My subscription to my car's "Incontrol" feature is about to expire. I'm on the fence about renewing it and I wonder if anyone else feels the same. I've never really used any of the features, except maybe to look at the mileage on my phone. I don't use the remote start feature however I can see how it might come in handy during the hot summer months if my car has been parked outside for a while. I'd like to hear some others thoughts.

 

We let ours run out on the XE, I think my missus liked being able to remote check the car but that was the only thing

 

Our ‘17’s have 3G telematics which defaulted to 2G once AT&T killed off 3G. Connection became too erratic so we let the subscription slide. The ‘18 is 4G and I’m keeping that going, wife’s car and she uses Remote all the time. For some reason the ‘16’s subscription runs for another year. I won’t be renewing.

 

I never really used any of the features, so I let my subscription expire.

 

I let it expire on my XE (ICTP), and I lost traffic info and the TuneIn streaming app. These weren’t mentioned in Jag’s info email. I had my own SIM card, but apparently that wasn’t used for those services.

 

After finally figuring out that for my late 2016 build MY2017, Remote and Nav are two separate entities I opted for Remote. It was $70/yr and I decided I like it and probably will renew this summer. I don't use the remote start or lock features, but I do like being able to see that the car is safely in the garage while we are away. I enable Journeys sometimes, but always when the car is at the dealer, like it is now. Shows me where they have the car and if it was taken out for any testing. The last time it was in, there was a 15 mile round trip recorded. I checked in with my tech, and he had done the ventilation cleaning and was driving the car to air it out. Just wanted to make it was my tech that had it out. Journeys would help out to track the car if it was stolen or taken without your permission. Remote also helps you locate the car if it is parked in a large lot and it's dark out. Remote will tell you if there are SOME things that are amiss on the car and remind you that it is due for a service. Navigation updates are only available up to 2018 for this F, so I don't see the sense of paying for that.

 

I stopped. I'd bet JLR collects and sells the info to insurance companies, and that ain't a good thing...

 

Once, I dropped off my car for maintenance using the 'night drop' feature. I dropped my key in the 'Overnight' slot and walked back to the car for a final check, then realized it was still unlocked. I got mildly panicked when I realizing there was nobody left in the shop to let me back in to get my key... until remembered the 'lock' feature of the Remote app. Only time I actually remembered using this for anything other than testing. But at the time, it was well worth it.

Journeys are useful when, like Valerie said, monitoring a dealer or shop. Or, if wanting to track of mileage for different segments of a road trip.

 

Except as a novelty I find it nearly useless. I've had it for a total of 5 years combined on my 2018 and 2022 F-Types and rarely use it. I would much rather have a remote start function on the key fob than the Remote app on my phone.
I certainly wouldn't pay for it.
And while I'm at it I should say that the Jag GPS system isn't much to crow about either and the update process is a pain.
Maybe I should change my forum name to Debbie Downer.

 

What information gets shared varies by manufacturer (and model year). You can check your VIN and opt out...

Vehicle Privacy

 

I never bothered with the phone app but I did renew monthly map updates for three years ($169) and got a free data-only sim plan so I could keep real-time traffic and re-routing info. InControl's traffic/re-routing uses very little data, and so far I've never exceeded my free 100mb/month.

 

Useful to have, at least for me, particularly the new "Guardian Mode" that provides alerts to your phone's lock screen for any unauthorized interaction with the vehicle, even if it's opened using a valid key.

• Remote Climate Control: Allows preheating or precooling the cabin before driving by remotely starting the engine (automatic transmission only) and running it for up to 30 minutes.
• Vehicle Status Information: Displays current fuel level, door/window status, and more.
• Journey History: Records and displays recent journeys, including routes and mileage statistics.
• Remote Lock and Unlock: Locks or unlocks the vehicle remotely.
• Remote Beep & Flash: Helps locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot by activating the hazard lights, dipped headlights, and an audible alert.
• Vehicle Location: Shows the vehicle's last parked location on a map.
• Assistance: Provides access to vehicle information like VIN and registration number, as well as Jaguar Assistance contacts.
• Settings: Allows customization of vehicle security and journey recording features.
• Stolen Vehicle Locator: In the event of theft, the InControl Remote app can help track and locate the vehicle.
• Vehicle Maintenance Alerts: Provides alerts for maintenance issues like low fluid levels.
• Vehicle Lock Reminder: Sends a notification if the vehicle is left unlocked for a specified time.

 

very helpful, thanks

 

Sounded good to me so I looked into it.
Found this: "We wish we could help, but Jaguar ignores requests from authorized agents in South Carolina."