Hold Off on That New Car Purchase: 4 Essential Tech Questions to Consider First

Choosing a new vehicle is a significant decision on its own, and it becomes even more complex when considering apps, subscriptions, software updates, and trial features. This was highlighted recently when my mother-in-law needed a new car. She had purchased a hybrid just a year before, but it proved to be problematic, prompting her decision to look for something else. I was asked to assist in her search.

She wanted a compact SUV that would meet her requirements, which meant we needed to evaluate various options from brands such as Subaru, Hyundai, and Toyota, among others. Our discussions with dealerships revolved around pricing, reliability, warranties, safety features, and what was available for immediate purchase.

However, given my background in technology, I found myself thinking about additional questions. Modern vehicles have evolved into platforms that offer apps, subscription services, and connectivity options. I needed to ensure that the features would be functional and supported for years to come.

A car may impress during a test drive with its fully functional features, but that doesn’t guarantee that all the advantages will remain available indefinitely. Some might be part of free trials, others could need a paid subscription, or they may rely on a specific app or future updates from the manufacturer.

To navigate this, there are a few important questions to ask before making a purchase, rather than after the trial period ends or the infotainment system begins to lag.

What Subscriptions Are Associated With This Vehicle

The Free Trial as Sales Tactic

The first inquiry I would make is straightforward: which features need an active subscription now, and which ones will require one later?

While it seems like a basic question, it can easily be overlooked amid discussions about payments, warranties, and how the vehicle feels on the road. A dealer might demonstrate an app for locking doors, starting the vehicle, checking fuel levels, or adjusting climate controls, but that doesn’t always mean these capabilities will be lasting.

Among the compact SUVs we evaluated, services like Subaru’s MySubaru/STARLINK and Hyundai’s Bluelink+ highlighted the necessity of clarifying which app-based features were permanent, which were trial-based, and which required ongoing service support.

I would insist that dealers clearly differentiate between what comes with the vehicle and what comes as part of a trial. Some connected services may justifiably exist as subscriptions, particularly those that depend on cellular data or live updates. The key issue arises when these details are unclear during the buying process. Before finalizing any agreements, I would seek clarity on which features function without a paid subscription, the duration of any trials, and the costs involved once they end.

Tech Features Possibly Linked to Subscriptions

Some features may be permanently included, offered on a trial basis, or contingent on paid plans, and they differ based on the automaker, model, and trim level:

• Remote start
• App-based locking/unlocking
• Climate preconditioning
• Built-in navigation
• Live traffic
• Map updates
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Emergency assistance
• Stolen vehicle tracking
• Dash cam or cloud recording
• Driver-assistance feature upgrades
• Voice assistant capabilities
• EV charging controls
• EV battery/climate controls
• Heated seat or steering wheel functions
• Performance or acceleration enhancement

Differences Between Permanent Features and Trials

Don’t Assume All Working Features Are Permanent

After addressing subscription questions, the next question would be about which features currently presented are truly permanent.

Features might feel integral during a test drive, especially when the app and navigation systems are operational. However, that does not guarantee they will remain accessible for the duration of vehicle ownership.

A good example is Toyota’s Remote Connect, which allows remote start, locking/unlocking, and vehicle status through the app. Yet, these features may indeed be part of a trial that begins with the purchase or lease and will require a subscription post-trial.

Clarifying this distinction before buying is critical. Inquiring about subscriptions reveals potential ongoing costs, whereas asking about permanent features clarifies what’s actually included in the car after the trial ends.

What If the Infotainment System Becomes Outdated?

When Core Controls Depend on a Screen

This concern was prominent as we examined newer models with sprawling screens and minimal physical controls. An outdated navigation app is one issue; however, if essential functions like climate controls and driver-assist settings are solely managed through one interface, any slowdown or lack of updates can diminish user experience considerably.

I would question how the infotainment system receives updates, what happens when the hardware lags, and whether there are physical controls as backups for critical features.

As highlighted in recent discussions, older vehicles with software-driven components may age differently compared to traditional vehicles. While they might still function well mechanically, the technology inside can become outdated, affecting daily interactions with the vehicle.

Duration of Software Updates and Services Support

The Need for Long-Term Support

While software support might seem less immediate than pricing or warranty coverage, it holds significant importance. If a vehicle relies on connected services, apps, or regular updates, understanding how long these features will be supported by the manufacturer is essential.

Vehicles can remain operationally efficient even when the software becomes obsolete, which is crucial if features rely on apps or external servers. The discontinuation of 3G services is a prominent example; some vehicles lost connectivity when older networks were shut down, while others were provided updates to maintain functionality.

This leads to essential queries: what’s the automaker’s support timeline, and what occurs when the internal system becomes outdated? Will vital connected features still function throughout my ownership?

Wise Questions for Future Preparedness

Asking these questions upfront won’t simplify the car-buying process, but it can prevent future frustrations regarding features that may not be as inclusive as initially believed. Should certain features require apps, connectivity, or updates, these considerations should be integrated into your decision alongside price, reliability, safety, and warranty coverage.