Why do I need OnStar?
07-13-2011, 12:30 PM
#22
Race Director
It's a matter of personal preference and a secure state of mind. If you are comfortable without it you're good to go, as always. I never activated mine either. 
07-13-2011, 12:34 PM
#23
Team Owner
07-13-2011, 12:46 PM
#24
I am ready to order a 2012 C6 and I have to admit that I never noticed a place to put a key into. If the FOB is in the car can it be locked? Maybe I should just wait until I get one insted of asking stupid questions.
07-13-2011, 01:01 PM
#27
Every now and then, I like to call the OnStar operator and ask her, "What are you wearing?" 
In terms of immediately notifying rescue crews, OnStar (in most cases) is not all that useful. I mean, if you plunge off the road into a canyon in some remote area, where otherwise you might only be found two months later by a hiker, yes, it's helpful. But 99.7 percent of the time, you're surrounded by other vehicles/traffic, and someone is going to immediately call 911 for you.
In terms of immediately notifying rescue crews, OnStar (in most cases) is not all that useful. I mean, if you plunge off the road into a canyon in some remote area, where otherwise you might only be found two months later by a hiker, yes, it's helpful. But 99.7 percent of the time, you're surrounded by other vehicles/traffic, and someone is going to immediately call 911 for you.
07-13-2011, 01:19 PM
#28
Burning Brakes
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
This is not a compelling reason to activate, but it's there: OnStar can read many of the codes generated by the vehicle.
Last weekend the wife and I hopped in the C6 for a casual cruise to a local ice cream place. I look at the IP, and see the CEL light. I call OnStar and ask whether she can see the code. She can, tells me it's associated with the CAGS, and I instantly know (i) it's not a critical issue, so I can relax, and (ii) it's 99% likely an issue with the skip shift plug. (And it was -- replacement is on its way)
Pretty quick/convenient, and no need to chase down a code reader from somewhere.
Last weekend the wife and I hopped in the C6 for a casual cruise to a local ice cream place. I look at the IP, and see the CEL light. I call OnStar and ask whether she can see the code. She can, tells me it's associated with the CAGS, and I instantly know (i) it's not a critical issue, so I can relax, and (ii) it's 99% likely an issue with the skip shift plug. (And it was -- replacement is on its way)
Pretty quick/convenient, and no need to chase down a code reader from somewhere.
07-13-2011, 01:46 PM
#29
Burning Brakes
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On April 27 when my neighborhood was hammered by tornadoes, an entire subdivison a few blocks over was completely leveled. We had no power, no phones, the cell towers had been hit and they were running off of a few backup towers that had survived. No one had cell service in my neighborhood. The worst part is that it was dark and we were completely trapped. There were NO routes out and my family didn't know if I was dead or alive. It took a minute to get my bearings and think but Onstar did come to mind. I pressed the button ,and though I hadn't bought minutes, the operator said "we'll give it a try." I was able to contact everyone and let them know that I was safe. My wife opened her car and we let the neighbors use our cars to call their loved ones.( on Onstar's dime). There have been other instances of "keys locked in cars", my H2 needing to "limp" home and one with my wife in an accident. To me it's worth it. Do you NEED it? NO!! Are you a fool if you keep it? NO!!
Last edited by Blaq Ops; 07-13-2011 at 02:13 PM.
07-13-2011, 02:10 PM
#31
I got a year of OnStar with my GS. I never once had a reason to press any of the buttons... One day when I was installing the mirror mount for a Escort radar detector I accidentally pressed one of the buttons. In a few seconds a lady from OnStar came on asking if I needed assistance -- I told her I had accidentally pressed the button and that I was sorry. She just hung up with no response to what I had said -- which I thought was rather rude. After all I DID apologize. That's the only experience I had with them. So when my year was up I just let it go. I've never had a car with OnStar before and have made it almost 50 years without incident. I'll just continue taking my chances. I have a cellphone, am rarely anywhere there isn't cellphone coverage and have a $100 Garmin that works well. I'm *tired* of every little aspect of my life where folks have figured out how to try and get money from me each week/month/year... 
Use your own judgement, that's what I did.
Use your own judgement, that's what I did.
07-13-2011, 02:24 PM
#32
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
That will pop the hatch/truck open so you can gain access to the driver's door manual release cable.
07-13-2011, 02:27 PM
#33
Instructor
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My wife had a check engine light come on and called On Star.They checked to codes and found it had a bad altenator. The then called our dealer who was ready with a rental car when she arrived.
She just set off on a 400 mile trip alone and it is nice to know that it is there if she has a break down. Yes she has her cell but might not know who she could call close by to help.
She just set off on a 400 mile trip alone and it is nice to know that it is there if she has a break down. Yes she has her cell but might not know who she could call close by to help.
07-13-2011, 02:39 PM
#34
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St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
My wife had a check engine light come on and called On Star.They checked to codes and found it had a bad altenator. The then called our dealer who was ready with a rental car when she arrived.
She just set off on a 400 mile trip alone and it is nice to know that it is there if she has a break down. Yes she has her cell but might not know who she could call close by to help.
She just set off on a 400 mile trip alone and it is nice to know that it is there if she has a break down. Yes she has her cell but might not know who she could call close by to help.
Just an 800 number away if needed
07-13-2011, 02:39 PM
#35
Safety Car
this is not a compelling reason to activate, but it's there: Onstar can read many of the codes generated by the vehicle.
Last weekend the wife and i hopped in the c6 for a casual cruise to a local ice cream place. I look at the ip, and see the cel light. I call onstar and ask whether she can see the code. She can, tells me it's associated with the cags, and then she tells me that i didn't really need ice cream and that i should just grab an apple instead. She also noted that my shorts and shirt didn't really match. She also informed my wife that i was out cruising with another lady the weekend she went to visit her sister in nebraska.
Now i have a new replacement part being mailed to me. My wife has left me and i've lost 7 pounds.........thanks onstar!
Last weekend the wife and i hopped in the c6 for a casual cruise to a local ice cream place. I look at the ip, and see the cel light. I call onstar and ask whether she can see the code. She can, tells me it's associated with the cags, and then she tells me that i didn't really need ice cream and that i should just grab an apple instead. She also noted that my shorts and shirt didn't really match. She also informed my wife that i was out cruising with another lady the weekend she went to visit her sister in nebraska.
Now i have a new replacement part being mailed to me. My wife has left me and i've lost 7 pounds.........thanks onstar!
Last edited by Xedes; 07-13-2011 at 02:41 PM.
07-13-2011, 02:42 PM
#37
I drove for the better part of 40 years without one and could do so now. But I got 6 free months when i bought my vette and liked it. Don't use it that much, but when I have used it I was happy I had it. I can afford the $150/yr, so what the hell?
Last edited by tpapablo; 07-13-2011 at 02:43 PM. Reason: misspelling
07-13-2011, 03:10 PM
#39
Pro
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Well, to be fair, no one NEEDS a Corvette either. We get them regardless... 
The automatic crash notification is cheap insurance. The 300 minutes were like $10 (I think), and the diagnostics are cool.
Is it worth it? That's between you and your wallet. It is for me.
The automatic crash notification is cheap insurance. The 300 minutes were like $10 (I think), and the diagnostics are cool.
Is it worth it? That's between you and your wallet. It is for me.
07-13-2011, 03:20 PM
#40
Racer
no where did I see anyone mention about what if your car is stolen, with onstar, if its stolen, I call them, and the police, they talk to each other, find the car and slow the engine slowly and safely and hopefully it doesnt get wrecked, they catch the A**hole and hold him for me and my baseball bat!! (09 and newer models anyway), again cheap insurance for me.
Seriously, the baseball bat thing is a perk for vette owners...
Last edited by VetteNGT500; 07-13-2011 at 03:25 PM.