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Subscription for features in cars, like heated seats.

Lol the only entities to benefit are the ones connecting the fees
 
mrzuzzo said:
Right, but there's still the option of buying it outright if you prefer that.

It's actually not that bad. Overall I think it might actually improve resale values.

You could get a car without a bunch of stupid options and if the next owner wants them, they can activate them.

Or if you don't plan to keep the car for long you can pay the subscription then cancel it when you sell the car.

This could go both ways.
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I think it's going to go one way. Your car won't work at all unless you are up to date on your slavery payments.
 
I barely use the heated seats. Takes too long to get up to temperature. By the time they do the car is warm inside anyhow.
 
Legacy sectors looking at video games and how micro transactions have totally changed the profit levels, and salivating
 
This kind of stuff is already here in our market.

5 years ago I got my mom a 2018 Acura RDX Advance (the highest trim level). That model year was the last of the 2nd generation RDX. The Advance package included remote engine start, which you can do from the key fob from up to about 150ft away.

2 years ago I got a 2021 Acura RDX Advance (my wife now drives it). A 3rd generation model with a much more integrated and advanced telematics system. The key fob no longer has the extra button for remote engine start. Where did it go? Now it’s on the AcuraLink app. Something that you don’t get to use unless you pay a monthly subscription.
 
kevin 714 said:
Legacy sectors looking at video games and how micro transactions have totally changed the profit levels, and salivating
Click to expand...

I was just gonna say... Subscription services and microtransactions worked in video games so let's see if it works in the auto industry. : |
 
Maybe CNN made it up. I find it hard to believe.
But hey, capitalism.
 
I predict we'll eventually be seeing cars as a service, especially when (not if) fully autonomous driving becomes a reality. Fewer and fewer people will actually own, let alone drive their own vehicle.
 
Doesn't Tesla already do this? I thought all their cars are pretty much the same set of features and you pay more to have each one turned on. Not a subscription, a purchase though....Maybe I'm wrong?

This would supposedly allow a manufacturer to save production costs by making every model exactly the same. Then, pay for what you want. Or don't. Or rent what you want. Or don't.

In the land of software subscriptions we are supposedly paying for upgrades and security patches on a regular basis. A car does nothing but wear out from the day you buy it. Will we still be responsible to pay for the repair of an accessory that we're renting?

So many questions.
 
Renting the car to you is actually something manufacturers have been thinking about.

Basically, in order to kill the “right to repair”, they just never really sell you a car. It’s always their car, and you only have the privilege of driving it while contracted to their terms.
 
I have a 2018 BMW X1 and a 2020 S1000XR. I must have drank too much Kool-Aid. Heated seats and heated steering wheel, both get hot quick. But I am not going to pay a subscription for them. BMW did this with Apple Car Play a few years ago. They had so much backlash they made it free like other cars. The BMW forums are saying subscriptions will not happen in the USA. I am not sure I agree, the greed of major corporations can not be understated.

I also have a 2020 Ford Transit. Has the Sync system and Ford Pass App for the phone. So everything is online and Ford can see it all. You get one free update to their GPS. I went to download my GPS update and got a notice that my Sync needed a free update. AND I had to go to the dealer to get the update. Made an appointment and the dealer said it would be $250 to do the "free" update. I told them to do the update but I need to talk to the Service Manager. Called Ford customer service waiting for the Manager. Was told the update was free if under warranty. The van was a year old. When I talked to the manager I asked if the charge was a dealer policy or Ford's? He had an I-pad with all my van info in his hand. I said Ford told me it was free if under warranty. He then asked me if my van was under warranty. WFT!! I then said what does it say on your I-pad? He looked and then said sorry did not notice so it will be free. I hate dealers.

After the first GPS update, it was $150! Now Ford has a subscription for their Sync 4 system at $80 a year. Next time I need a GPS update I will buy a Garmin RV GPS with lifetime maps.
 
Screw Garmin, get a TomTom, I had Garmins for a long time, will never go back after getting a TomTom.
 
I don’t like it, but it wouldn’t stop me from buying a BMW with heated seats included and permanently activated. If I had no choice but to pay for a subscription, then yea, that isn’t cool.

I read that a 3 year on-star contract is mandatory with new GMC/Buick cars. I definitely don’t be buying one of those.

Vote with your wallet.
 
TheRobSJ said:
That was specific to Volt. Maybe Bolt too? Every other GM gets either a month or three months.
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Are you the guy with all those old car threads? IIRC you got an Acura SUV.

What do you know/think about the X3 M40i?
 
The Koreans are already fine tuning a TV ad to point out the idiocy of buying a BMW.
 
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