More manufacturer-dealer features that lock in owners to increase revenue

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by Georgina Rudkus, Apr 30, 2026 at 8:37 AM.

  1. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2018
    3,521
    2,524
    0
    Location:
    Taylors, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Two

     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    114,835
    52,496
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I'm sure it's coming, if they can get away with it. and they might, because most consumers don't spend times on car forums and are clueless.
    plus, most gen x,y,z'ers or whatever think nothing of monthly payments.
     
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    13,168
    5,324
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'd actually argue that these dummies are going to exclude themselves from their own market and their competitors will steal their market share by not charging monthly fees to use a car that you own. The entire concept of making people pay monthly fees to keep systems unlocked that they lawfully own, hold a legal title too and also fully insure is vile and its not going to end well for them in not just car sales, but in courts of law too!
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    114,835
    52,496
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    agreed. that's why I say 'if they can get away with it'. if buyers have options, some will go elsewhere