wyleyrabbit
Well-known member
As I write this, I am waffling on renewing my GM Onstar subscription. My truck came with a 1 year subscription and it ran out a few months ago. That said, I'm considering renewing it, but am interested to know what others have done.
Like many other things, as a Canadian, I'm forced to pay more for the same goods or services even when the differences in currency are taken in to account. Even though our dollar is very close to parity with the US dollar, we're often forced to pay a 33% premium on various things. This obviously drives me a bit crazy.
My renewal rate for the basic Onstar package would be CAD$198 for 14 months, which is just over $14 per month. This rate is only available through the "customer retention department" and is much cheaper than the $24.95/mo plan on their website.
Most of the features that Onstar advertises are of little value to me. The only ones I think are really any potential value are:
Cheers,
Chris
Like many other things, as a Canadian, I'm forced to pay more for the same goods or services even when the differences in currency are taken in to account. Even though our dollar is very close to parity with the US dollar, we're often forced to pay a 33% premium on various things. This obviously drives me a bit crazy.
My renewal rate for the basic Onstar package would be CAD$198 for 14 months, which is just over $14 per month. This rate is only available through the "customer retention department" and is much cheaper than the $24.95/mo plan on their website.
Most of the features that Onstar advertises are of little value to me. The only ones I think are really any potential value are:
- Roadside assistance. Apparently the Onstar subscription includes basic roadside assistance, which covers everything from tire changes, tows, to enough fuel to get you to the next gas station if you run out (you have to pay for the fuel, but the service is free). Given that I have a "dually" I understand that it's impossible for me to change a flat on my rear axel without the special tools and training. I don't get many flats (knock on wood) but can see this being potentially important. The roadside assistance doesn't cover the trailer in tow, and there is no option to add that on.
- Automatic crash response. Hmmm. This is one of those things I hope I'd never need, but if I ever did, I'd be glad I had it. If the truck is in a bad accident, then the computer notifies Onstar of not only my GPS coordinates, but also specifics of the accident (airbags deployed, rollover?, and other attributes of the accident).
- Onstar vehicle diagnostics. Basically, the same information that the truck's computer puts out when an onboard diagnostics system is plugged in, but available either as an email, or can be queried on request (hit onstar button, talk nicely to rep and explain going on a trip, and they'll scan the computer for any sign of trouble). That said, the truck is pretty verbose about it's health status anyways, so I'm not sure how much extra info is available here that the truck's computer wouldn't complain about anyways. Also, Onstar emails basic diagnostics on a monthly basis.
- Stolen vehicle assistance. Hmmm. Another feature I hope to never need. As I understand it, if the vehicle is stolen by a stupid thief (is that redundant?) then the police can have Onstar locate the vehicle via it's GPS and if necessary slow it down. If the thief is smart, he would disconnect the little shark fin antenna on the roof first thereby disabling the whole system.
Cheers,
Chris