Toyota Connected Services

I might be in the minority but so far I am liking the services it provides. I'm not a big fan of Android Auto or CarPlay and I actually prefer Drive Connect navigation. I had a Tesla Model 3 where you basically had no choice so maybe I just prefer the integrated options.

I am not all that concerned about privacy issues as it really does not matter what you do these days, your data is going somewhere. Google and Apple might talk a big game about protecting your privacy but I assume they really don't.

To each their own but I like the Connected Services..

 

I get that and IMO every Prius should come with a trial of Drive Connect.. Even if it were only for 30 days it would give owners a chance to try it out before committing to $15 a month..

With my Model 3 I paid $10 a month for the premium connectivity so $15 a month to Toyota would / does not really bother me. I understand that not everyone wants to add another monthly subscription service on top of all the ones most people already spring for.

I personally like Drive Connect (so far - only had the car a few days) and prefer it over the free options like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay..

 

It should have access to anything that goes through the CAN bus.

 

Hammersmith posted this link to the 2023 services list, and it seems to indicate that Drive Connect is available on the XLE and standard on the Limited. Or am I misreading the chart?

https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyota/audio-multimedia/pdf/new/MY23_Connected_Services_and_Audio_Multimedia_features-Applicability.pdf

 

I think they mean they don't get the free trial. They must have the 8" screen. It's still available to them if they want to pay, but they don't get the free 1-year trial that the 12.3" screen comes with.

 

I'm only signed up for the free 10yr trials of Safety Connect and Service Connect but I have the same privacy concerns. I signed up because the car has no spare tire and Safety Connect has a Roadside Assistance feature.
Then, upon reading the details I found that their tire service involves replacing a flat with "your inflated spare", which doesn't exist.

 

Hmm, when I did my due diligence, I knew going in the Prius did not have a spare tire. I bought it anyway so I guess I put myself in this position.

 

On the tire issue, I was concerned for a while until I realized that in the 20+ years I have had Prii, I have never had a flat tire. I think it may not be an issue.

 

I have had a similar experience. I think the last time I had to change out a flat tire was in 1997. But still, I think it's better to prepared to deal with it if it ever happens, especially if the flat is due to damage on the sidewall.

 

You, of course are right. It is always better to be prepared. My father taught me to change tires on his '57 coral Chevy back in the mid 1960's, and it served me well while I was in college. I honestly don't think I could change a tire now (shoulder surgery and age), and I understand the repair kit can fix about anything but a blowout or sidewall damage. I'm willing to take the chance.

 

I spent my first 25 years of driving, without worrying about a spare tire. I've spent the last 12 years as a field service rep. clocking-in close to 50K miles a year. I get to new car every 18-24 months.
My first road flat was in the middle of no where, no cell service - actually I could see a farm house way off on the horizon. Took a half hour to pull all the service/test equipment out of the trunk to get to the spare. I said a prayer, before unloading the trunk because I didn't check for it when I got this car from the dealership. When I got to it, it was there and fully inflated. When I got back into cell range - you guess it, phone began ringing off the hook along with three dozen MMS. I guess my company saw me heading into the dead-zone and was wondering if someone should go looking for my bones.... Probably more concerned for the expensive equipment I was carrying, than to find me...

Ante Technology Great!!!!!!!

 

That's why I have AAA

 

That's why I have AAA