price of progress is trouble." (C. F. "Boss" Kettering)
"50% of the American public has below-average intelligence. 70% of the American public now has regular access to the Internet. Do the math." (unknown)

DarkFury

Honestly, because you'd have to have a GM vehicle to get OnStar, then I'd doubt that I'd ever have it...


But I'd use it if I did have it.

__________________


DarkFury's Pimptopia - Don't Hate the Playa, Hate the Game!
Home of the Original OG Pimp (accept NO imitations)

Napoleon54

Personally, I don't like the idea at all. Too much like Big Brother for me. Yea I know it's entirely for my benefit and all, but still... GPS tracking your every move? ability to lock/ unlock doors, etc? Too much intrusion or potential for intrusion for my comfort. I would never buy a vehicle that has it.

I carry a spare key in my wallet in case I get locked out, and there's a TracFone in the glovebox for emergencies. I consider myself aptly prepared.

DarkFury

I guess it all depends on how much you feel "The man" is tracking you.

BTW... I've heard that cars today already have a "black box" in them that pretty much tracks some of your driving habits... so if that is true it's just a matter of time anyways.

Honestly, if your vehicle were stolen, wouldn't you like having it possibly recovered intact due to the speed of which it could be found through the GPS system? I don't know how "defeatable" the Onstar system is, however that is one of it's major selling points.

Jeffbx

It's true - my brother used to work on programming them for Ford trucks. There's a black box in MANY cars, but good luck getting info on them. They're pretty much there to protect the MFRs in case of an accident. They track things like how fast you were going, what gear you were in, whether the brakes were applied, etc. Can come in pretty handy if someone sues the mfr for something & they need the data.

DarkFury

/me sees Napoleon54 trading in his vehicle for a bicycle in the near future.

Napoleon54

Next time I buy a vehicle I'll have to look into that. As long as it isn't transmitting anything I won't be too concerned. But if someone (ex. Ford) tried to collect data from it I'd fight tooth and nail. Unless there's something specifically in the purchase agreement stating they reserve that right, the box and any data it contains is MY property and they have no right to it. Or perhaps I'd find some mechanic who's a guru with electrical systems and have him/her remove up front if possible (if it isn't an integrated part of the vehicle's computer, etc).

Nope, not worth it by a long shot.

DarkFury

/the force of paranoia is strong in this one.

fillup0215

yeah, and being part of the darkside!

__________________
- "Everything is going to be alright"

Napoleon54

Paranoid? Who??

(me thinks you're jealous of my pretty foil hat)

DarkFury

Oh yeah.... gotta get me one of those.