Can dealers track mileage somehow??

[Liam1234]

We have a new 2011 SR5 and we have NEVER taken it in for service for anything since we bought it new. I got an email, out of the blue, that said:

Our records indicate that your 2011 4Runner with approximately 4873 miles may be due for its 5,000 Mile / 6 Month Service Interval maintenance visit. Regular maintenance now helps keep your Toyota running smoothly for years to come.

1. Are they able to track mileage somehow through the Sat. reciever?
2. The mileage they listed was within 20 miles of when we got the email.
3. I emailed the Service Manager asking how he knew the miles.

Anyways,

thought it to be weird and now I'm kind of paranoid...

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

Perhaps through the SOS system maybe???? I've never gotten a reminder with that kind of mileage reading, All mine have stated 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles. I do not have the SOS system.

 

[webby]

Let us know how the stealership's service manager responds.

What is the "SOS system"?

 

[Foques]

are you saying that you didn't get that annoying midget in your package?!
Mine keeps nagging all the time.. "time to gas up", "time to turn AC on", "time to take out trash"...

 

[mtbnole]

may just be an automated thing, based on expected mileage, and they got lucky on the miles???

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

What is the "SOS system"?

Toyota Safety Connect ? SOS - Safety and Security System Service

Some 4Runner's have it some don't.

 

[Devin_P]

It is an automated thing that they estimate mileage on. They got lucky that your was close. I average about 7k-9k a year so they are always WAY off when I get the notice. They aren't tracking you...

 

[ct221933]

We have a new 2011 SR5 and we have NEVER taken it in for service for anything since we bought it new. I got an email, out of the blue, that said:

Our records indicate that your 2011 4Runner with approximately 4873 miles may be due for its 5,000 Mile / 6 Month Service Interval maintenance visit. Regular maintenance now helps keep your Toyota running smoothly for years to come.

1. Are they able to track mileage somehow through the Sat. reciever?
2. The mileage they listed was within 20 miles of when we got the email.
3. I emailed the Service Manager asking how he knew the miles.

Anyways,

thought it to be weird and now I'm kind of paranoid...

I am guessing the dealer was lucky in guessing the mileage..

My previous company makes telematics devices that attaches to vehicles (fleet cars, trailers, rigs, earth moving equipment etc...) using satellite or cellular technologies for asset management. These devices can track temperature, speed, door-open etc. So it is possible to track the vehicle remotely.

I am aware banks overseas are using telematic device to track high risk customers for potential re-possession.... But not aware they are being used domestically.

 

[BradleyB]

Our records indicate that your 2011 4Runner with approximately 4873 miles may be due for its 5,000 Mile / 6 Month Service Interval maintenance visit.

I'm afraid the clerk erred in revealing that we have this information. Normally we throw in enough error that it looks like an estimate. So, just take the rest of these well-meaning posts at their word. We have no way of tracking you. :nono:

 

[mountaineer83]

I believe it's just an estimation based up on an average mileage vs. the time you have had the vehicle. Ford also does this as they would always send me reminders of when service was due on my vehicle. Sometimes they were close, other times not so close.

 

[kmiller8821]

Toyota Safety Connect ? SOS - Safety and Security System Service

Some 4Runner's have it some don't.

Just Limited has this.

 

[Screecha]

It is an automated thing that they estimate mileage on. They got lucky that your was close. I average about 7k-9k a year so they are always WAY off when I get the notice. They aren't tracking you...

I second that motion, Subaru does the same thing however since I live close to my work and barely put any km's on my car they are way off. On the other hand Big Brother is watching you, close the door when you pee.