OnStar

MarkD · June 24, 2002

What experiences has everyone had with OnStar?

rrsob · June 24, 2002

I had it on my 2001 Monte Carlo SS. Sorry to say, I never had a use for it. I always meant to lock my keys in my car and see how the sattelite system worked, but tradded it in before I got the chance. ??? Rich

GnatGoSplat · June 24, 2002

It'd probably be cheaper and probably a lot more useful just to get a cellphone on AT&T Prepaid wireless or Ecallplus for an average of $6.67/month.

melbertbloosfan · June 24, 2002

I did not get the Onstar with my LS flavor truck, but I do have it on my LS flavor 2001 Venture Minivan. Have used it twice, very cool and a little disconcerting.

I was backing the van out for the ceremonial "first wash" and jumped out to see if I was stopped on the hose. Shut the door (with the engine running) -- and all the doors locked. The van was shipped with a "all doors lock" feature. No prob, go get the wifes keys - but found out they were in her purse -- in the van. So, vans idling, locked, all keys inside. Called the 800 number for onstar and they said they could unlock it in like 15 minutes. Apparently the satelite only goes overhead every so often. Lo and behold, 'bout 15 minutes later I was leaning of the fender when "POP" the doors all unlock. Strange. Wife had to use it a couple of months later when she locked her keys inside while she was at work. Hey, saved me the drive in.

Nice feature, but not sure it's worth what they want for it.

I kept the coverage for this year, but will probably drop it next year (and maybe have some extra keys made!)

:blush:

CMNTMXR81 · June 24, 2002

I have it, I've only used it once when I set it up. Otherwise I don't even remember the phone number they gave me.

MarkD · June 24, 2002

My dealer really talked it up. He said it could be used for all kinds of things. I am just trying to find out more info. I am usually very good about not locking up keys.

RixC3 · June 25, 2002

My C3 came with it, didn't have a choice. It's pretty trick, but kind of expensive. I use the cell phone the most. It's hands free, voice activated, safer. Another good thing is you only pay for what you use. I paid about $40 for 100 minutes and have a year to burn it up. I particularly like the theft recovery and emergency assistance capabilities. Haven't needed them yet, but they ease your mind on trips. I definitely will renew it. It adds a bit of hi-tech fun to the truck.

The only bad part is the hole they punch in your roof for that ugly little antenna. ???

Shaners · June 25, 2002

The only times that I've used it is when driving down the road and when I'm getting bored. It always amazes whoever is sitting in the passanger seat, and the people on the other end have always been very nice, and they didn't seem to care that I was just playing with it.

My subscription runs out in a few days, and I'm not going to spend the $$$ to renew it.

CMNTMXR81 · June 25, 2002

The only bad part is the hole they punch in your roof for that ugly little antenna. ???

Oh come now, you don't like the little rubber duck antenna.

I understand why they put it on HD trucks like mine (for durability) instead of the regular cellular style, but on a C3, I can't see a rubber duck.

DigUout · June 25, 2002

I think the safety aspects of OnStar are great for peace of mind. Features like automatic dispatch if the air bags ever deploy, being able to get directions to the nearest hospital, gas station, restaurants, etc. if you're on a trip in a strange town make it worth considering.

If you're out in the middle of nowhere and hit a deer and the airbags deploy and you're knocked out, they'll send an ambulance and cops right away. If your travelling through somewhere you've never been and your passenger (or you) has a medical emergency, instant directions to the local hospital. For a lot of people, having those benefits, makes it easy for me to sell.

To me it's a lot like insurance. You pay for the comfort of having it and hope you'll never need it.

That being said, I still think I'll opt for the XM radio option next year before OnStar -

MarkD · June 25, 2002

new info...

There are 3 levels of OnStar service

Safe & Sound (emergency use, $199/year)

Directions & Connections ($399/year)

Luxury & Leisure (concierge, $799/year)

RixC3 · June 26, 2002

The one thing that always bothered me about the theft recovery system...It seems like the first thing a thief would do when he steals a truck with on-star is break off the antenna. The first line of defense would be getting into the truck past the door locks, then the coded ignition system which should disable the truck. How would on-star know the car is being stolen unless someone calls them? Do the other two systems tie into onstar so notification is automatic. If they break off the antenna, how can on-star be notified? There's not too much info out there on this. Anyone know how the system works?

pacodiablo · June 26, 2002

I was backing the van out for the ceremonial "first wash" and jumped out to see if I was stopped on the hose. Shut the door (with the engine running) -- and all the doors locked. The van was shipped with a "all doors lock" feature. No prob, go get the wifes keys - but found out they were in her purse -- in the van. So, vans idling, locked, all keys inside. Called the 800 number for onstar and they said they could unlock it in like 15 minutes. Apparently the satelite only goes overhead every so often. Lo and behold, 'bout 15 minutes later I was leaning of the fender when "POP" the doors all unlock.

thats cool, but there is a free way to do that. just get a stick, sturdy wire or something similar and slip it between the window and the door. try and hit the lock mechanism, and it will un lock. this works with power locks. no i do not steal cars, i locked the keys in a work truck.