Not really "crazy". Every manufacturer does things where its "premium" model trims receive more options.
2020 Remote start
- Thread starter adrtoy
- Start date
Not really "crazy". Every manufacturer does things where its "premium" model trims receive more options.
00Sebby
Senior Member
I get that higher models get more options. But this is a subscription-paid option so it's dumb not to make it available to thousands of more customers. The Toyota geniuses presented "We can develop this expensive subscription-based feature and put it only on our most expensive models so we have less subscribers than if we offered it on all models." The management in the room looked up from their phones, yawned, and said "Sounds good, we've got another meeting to go to."
Agreed, unfortunately this is what the market is moving towards.
Anyway, I don't know how much Toyota's plans are, but I paid only $80/yr for just the Remote portion of the subscription services through Lexus Enform.
That works out to be cheaper than both traditional OEM and most aftermarket options over the course of the average ownership cycle.
The app worked great too. I used it literally everyday in both winter and summer. Several times I'd left my car unlocked and it sent me a notification to remind me.
There was even one time I had flown across the country and a family member needed something out of my car but didn't have access to my key. I just pulled up the app and took care of it.
Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
Same $80 annually for the remote features for the Toyota side of the house.
RunTheJoules
New member
Using the factory key fob. I've never downloaded or used the app, so not sure if it even works, and the dealer never mentioned anything about the remote function "expiring". Hopefully I don't randomly lose that function after one year.
App is awesome. Can see current mileage. Miles to empty. Can start. Lock doors. Get alerts on status of locks etc.
And apparently the remote start goes away after the first year and becomes a paid per month or year option.
To be clear, all of the functionality in the app, remote start included, will go away after the one year "trial." I agree, it's pretty cool.
DallasTRDPro
Member
My app fails probably 40% of the time. My fob works less than 25% of the time. Worst remote start setup ever.
00Sebby
Senior Member
His fob and app are dealer-installed aftermarket so it may not play by the same rules.
Ahh gotcha. Totally different animal.
BMW wants an equivalent amount yearly to use Carplay that's built in to the car.
Subscriptions and their recurring revenue are everywhere now if you hadn't yet noticed. It's the way of the world; pay or don't play.
oljedi11950
New member
Accesorides
Just installed their auto starter & oem key style , works perfect ! They have them for all types ! Might be easiest thing I've done to 4r ! Black Fri. 248$
Just installed their auto starter & oem key style , works perfect ! They have them for all types ! Might be easiest thing I've done to 4r ! Black Fri. 248$
That’s why I’ll consider a secondary solution. I’d rather pay 1k for a permanent solution than a reoccurring subscription. If people would simply not pay the subscription fees manufactures would reconsider the model. And BTW I don’t live under a rock...I’ve noticed the subscription model’s being imposed however being educated I understand paying subscriptions is simply throwing away hard earned money. You can throw away your money but I’ll invest mine in something worth while.
Chris
DallasTRDPro
Member
I hate it, but remote start on an app is more useful than I thought. I can go in a store for longer than the 10 minutes and then restart it again from anywhere while my dog enjoys the ac. I hate paying $80, but the key hardly works so I just suck it up and deal with it. I also find the door lock warning especially useful since you can't hear the stupid truck beep because it doesn't honk like 95% of the vehicles out there.
Amazon has this: Start-X Remote Starter Kit for 2020 & 2021 4Runner Push to Start || 3X Lock to Remote Start || Zero Wire Splicing!
Link:Amazon.com: Start-X Remote Starter Kit for 2020 & 2021 4Runner Push to Start || 3X Lock to Remote Start || Zero Wire Splicing!: Car Electronics
Link:Amazon.com: Start-X Remote Starter Kit for 2020 & 2021 4Runner Push to Start || 3X Lock to Remote Start || Zero Wire Splicing!: Car Electronics
I recently put an iDataStart remote start module in a different vehicle, but it is available for the 4Runner too apparently. Combined with the vehicle-specific T-harness it was almost plug-and-play, only a couple wires to splice. You then use the factory remote to start the vehicle.
They also have add-on modules if you want smartphone functionality or RF (long-range) transmitters.
iDatastart CMHCXA0 Digital remote start system — uses a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) at Crutchfield
The instructions are absolute shit, but I was otherwise impressed with the unit and price. Again, I did NOT install one on my 4Runner (yet) but this is the route I'd go.
They also have add-on modules if you want smartphone functionality or RF (long-range) transmitters.
iDatastart CMHCXA0 Digital remote start system — uses a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately) at Crutchfield
The instructions are absolute shit, but I was otherwise impressed with the unit and price. Again, I did NOT install one on my 4Runner (yet) but this is the route I'd go.
[email protected]
New member
I agree. I am very disappointed with Toyota for charging an annual fee to use the remote start feature even from the key fob for a device that is already installed on the vehicle.
