I actually see that as a really big negative for GM vehicles as a group. I really don't like the idea of a remote tracking/access system that is under the control of somebody besides the owner of the car.

Is it possible to completely disable OnStar? To guarantee that it cannot be used, and that it cannot exert any control over the car?

Call me a luddite if you like, but I prefer to have mechanical devices that only do what I ask them to do, and only when I ask them to do it.

 

In my very limited knowledge, I don't believe that you can just opt-out of that feature. It is always there (unless the hardware is removed), and you can just pay for the services.

But your car, most likely, has recording devices in them already, just like the 981.

Things like 'pre-wired for satellite radio' or 'pre-wired for navigation' etc... are all indicators that installed hardware provides additional functionality.

 

I like owning different cars for different purposes. With a dedicated race car I'd skip the Cayman and get something more GT with power for the street like the Z51 or maybe something even more "fun" like a viper or mustang GT500.

 

If you want to keep the car for a while I would be inclined to take the Porsche. New Corvettes usually are a design hit the first few years but they age rather poorly (except the really old ones of course!). The Porsches retain a classic look long after their production has ceased.

 

Not paying for the service doesn't disable the capability to be tracked and/or disabled/lock-hacked, nor a number of other possibilities I'd rather not have available to people I didn't authorize.

Internal recording is not the same as external control.

 

Agreed, with both points.

On-Star touts their ability to aid law enforcement.

Internal recording is reaching new highs. No, no external control as of yet, without special hardware, but that line is blurring.

 

This is one of the best reasons I can think of to not buy a GM product. There's just too much opportunity for abuse.

 

Eh. You're right. But that wouldn't stop me from buying this new 'Vette. It seems like such an incredible performance, it is hard to fathom what can hold a candle to it, within reason (not going over $100k). In fact, for $60k, I can't think of anything that is a better buy under $100k.

(of course, I'm still looking at the Alfa 4C, for approximately the same cost)

 

I'm sure if you really are paranoid you can physically remove some part of the system to render it inoperable.

 

Probably true, but I'd still be paying for something I'd prefer not to support.

Yes, though, if I select the Z51, I'll probably find a way to disable OnStar.

 

Eh, it's an embedded cost - which is still thousands less than anything that can touch this combination of performance, comfort, and convenience.

Do you also disable your cellphone when you travel (remove the battery - because even some phones don't fully deactivate when you stop certain functions)?

 

i'm not sure what you plan to do with the car, but allowing onstar/external control to enter the equation means to me that you don't want the car and are looking for reasons to justify your decision.

the cayman costs more for less performance, sure. but some decisions are rooted in emotion, not just dollars and sense. if the car is in your budget, be happy you got something you liked more, something not as "common"--it's okay if you paid $15k more. it's the same reason people buy astons

 

Well, that and the seats have kept me away from any GM products for a long time... The 2014 Vette is the first car in a long time that even opened the GM door for me.

I get your point, though.

Well, when you put it that way.....

 

Here to make your decision harder...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ad-test-review

Sounds like the new Vette is seriously amazing...

 

This new one is a MASSIVE leap over the past few generations (I'd say more than the gap between Ferrari 355 -360). I still can't believe everything that went into this vehicle...

The fact they made it with as good mileage as they did is funny to me, but serious for them. 30mpg? Holy crap. I didn't like the extra weight they added to achieve that.