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After the free trial term of myMazda ends, it's a bit frustrating that we, the new owners of the CX-70, have to pay to use remote start. I know I can have someone else install a remote start feature with a new key fob, but I'm worried about the reliability of that and I don't enjoy dealing with aftermarket items. I was wondering if anyone has any advice or knowledge about this.

In every way, I share your sentiments. In particular, the remote start feature's failure has been really frustrating, and I'm generally unhappy with the Mazda app. Like other BMW ploys, paying for this function is just a way to generate more money off of a trapped audience. My two main concerns with a third-party remote starter are(1) the added hassle of dealing with a second key fob and(2) the impact on the warranty. We bought a Honda CR-V a long time ago, when remote starting was not an option. Our service manager told us, "you can do it, but if you encounter a starting problem that will be the first thing that we blame," so we never got one installed, when I asked about aftermarket remote starters.

Charging a membership for a product's most fundamental feature is, in my opinion, impolite as well. The Mazda app being what it is, a major letdown. Interface is terrible and replies are really slow. The fact that the tyre pressure gauge only shows the readings from the last time the vehicle came to a halt is also somewhat perplexing. The inability to monitor current pressures and the wildly unpredictable overnight temperatures are major problems. Unless there is a major upgrade in a year, I will not be willing to pay for this app.

I'm uncertain about whether I will still own my CX70 when the three-year time ends. Personally, I don't think I would pay to be able to start my own car.

But, I was able to avoid removing the micro key from the fob and opening the car when the battery expired by using the Mazda app.


Since the new fob design is significantly more difficult to open than prior versions, I didn't have any tools on hand, thus it would have been a hassle to do so.

"pain to do so since the new fob design is much harder to open than older styles" HELLO! A tab can be easily opened by sliding it over; doing so is not painful.

It will take your fingernails to grasp that tab because it is so small. and every time I try to open it, I smash the buttons. Very unimpressed.

In fact, this feature is unavailable to us here in Australia. Mazda provided an excuse based on the lack of customer input regarding their desire for it when I enquired about the reason. Picture this: we have no idea if a function even exists unless we peruse forums in other countries.

There is no local installation of the remote start capability. Everything runs through the Mazda Connect app, which relies on a remote backend that either Mazda or an outside contractor is responsible for maintaining. Mazda acted in this manner in order to profit from it. Having something pre-installed but behind a pay wall, like a heated seat, is different. One component of the Mazda Connect system is the remote starter.