ONSTAR

BROKER · September 20, 2001

Got in a 99 Tahoe 4x4 LT .It has full load of options, but no Onstar.Does anybody know if a dealer can install it?It would make a customer of mine very happy.

Zane · September 20, 2001

Heres what i says at the onstar site.....

Installation

Q. How much does OnStar cost if I have it installed?

A. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $695 for the hardware and installation.

Q. Why can't my vehicle have OnStar installed?

A. Only vehicles that have been wired electrically to be compatible with OnStar are able to have OnStar installed. For model compatibility, please visit Vehicle Availability.

Q. Why can't I buy the Bat Mobile?

A. Batman and the Bat Mobile are used solely for advertising purposes and are not available through OnStar.

Q. I have an older General Motors vehicle. Why can't you retrofit OnStar to fit it?

A. OnStar requires a special computer chip not installed on many previous model year vehicles. The good news is that many 1996 and 1997 Cadillac and 1998 GM cars, trucks and minivans on the road without OnStar can be outfitted for installation at an authorized GM Dealer.

Q. Why is OnStar not available on other vehicle types?

A. OnStar is still expanding, yet it is only available on certain vehicles at this time that have been manufactured to be compatible with the OnStar system.

Q. Where can I get more information on how to use OnStar?

A. Call 1-800-OnStar-7 (1-800-667-8277), or visit your nearest General Motors® Dealer

I think that sums it all up!

pacodiablo · September 20, 2001

OnStar creeps me out....they know everything!!!

Stepside Z · September 21, 2001

I would like to get it installed in my truck because it has some real advantages. Thanks for the info.

DallasZ71 · September 21, 2001

My truck has onstar and I can honestly say I've never used it, and don't plan to pay for it when the first year is up. They've added a cell phone type service to it recently, however, it uses analog technology and doesn't look like it would be worth the money. And of course there's the issue with the stupid little black antenna on the roof.

LT · September 21, 2001

I've got onstar and have used it once. It's a great concept. We in Wisconsin haven't the option of using it for a "cell" phone yet but I've been told that it soon will available. Spendy. A couple of hundred a year for basic service.

Pastmaster · September 21, 2001

You mean I CAN'T buy the batmobile? Why not? Dang it!

HelmutK · September 21, 2001

I have Onstar with my Avalanche I just picked up a few weeks ago. The Cell phone Personal Calling feature is available in our area so I bought 500 minutes worth for $175 (good for a year). It is an analog cell phone. Onstar's reasoning for using it over digital is because you still get a broader area of coverage with analog versus digital in the US. There are no long distance or roaming charges, just raw minute usage.

I personally like the hands free phone setup. It plays through your speaker system and automatically mutes the radio if it is on.

I even programmed it up the free Virtual Advisor feature, which gives you configurable Internet info such as news, sports, local weather, and other info. The Viirtual Advisor time uses up your cell units. You have to maintain the minimum Safety and Security Onstar plan, which is now $200/year, to have the cell phone feature. So I'll try it for a year and see if I want to renew it then.

If you're a gadget freak like me you'll like the Onstar features.

;)

Zane · September 21, 2001

Quote from Pastmaster, posted on Sep. 21 2001,12:28

You mean I CAN'T buy the batmobile? Why not? Dang it!

Yea i thought that was funny too!!!!

:stupid:

Shaners · September 22, 2001

I hit the "Onstar" button about once a month just to say "Hi!". They are always very nice and friendly... I doubt I'll renew it when the free year is up because I always have my cell phone and rarely drive the truck more than 100 miles from home... (about 5k/year). It's probably not worth the fee for me...