Guardian Pricing Review

[kculp]

Seems like Guardian is similar to other connectivity technologies. SiriusXM was struggling under debt and their partnership with FCA is a cash cow. the GM On Star model. GM is currently deploying OnStar Generation 10 hardware that includes enhanced services and diagnostics and the ability to use a mobile application which allows a subscriber to perform many functions without the need for calling into the OnStar center. Pricing is $24.99 month or $199 per year if one-time paid.

FCA still uses a call center for the most part. Guardian and GM functions overlap and include remote start, remote lock and unlock, flashing lights and horn as well. OnStar hardware is currently only manufactured by LG. I believe FCA uses Panasonic hardware.

Hyundai Blue Link is similar to Guardian using bluetooth technology or a USB cable and an installed Hyundai Blue Link mobile application. Car Care information such as vehicle health and Automatic Crash Notifications. The system utilizes mobile apps to allow the customer to Remote Start, Stop, Lock or Unlock their Hyundai. It also has the ability to immobilize the vehicle if carjacked. Cost is $99 per year.

The Ford Sync 3 infotainment system is similar to Guardian in many ways and relies on the Fordpass subscription Ford says that FordPass is a free digital platform, so it appears that there will be no subscription or usage fees. Older cars can be upgraded with a fee and device/install (starts at for $16.99 per month) that approximate Guardian features with a FordPass SmartLink device which features a 4G LTE WiFi for 2010 and newer Fords. It adds finding parking places! A obvious difference is that AppLink Apps can be installed onto the head unit (apart from Android or CarPlay). Sync 3 tends to use it's own OS with some have fees though. Ford recently announced that it has teamed up with Amazon to bring its Alexa virtual assistant to vehicles equipped with Sync 3. Ford releases the API for vehicle functions to developers! FordPass Smartlink will be available for older Ford's that plugs into the car (Includes cell phone radio) for 24 months. That includes the cost of the device, telematics services between the vehicle and Ford, and a 30-day or 1-gigabyte trial of data.

Mobile Drone is not manufacturer specific but requires some hardware add-ons (Drone units, DR-3100 & DR-3400). It has the same functions including full vehicle status and remote starting, door lock and "DroneMobile Maps." The premium plan is $119.99/year, although there are heavily discounted 3-year plans for $299. Mixed reviews, some complain the tracking doesn't always work or is slow.

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[greenegger]

what is the difference between Uconnect Access and Guardian? i.e. when Guardian trials expires can I still use Uconnect Access to start the car remotely etc...?

 

[kculp]

Unconnect access is from the JK, this operates under the app "Uconnect Business" and had the blue background icon for the JL. I think the services are similar but I am not a JK person. Be careful when setting up your account and make sure you have your phone set up first and paired with your JL. Best to hit the "assist" button on your mirror and get a remote operator to guide you. One year is free so you really should take advantage of the program! I did so without a credit card.

But yes, you can still use your FOB for remote start. Remember you will need to be near the vehicle (I don't know the precise distance) for that feature to work. Guardian's benefit with remote start would be lost key (FOB) or a situation where you are beyond the reach of the FOB (long distance from the parking lot). The other situation is where the driver can't start and they call you as the owner. Or they locked the FOB in the vehicle for some reason (guessing on that one). It's definitely duplicative over what you originally purchased.

Guardian is largely a convenience, but the tracking and location can be purchased for a lower cost ($12.95 per month). Tire pressure, miles on the odometer, oil life, vehicle health report and fuel remaining are additional features you get for the $24.95/mo. You can also install it on Android wear or Apple watch. Looks cool!

FYI. Remember the door automatically locks with remote start so you would need to send that command as well. My research into this makes me want to purchase the Ford link to upgrade my Mustang!

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