Just purchased my used truck. Haven't activated OnStar. Is it worth it? My wife and I both have cell phones. Does OnStar ONLY use cell technology, or does it also use satelites? By listening to the commercials on radio and TV they make it sound like you could get coverage ANYWHERE! That won't happen with cell phones, I routinely go in areas that I don't get cell coverage!

Thanks.

OnStar uses satellites for position information. All communication is via the cell phone link. Coverage is generally better than with a handheld phone because of the roof antenna and higher transmitter output.

I think that OnStar is way too expensive and the money can be put to much better use. Some think it's a great value. I think the scare-tactic commercials have been successful.

We got for free for the first year. Didn't bother renewing this year. They allow you to go month by month. Might activate it during our vacation for a month. I have a cellphone, HF-VHF-UHF Amateur Radio, GPS, and I can read the engine codes with my Predator. OnStar doesn't offer me much I don't already have.

Go far enough north in Ontario and no cellphone works, Digital or Analog. HF Amateur Radio always seem to work.

Lot of places in the country where you can't get cell phone service and On-Star is dead in those places. Tends to work OK here in FL since towns pretty close together and cell service is widespread. Get out into NV places I go and would most likely need the service I can't get it. 90% of time its OK.

OnStar can unlock your doors if you lock your keys inside. That is the only perk it really has, EXCEPT if you have a BAD accident with no one around and you can push the button they can find you.

OnStar can unlock your doors if you lock your keys inside. That is the only perk it really has, EXCEPT if you have a BAD accident with no one around and you can push the button they can find you.
So can a "Hide-A-Key" tucked away somewhere. $2 one time investment. :ro)

i plan on pulling the fuse or something when my one year is up. Dont want the "Man" being able to track me :rolleyes:

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/Throwup.gif at $16+ a month can you say ONRIPOFF!
AAA is only about $30 bucks for a year for maps, towing, and road side service it you want it. Why pay for the Phone when most of us have cell phones already.
I have used my free onstar phone and found it no better than any cell phone.

OnStar can unlock your doors if you lock your keys inside. That is the only perk it really has, EXCEPT if you have a BAD accident with no one around and you can push the button they can find you.
Or if it's bad and you can't push the button, they can still find you...

I believe onstar can also track and disable your truck in case some crackhead steals it. Nice feature.

Onstar is pretty neat & is very expensive when considering alternatives....one of those personal decisions.

You only hear about the Onstar good stuff and not very often unless you watch a lot of TV.Why don't we hear about when Onstart don't help, why ,because sales would be way down. My insurtance tells me that few stolen cars/trucks with Onstar are recovered. I have Onstar but when it expires its history . In almost two uears we've never used it. Don't have cell phone either.

I know someone, my Wifes Boss, that got her car back with onstar. She called, and said, someone stole her car, and Onstar said they have it. The only problem is, they wont tell you. You have to call the cops, and when you do, onstar tells them.

I bought my truck usd and never hooked it up.

A couple winters ago we are all out sleding in the mountains, I am back hooking the sleds up for the tow up the mountain. I hear this mans voice plain as day in the cab of my truck Hello, hello, is anyone there, I am thinking I haven't hooked up my CB yet? I got 3 kids in the back and my 5 yearold daughter in the passenger seat balling, the man on Onstar is asking if there is an emergency...My mind flashes to Han Solo in Star Wars right before rescuing Lea "Yea every thing is clear, we had a weapons malfunction, it's on it's way to be fixed" Blam shoots the intercom!
I was like um yeah I think one of the kids hit the button sorry the guy was cool he;s like yea I heard kids and figured that was the deal but he also said it was on if you pay for it or not and can be used in an emergency.....

Never hit the button since.....