OnStar?

[Grasshopper27]

Ok, looking for personal experiences here...

My new-to-me 2000 Suburban has got OnStar installed in it. Looking at their web site, it seems like I can simply pay the subscriber fees to join.

They want $200/yr for their "Safe and Sound" package, which has everything I'd really want.

So what is the good, the bad, and the ugly here?

 

[EvilYoda]

Well, just think about the options they offer and how much you'd be using them. You'd be getting the basic package, but it really gives you a sense of added security when you're driving...$200 that you could've wasted somewhere else will insure that you're never locked out of your car, you never get lost, and if it actually happens, that the paramedics are called immediately when you get in an accident.

I think it's a good feature, but there's a reason a lot of the users are of the older age-range...younger people don't feel like they need it. It's up to you.

<---Had an internship with OnStar freshman year.........<sigh> I miss those days.

 

[Grasshopper27]

Sure, and those reasons are good ones.

I'm inclined to do it, but wanted some personal stories first. You know, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Grasshopper

 

[bunker]

I used to work in a huge call center doing tech support. The cubicles opposite me were the onstar reps. Some of the conversations they had with customers late at night were hilarious! Drunk people calling in asking where to find a Burger King, a guy in Vegas trying to find a brothel.

 

[fonzinator]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
...that the paramedics are called immediately when you get in an accident.

Great feature if it's not too bad of an accident. But what happens if you get in such a bad accident that you're battery becomes disconnected? Do they have any way around this problem? I've always wondered the answer to this question.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: fonzinator

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
...that the paramedics are called immediately when you get in an accident.

Great feature if it's not too bad of an accident. But what happens if you get in such a bad accident that you're battery becomes disconnected? Do they have any way around this problem? I've always wondered the answer to this question.

I'd say in that case you're just as screwed as if you didn't have OnStar, so it's a bit of a wash.

 

[RossMAN]

I've always thought it costs a lot more, maybe it does.

Doesn't it cost like $30/month for cell phone service or something like that?

Maybe it's $200/yr for the "Safe and Sound package" (does it unlock your doors if you lock your keys inside?) sounds like a good deal, I'd prob get it.

Maybe it's $30/month IN ADDITION to $200/yr.

 

[Gunbuster]

I know a GM engineer who uses it to locate the nearest hooters everyplace he goes

 

[Grasshopper27]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I've always thought it costs a lot more, maybe it does.

Doesn't it cost like $30/month for cell phone service or something like that?

Maybe it's $200/yr for the "Safe and Sound package" (does it unlock your doors if you lock your keys inside?) sounds like a good deal, I'd prob get it.

Maybe it's $30/month IN ADDITION to $200/yr.

It is $30 a month if you want directions and all that...

For just the Safe and Sound package (yea, stuff like unlocking doors, emergency use), it is just $200 a year, nothing per month.

Grasshopper

 

[gump47371]

LOL, was just checking it out. The only difference between the middle and high plans is getting something in case you "just remembered your mom's birthday is today." Looks like a brain dead option.

 

[Grasshopper27]

Originally posted by: gump47371
LOL, was just checking it out. The only difference between the middle and high plans is getting something in case you "just remembered your mom's birthday is today." Looks like a brain dead option.

Some people just have way too much money.

That being said, I'm still waiting for some good personal experiences with OnStar. Hasn't anyone here used it?

 

[Babbles]

I had it for a year with my new Grand Prix. I didn't renew it because I couldn't justify the cost.

However, if I did have the spare $200 plus for it I would do it again, even though I have never used it.

It is kinda like insurance, you don't plan on wanting to use it, but I bet it would be nice if you had to use it.

Also, Onstar acts like that LoJack system (or whatever it is called) so if your vehicle is stolen they can track it down.

 

[EvilYoda]

what kind of "stories" are you looking for? When I started out my internship, they had me sit in with a call center rep a few times, and there were some nice calls...most of them were just people that got lost or had locked their keys in, but very occasionally (thankfully), there would be an emergency call (there are people designated to take these calls, as they come in as a different signal), and we'd be the first people aware of anything that had happened, and we would call the paramedics ASAP. They also call the nearest hospital to inform them that you'll be on your way.

And of course, we had tapes of testimonials and tapes of accidents that had happened, and the families assisted by OnStar would say a little something.....made you feel all warm and fuzzy.

I'm probably still not helping...

 

[Grasshopper27]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
what kind of "stories" are you looking for? When I started out my internship, they had me sit in with a call center rep a few times, and there were some nice calls...most of them were just people that got lost or had locked their keys in, but very occasionally (thankfully), there would be an emergency call (there are people designated to take these calls, as they come in as a different signal), and we'd be the first people aware of anything that had happened, and we would call the paramedics ASAP. They also call the nearest hospital to inform them that you'll be on your way.

And of course, we had tapes of testimonials and tapes of accidents that had happened, and the families assisted by OnStar would say a little something.....made you feel all warm and fuzzy.

I'm probably still not helping...

No, that helps...

I guess I wanted some personal stories of actual real world use.

How fast do they respond? If you were in a wreck, did they really get the medics and police there quick? Any problems of getting connections?

I don't know, I guess I'm just concerned about spending $200 on this.

Grasshopper

 

[Phuz]

I've talked to a few people who do OnStar Tech support in this building as well..

They get some great calls.. similar to most tech support people, they have some interesting calls to talk about...
One guy I spoke with had heard people getting in accidents... drug deals going down, people stopping at drive thrus while they're trying to get them to a location...

hehe.