Toyota just disabled my remote start without warning - apparently it's now a "subscription feature"???

Same thing just hit my Kia telluride!! Woke up to notification saying "your complimentary trial period has ended" for features NEVER described as a trial! Dealer acting clueless when confronted with original sales paperwork. These companies straight scamming us now

Toyota pulled identical stunt with my wife's Highlander last month. Their customer support script: "hardware remains functional but software services require ongoing costs" 🙄 Snake oil salesmen in fancy offices figured out how to keep charging for something you already bought

Got grandfather's old Chevy running perfectly after sitting 15 years. Sure it lacks fancy app control but also doesn't have subscription features that magically disappear after "free trial" nobody told you about. Modern cars are subscription traps with wheels attached

holy crap read your purchase agreement! mine has tiny footnote saying "connected services subject to terms and subscription fees after initial ownership period" - buried in font size microscopic organisms would struggle to read

My buddy works at luxury dealership...says salespeople explicitly trained to describe these as "included features" not "trial features" knowing full well they'll expire. Entire sales model built around misleading customers then claiming "it's in the contract" when confronted

Weirdly enough my key fob remote start STILL WORKS even though app version wants payment now. Try your physical key buttons? Might bypass their money grab since fob uses radio signals not internet connection. Press lock button three times holding on third press

Absolutely criminal. Airlines tried similar nonsense making previously-included carry-on bags "premium features" but at least they're upfront about it now. Car companies selling vehicles with intentionally crippled software unless you keep paying forever. Pure corporate greed

This is textbook bait and switch marketing and potentially violates consumer protection laws in multiple states. Document everything - original window sticker, advertisements, salesperson claims, and the sudden change. Several law firms already gathering plaintiffs for class actions

tried calling executive customer service (different number than regular support) and mentioned phrase "deceptive trade practices" - miraculously got 12 months free extension while they "review policy." They know exactly what they're doing is legally questionable

exactly why i custom ordered bare-bones tacoma with manual everything possible. salesman thought i was crazy rejecting tech package. who's laughing now when my crank windows and key-turn ignition still work exactly same as day purchased? simplicity = actual ownership

Don't let Toyota gaslight you about "server costs" justifying subscription. My 2002 Pontiac had remote start working flawlessly for 20+ years with zero monthly fees. Technology getting CHEAPER not more expensive

imagine buying house then 6 months later seller shows up "actually your kitchen requires monthly subscription now, should've read page 94 of closing docs!" courts gonna destroy this practice eventually

Just went through new car purchase process last week - specifically asked about "permanent vs subscription" features. Salesperson openly admitted ALL connected features eventually become paid subscriptions. At least some getting honest about it now, but doesn't help existing owners

Discovered sketchy workaround - create new account using temporary email, sign up for "free trial" they offer new users. When expires, create another. Annoying but works until proper solution emerges. They're counting on customer laziness exceeding customer outrage