Here Are Some Reader Reactions To Mandatory Buick, GMC OnStar Plan
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For the 2023 model year, all Buick and GMC vehicles will come standard with a three-year OnStar And Connected Services plan, which will be paid as part of the vehicle price and range from $905 to $1,675 depending on the vehicle model. This news was not very well received by GM Authority readers, with our original article on this change generating nearly 100 comments from current or potential GM vehicle owners expressing their displeasure with the Connected Services strategy.
One GM Authority reader, Dale Tourville, summed up many readers’ thoughts with his comment, which pointed out that most drivers will already have access to certain connected apps and features through their smartphones and may not need a separate internet connection in their vehicle.
“This is ridiculous. I have all I need with my cell phone,” Tourville said in the comments section. “$1500 is way too much for this hardware/service that is completely unnecessary. It should be optional. Trucks cost way too much these days.”
Another reader, Ken, decided this was enough to convince him to stick with Chevy trucks for the foreseeable future.
“I guess I’ll be crossing off a new GMC truck for late this year,” he said. “I have 2 newer Chevys and never used OnStar’s services. Another mistake by GM.”
We also received emails from readers who were unhappy with the introduction of the baked-in OnStar And Connected Services plan. One reader, Rick O., said he likes OnStar, but simply doesn’t like being forced to purchase it. This appears to be the general consensus, with many other readers expressing displeasure with being forced to purchase the plan, rather than disliking OnStar itself.
OnStar and Connected Services adds a separate, in-vehicle internet connection to power apps like the smartphone-based remote key fob, Alexa Built-In AI assistant, Spotify, Audiobooks, navigation (including Maps+) and more. These plans also include OnStar Safety Services, such as Automatic Crash Response, Roadside Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
Having an internet connection will be important to the EV ownership experience, as this will enable features like GM’s Ultium Charge 360 platform and its new Plug and Charge payment system. GM also has plans to add new in-vehicle digital subscription services, many of which will likely require an internet connection. The automaker has said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features, as well.
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Without the hands-free phone, it’s a complete waste of money
Equinox is next on my list to replace our 2020 Buick Envision. It’s tough enough to justify a China built car. Now, I’ll be asked to purchase an option I have turned down on every other GM car I have bought. Not gonna happen.
I have a 2005 Cadillac CTS and had “hands free calling” with OnStar til a year ago. 9.99 a month and wasn’t told it would be discontinued. It surely was a nice feature and I always felt safe. Yes with the coming changes with the 5G etc, I guess they won’t miss me. And it was nice to know I could help other folks with my OnStar phone.
What does GM think they are? A dealer? This is the kind of scam that dealers try to pull! Come on GM,your dealers are bad enough,there is no need for you to mimic them!
“The automaker has said it expects most consumers will be willing an additional $135 a month for in-vehicle subscription features, as well.” Expects? Who are these fools talking to? Not your average buyer that’s for sure.
I have to wonder though. Could this be part of a negotiation ploy?. As in people will try to negotiate the price of the vehicle down but GM will come back with this “mandatory ” service with the made up tech price and say . We can’t lower the price of the vehicle but how about we give you this tech service for “free”. It’s a great offer for you.
Or something like that?
More and more companies care more about making a profit for their share holders and themselves way more than the consumer. They just want to suck every penny out of the consumer and if that includes using manipulative practices, so be it!
“I have to wonder though. Could this be part of a negotiation ploy?. As in people will try to negotiate the price of the vehicle down but GM will come back with this “mandatory ” service with the made up tech price and say . We can’t lower the price of the vehicle but how about we give you this tech service for “free”. It’s a great offer for you.”
It is at that point you pick up the keys to your trade-in, politely say “no”, and head for the door. I found long go that the word “no” functions very well.
Had On Star in my 2002 Silverado and never used it. After the second year they went digital and mine didn’t work anymore. Drove that truck for 23 years and never missed On Star. My new 22 Silverado has it but I didn’t sign up for it cause they wanted 35 a month. Don’t use it don’t need it.
Besides, with keyless entry you would be hard press to lock yourself out of the vehicle. And if you have a wreck there will be tons of people with cell phones calling 911 as they driving by:)
OnStar is a great feature from a safety and convenience perspective. It’s basic form that unlocks doors, remote start, send address to Nav should be standard on those with tech trim packages. Linking or piggybacking on your mobile device plan is really a best path forward. Forcing $135 per month is crazy. Their research is flawed if they think folks will pay such an obscene amount. Like others have stated, as I too have many times, make the price affordable and easy and the volume of business will increase dramatically.
With all the issues GM products have with the OnStar and dound system not syncing, this program is just asking for a lawsuit.
GM’S sound on phone, Onstar and radio randomly ramps up to untenable levels dtartling even the most chill drivers on the road.
The lemon law claims al9ne in NJ regarding this issue must be enormous and with every update of their systems it gets worde.
If I was forced to buy any vehicle with a mandatory program, Id buy something else.
I was going to buy a GMC
I will switch to Chevrolet
I will NOT pay the extra for On star since I don’t use it
$135 a month… That’s what they expect people will be willing to pay… That’s my phone bill with two phones on it. This is one truck that will only be in for 30 morning and evening… No no I’ll stick with Ford if there was even a chance I was switching this killed it
If GM does this how are they going to get me as a used car buyer to sign on, cuz I certainly won’t be paying them anything for OnStar
$5 sounds about right
I ordered a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500 HD today. I had speced out a 2022 but that window had closed. When the price came back substantially higher, a big piece of the increase was $1500 for the mandatory On Star subscription. I’m really upset and I may just cancel the order. Extremely poor business!
Where’s the lawsuits for these forced subscription fees. And why not start boycotting companies that are doing this. Fee for heated seats, unlocking and starting car, and on star that never gets used. Scam. Maybe they will sell mandatory extended warranty and not fix the car when it breaks without charging a deductible. What’s next!!! Can’t wait for lawsuits and boycotting!!!
Just what we need, lawyers. You can’t sue a company for charging for a service. You just refuse to buy the product. That’s how this works.
I swore off GM products ever since my last purchase, am 87 IROC Camaro. Damn thing fell apart within 3 years. But I was looking at the dark side again, I like the baby Duramax. Wanted to go with GMC, but no way I am paying $1500 for Onstar.
I feel pretty sure the same thing will happen with Chevy, so I may have to look elsewhere.
GM owns OnStar….why do you think they are doing this? FYI….I have personally bought 27 GM vehicles in my lifetime from the same small town dealer. I have also brought in 8 more people who have bought GM cars from that same dealer. I don’t want/need OnStar. My cellphone is enough….thank you.
There is a real separation that occurs in American business between what marketing preceives and recommends to mgmt and what the consumer perceives as their reality. I know, I’ve been in both places. From “Lofty” position (joke), I can’t tell whether marketing is responding to mgmt pressure for more profits, or if marketing is looking to score points with mgmt. But, with all these “Great” ideas car companies are putting forth …… Hyundai/Kia keeps looking better and better. Dealer wanted $2600 for an extended warranty on my Colorado…. Whoops my Hyundai already has one and it didn’t cost me anything extra. Whoops their turbo runs on regular! My old Santa Fe ran for 320K miles without a repair. Just replacement of worn out stuff. Our second Kia Soul….. Hummmm … no problems at all. There are viable alternatives out there people. I am forced to move from decisions based on comparisons, to being “pushed” toward a competitor. If you lose a good customer, you’ve got to fight to get him back, plus gain another one just to break even on sales increases. Like Patton said, “Don’t fight for the same ground twice” GM. Making decisions that push a customer toward a competitor are obviously a mistake.