Tell me about OnStar - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

kcobean · 11-10-2011, 04:46 PM

This is my very first GM vehicle, and as I bought it used, I have no idea what OnStar offers or how to activate it. I know there is an annual or monthly fee for it. Is it worth it? Who do I contact about enabling it? I asked the used car guy I bought from and he had NO idea....go figure.

Blue17CamaroZL1 · 11-10-2011, 04:49 PM

Being worth it is a matter or personal preference as a consumer. I've already run out my free trial and I still pay for it. I think it's worth it for me, but others will tell you otherwise. I pay additionally for the unlimited caller minutes mainly because I do a lot of travelling on weekends during specific times.

I like the fact that I get the diagnostic emails every month. And it keeps records of my driving habits. While I like this feature, others view it as a privacy invasion.

To activate, just push the little blue button and speak to an onstar rep. They will go over everything you need to activate and keep it going.

apeko · 11-10-2011, 04:50 PM

It sucks and its way over priced.

rachykells · 11-10-2011, 04:57 PM

Seems like a lot of people dislike it. Personally, I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that if I get into an accident, or something happens, someone is dispatched. Also... I enjoy having the navigation as well. Though, after my free trial expires next month, I'm not sure if I'll keep the navi (a more expensive package) since I have a GPS AND navi on my Droid2.

Perhaps you can get a free trial for a few months to see if you like it? I'd call and ask-- doesn't hurt to try!

V8PWRD · 11-10-2011, 05:11 PM

I'm still in my trial period but will continue to pay for it after the trials over. My passengers hate it because sometimes we call and they can't find a particular business or restaurant and they ask us for the address and phone number, mind you I'm driving. My friends actually get pissed and I have to remind them this isn't even your car...... I guess it's just personal preference, and I prefer it

trooper182 · 11-10-2011, 05:12 PM

I have a free trial on my car and so far it is worth it. Helped me out when i had my accident.

Press the blue OnStar button and all shall be told

hightower · 11-10-2011, 05:22 PM

I had it in my 2005 Chevy Avalanche as did my old man before me. 175,000 miles and we didn't need it once. The monthly diagnostic via email is kinda cool, but it's not like you need it. I'd suggest you pass it up and just not bother with it.

sene · 11-10-2011, 05:34 PM

I'm coming up on the end of my trial and will continue the service. The automatic crash response is a nice piece of mind, especially since I'm usually working 11-12 hour days. I've got a Tomtom and gps on my phone but I would rather talk to a human than fumbling with a tiny keyboard. And they call me Mr and ask me how my day is going. Insurance discount is a plus too, and the phone which allows me to unlock my car from the other side of the country or gps where I parked my car at the airport.

Rogue Leader · 11-10-2011, 05:35 PM

Press the blue button and they will give you a free 3 month trial. You owe it to yourself to try it on your own and don't just go by everyones opinions. This place has a love/hate with it but you've got nothing to lose by trying. The monthly diagnostic emails and car stats I love. I found the directions to be EXTREMELY accurate and very convenient (can do it with an operator or upload to your car on mapquest. You can unlock your doors, flash your lights. They will also locate your car or lock your doors on request as well.

Also they are always willing to deal. Tell them you like it but its too expensive, they will drop the full pkg to $250 for the year.

kiteman · 11-10-2011, 06:04 PM

haven't used it once.

Elykson · 11-10-2011, 06:54 PM

My Droid does everything for me. I never even activated it when I got it home from the dealership.

Nemo13 · 11-10-2011, 07:06 PM

I agree with the cell phone. My Samsung Captivate gives all the directions / maps/ phone calls / numbers I'll ever need. Why pay twice for something you already have? Onstar is a cell phone. It won't work everywhere. I used to work for a cellular company, service is not available in odd places, you crash in a ditch outta town? Forget it, no ones coming for you, haha.. As far as car stats, $80 and you can get a code reader for all the stats you'll ever need, why pay someone just to email it to you? Lastly, its all too big brother, why give up your freedom to a $10 an hour rep?

NavyDood · 11-10-2011, 08:06 PM

My wife hit a semi tire in the middle of the road at night and buckled the front bumper under. She called Onstar (we are still on our free trial) and they paid the $140 towing bill. If I didn't have Onstar my insurance would have paid it. So six of one hald dozen of another. Don't know if we will pay for the subscription or not.

1badSS/RS · 11-11-2011, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachykells

Seems like a lot of people dislike it. Personally, I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that if I get into an accident, or something happens, someone is dispatched. Also... I enjoy having the navigation as well. Though, after my free trial expires next month, I'm not sure if I'll keep the navi (a more expensive package) since I have a GPS AND navi on my Droid2.

Perhaps you can get a free trial for a few months to see if you like it? I'd call and ask-- doesn't hurt to try!

I wouldn't have a car without it for the son, wife or myself.

11-10-2011, 04:46 PM	#1
kcobean Zippy Lemon #109 Drives: 2010 SLP ZL575 #109 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Northern VA Posts: 190	Tell me about OnStar This is my very first GM vehicle, and as I bought it used, I have no idea what OnStar offers or how to activate it. I know there is an annual or monthly fee for it. Is it worth it? Who do I contact about enabling it? I asked the used car guy I bought from and he had NO idea....go figure. __________________ 2010 SLP ZL575 #109

11-10-2011, 04:49 PM	#2
Blue17CamaroZL1 650HP soon to come Drives: 2017 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sayreville, New Jersey Posts: 2,882 View My Garage	Being worth it is a matter or personal preference as a consumer. I've already run out my free trial and I still pay for it. I think it's worth it for me, but others will tell you otherwise. I pay additionally for the unlimited caller minutes mainly because I do a lot of travelling on weekends during specific times. I like the fact that I get the diagnostic emails every month. And it keeps records of my driving habits. While I like this feature, others view it as a privacy invasion. To activate, just push the little blue button and speak to an onstar rep. They will go over everything you need to activate and keep it going. __________________ 2017 Camaro ZL1 Hyper Blue Metallic A10, PDR, NAV, Premium floor mats

11-10-2011, 04:50 PM	#3
apeko Drives: 2011 2-SS/RS SGM Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 246 View My Garage	It sucks and its way over priced. __________________ 2011: 2SS/RS Camaro Synergy Metallic

11-10-2011, 04:57 PM	#4
rachykells Gearhead rocker chick Drives: 2011 CGM Camaro Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 982	Seems like a lot of people dislike it. Personally, I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that if I get into an accident, or something happens, someone is dispatched. Also... I enjoy having the navigation as well. Though, after my free trial expires next month, I'm not sure if I'll keep the navi (a more expensive package) since I have a GPS AND navi on my Droid2. Perhaps you can get a free trial for a few months to see if you like it? I'd call and ask-- doesn't hurt to try! __________________ 2011 CGM Camaro LS Trifecta Tuned / VMAX ported TB / OBX LT headers / MRT v2.0 / Magnaflow Resonated X-pipe / Roto-Fab CAI / RX catch can / AAC Footwell Lights / Blacked-out Bowties / Smoked tails, side markers, reverse lights / 20% tint

11-10-2011, 05:12 PM	#6
trooper182 Drives: 2011 Camaro 1LT yellow non RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 691	I have a free trial on my car and so far it is worth it. Helped me out when i had my accident. Press the blue OnStar button and all shall be told __________________ Staff Sergeant U.S. Army 13B Gun Bunny. 2011 Camaro 1LT A6 Mods: Pypes bomb V8 exhaust, Magnaflow x-pipe, resonator delete, Roto-Fab cold air intake, Vmax Black Ice-olator, Elite Engineering catch can, painted engine cover and fuse box cover, 3dCarbon Front Fender Vents, Street Scene Front Splitter, ZL1 Side Rockers, Anvil Notch Rear Spoiler, interior/engine bay LED lights, two JL Audio W3's 10" and 1000w kenwood amp

11-10-2011, 05:11 PM	#5
V8PWRD Drives: 2011 2SS/RS VR Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Killeen, Texas Posts: 32	I'm still in my trial period but will continue to pay for it after the trials over. My passengers hate it because sometimes we call and they can't find a particular business or restaurant and they ask us for the address and phone number, mind you I'm driving. My friends actually get pissed and I have to remind them this isn't even your car...... I guess it's just personal preference, and I prefer it

11-10-2011, 05:22 PM	#7
hightower LS3 Black Widow Drives: 2012 45th 2SS LS3 and 1968 Mustang Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Madison, GA Posts: 4,557	I had it in my 2005 Chevy Avalanche as did my old man before me. 175,000 miles and we didn't need it once. The monthly diagnostic via email is kinda cool, but it's not like you need it. I'd suggest you pass it up and just not bother with it.

11-10-2011, 05:34 PM	#8
sene Drives: 2011 Summit White 2LS Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 918	I'm coming up on the end of my trial and will continue the service. The automatic crash response is a nice piece of mind, especially since I'm usually working 11-12 hour days. I've got a Tomtom and gps on my phone but I would rather talk to a human than fumbling with a tiny keyboard. And they call me Mr and ask me how my day is going. Insurance discount is a plus too, and the phone which allows me to unlock my car from the other side of the country or gps where I parked my car at the airport.

11-10-2011, 05:35 PM	#9
Rogue Leader Iatefiberglassinsulation Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island Posts: 3,601 View My Garage	Press the blue button and they will give you a free 3 month trial. You owe it to yourself to try it on your own and don't just go by everyones opinions. This place has a love/hate with it but you've got nothing to lose by trying. The monthly diagnostic emails and car stats I love. I found the directions to be EXTREMELY accurate and very convenient (can do it with an operator or upload to your car on mapquest. You can unlock your doors, flash your lights. They will also locate your car or lock your doors on request as well. Also they are always willing to deal. Tell them you like it but its too expensive, they will drop the full pkg to $250 for the year. __________________ 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - was daily driver, now toy 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Daily Driver 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 - Wifes Car 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.0 - Tow Vehicle 1991 Alfa Romeo 164S - Project Car 1994 Volkswagen Golf - Race Car "Like" my race team on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farfrumwinnin

11-10-2011, 06:04 PM	#10
kiteman Drives: 2012 45th Camaro, 2SS/M6 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: At my computer Posts: 1,318	haven't used it once.

11-10-2011, 06:54 PM	#11
Elykson Custom One Off Drives: 2010 Chicago Blackhawks Edition #1 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Madhouse on Madison Posts: 1,190	My Droid does everything for me. I never even activated it when I got it home from the dealership. __________________ Vararam Intake/SLP Loud Mouth II/BBK LT HFC/Magnaflow x-pipe/Pfadt Springs/Black Ice-olator/FE3 suspension/VMAX TB/RX catch can/Trifecta Tune http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129416

11-10-2011, 07:06 PM	#12
Nemo13 Drives: 2014 2LT RS Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Orlando Posts: 119	I agree with the cell phone. My Samsung Captivate gives all the directions / maps/ phone calls / numbers I'll ever need. Why pay twice for something you already have? Onstar is a cell phone. It won't work everywhere. I used to work for a cellular company, service is not available in odd places, you crash in a ditch outta town? Forget it, no ones coming for you, haha.. As far as car stats, $80 and you can get a code reader for all the stats you'll ever need, why pay someone just to email it to you? Lastly, its all too big brother, why give up your freedom to a $10 an hour rep?

11-10-2011, 08:06 PM	#13
NavyDood Retired Navy Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NW of DFW Posts: 915	My wife hit a semi tire in the middle of the road at night and buckled the front bumper under. She called Onstar (we are still on our free trial) and they paid the $140 towing bill. If I didn't have Onstar my insurance would have paid it. So six of one hald dozen of another. Don't know if we will pay for the subscription or not. __________________ Retired Navy... A Husband. A Dad. A Veteran as of 2011. 2010 2SS/RS A6 - FlowMaster CatBack - I'm not a Amsoil dealer and will never be one. I believe in its capabilities from personal use with oil analysis reports backing up my OCI's. Besides, I know more than most cut and paste Amsoil dealers which are at least 95% of them.

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