Edit: Just asked because of curiosity. I’m not actually looking for such vehicles.

Edit 2: So for context, my parents new Toyota has this feature that allows the GPS location of the car to be sent to toyota, then you can see the location via an app on android/ios (it’s supposed to be an anti-theft feature). The data is sent via an antenna that connects to cell towers, which then connects to the internet, and to the toyota servers. “Diagnostic” and “maintenance” information is also sent via those same antennas.

The dealer said it could be turned off, but who knows if they are really off. There’s not a hard switch on the car.

  • Thorny_Thicket@sopuli.xyz
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    1 year ago

    How do these cars even connect to the internet? Can’t you just not let them? Obviously you can’t use the built in navigation or spotify either then but it’s not like you can’t just use your smartphone for that like I already do with my -07 truck

    • BobKerman3999@feddit.it
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      1 year ago

      They have integrated modems and WiFi antennas that connect to either the cellular service or the dealership’s WiFi (or your own if you set it up). No way to stop them, I have no idea if the car even turns on if the antenna is broken/non functioning.

      • T156@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        No way to stop them, I have no idea if the car even turns on if the antenna is broken/non functioning.

        It would have to, or else the car would just break during an internet outage, or if it is out of range of mobile service (like if it is in a carpark), and that would be a disaster. Imagine not being able to use a carpark because your car will refuse to start if it doesn’t have an internet signal.

    • WtfEvenIsExistence1️@lemmy.caOP
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      1 year ago

      It has to connect to the internet somehow. Otherwise how could I see where the car is are using the Toyota app? I could see the tire pressure in each tire and the amount of fuel.

      There is also this button at the top (the ceiling?) of the car that basically acts like an emergency button. Pressing it connects your car to someone at toyota that calls for roadside assistance. But idk why then even have that since most people have phones anyways.