On star renewal yay or nay?

[homewrecker]

I have a month left to decide. And I think it's a little pricey for what you get. For those of you who currently have the subscription, how do you like the service? It's it worth it?

Thanks!

[kevint]

I have the safe & sound plan. It's worth it, to me, in case something bad happens and I can't contact help.

[Rainbow1616]

I have the safe and sound plan also. Like the smart phone app capabilities. If you can afford it why not. Many times I will leave My keys in the arm rest or glove box and use my phone to get in. One less thing I have to carry in my pocket.

[homewrecker]

Thanks guys, the safe and sound still has app access? You can still start the car and lock/unlock the car from your phone?

[Rainbow1616]

Originally Posted by homewrecker

Thanks guys, the safe and sound still has app access? You can still start the car and lock/unlock the car from your phone?

Yes, the only thing you don't have is the ability to send directions via google maps to your car or turn by turn directions.

[pickwithaustin]

It's far cheaper to just not lock your keys in your car. 30+ years of driving and I've never locked them in any of the probably 60+ cars I've owned. What else does the service provide besides unlocking doors? (not being a smart arse, I'm asking because I don't know). Maps? Got along just fine before GPS devices... not to mention, most people I know who use them always complain that it sent them to the wrong place (while I always get where I'm going using... get this... a real map).

I have a cell phone for most things I'd need... and survived fine even without a cell phone back before there were mobile devices.

Personally, I'd put the money toward something else... and no, I'm not an electronic's hater at all (far from).

[TommyTheCat]

I wouldn't pay extra for what is essentially a phone. I have a cell phone for that... The unlocking feature with the cell phone is pretty cool, but definitely not worth a subscription. If you really want that feature, there are aftermarket alarms that work better and require no monthly/annual fees

One even unlocks your car as you walk closer to it

Nay

[fp115]

The safety features have been worth it for me. Directions is a waste. My insurance takes off a bit per month.

I was also in a situation where someone was trying to attack me, if it wasn't for OnStar the police would have never caught up to me to catch the guy. Sure I could have done it with my cell, but chances of me being able to read the roads as I was driving 180 + km/h in the country was slim to none. It has also helped my friend retrieve a stolen car minutes after discovering it was stolen.

[Rainbow1616]

It emails you monthly diagnostic updates, tells you of any upcoming service. If you have a light on your dash they will give you all the codes.
You can remote start the car in my wifes case a half hour before you go anywhere without being anywhere near it. (she uses it all the time in the winter before leaving work) Tells you of low tires oil life etc. Its a convenience that I willingly chose to have and pay for.

[Evergreen6]

I think some of the features are neat (remote unlock, automated diagnostics, automatic crash response, etc)- but they don't have a lot of value to me. If the basic plan was $5/month I'd totally do it. $20 or $29 seems pricey for the benefit. I'm not sure I'm going to renew after my free trial, either.

[brwk]

[Rainbow1616]

Originally Posted by Evergreen6

I think some of the features are neat (remote unlock, automated diagnostics, automatic crash response, etc)- but they don't have a lot of value to me. If the basic plan was $5/month I'd totally do it. $20 or $29 seems pricey for the benefit. I'm not sure I'm going to renew after my free trial, either.

I pay by the year and I think it comes out to less that $13/month
I have it on 2 vehicles, only wish they would add a multiple car discount.

[fp115]

Originally Posted by Evergreen6

I think some of the features are neat (remote unlock, automated diagnostics, automatic crash response, etc)- but they don't have a lot of value to me. If the basic plan was $5/month I'd totally do it. $20 or $29 seems pricey for the benefit. I'm not sure I'm going to renew after my free trial, either.

You could bargain with them. I got my price down to around $10 per month (Canadian). Be willing to pay 1-2 years upfront though.

[Cully77]

Originally Posted by fp115

The safety features have been worth it for me. Directions is a waste. My insurance takes off a bit per month.

I was also in a situation where someone was trying to attack me, if it wasn't for OnStar the police would have never caught up to me to catch the guy. Sure I could have done it with my cell, but chances of me being able to read the roads as I was driving 180 + km/h in the country was slim to none. It has also helped my friend retrieve a stolen car minutes after discovering it was stolen.

I am completely opposite. Safety features aren't a big need for me. 99% of the time I'm in populated areas where help would arrive extremely quickly.

I would GLADLY PAY for a plan that was directions only. I loved being able to hit the button and tell a real person the address I'm looking for so I know I don't get the wrong address on google, or for example say "find me the closest parking garage to XX attraction." Or one time I was in the car and there was a fatal motorcycle accident and they closed the only route I knew back to my in-laws house. I called them and explained and they routed me around.

I like using the HUD/speakers so much better than having it on my phone. I think it's safer too since you don't have to look at your tiny phone screen wherever you've stashed it.

edit - the first time I tried to cancel they gave me an awesome rate, 12/month, so I kept it for another 6 months. But they wouldn't give it to me again. I don't drive enough to justify it.