[elephanlemon]

If I ever buy a newer car, first thing I plan to do is find and remove or disconnect the modem.

[technothrasher]

My new Audi lets me turn off telemetry (at least it claims it does), but it complains every single time I turn the car on and makes me confirm two "no, I don't want to turn it back on" dialogs each time. It will also sometimes (I haven't figure out a pattern) tell my phone to auto-load the Audi app when I get in the car, for no useful reason, and then the app complains that it can't get the data it wants because I turned the data off. It's exceedingly obnoxious.

[seanssel]

Mazda claims that they will disable telemetry via the TCU, but when I asked the dealership about it they looked at me like I was speaking a different language. I couldn’t get anyone who knew anything about it and ended up leaving. It’s insane to me that I have to go through hoops to OPT OUT of this stuff, and I had no choice to even opt in.

[kevin_thibedeau]

See if it has a dedicated modem fuse and isn't smart enough to nag when that is pulled.

[FireBeyond]

You might need to dig around for the codes, but with tools like OBDeleven, I've found that on my Audis most of the things that are like that can be turned off. I've done all sorts of things, from adding a gauge sweep (even though it's digital, I like the effect) to turning off the seatbelt warning (my partner unbuckles when we get in the cul-de-sac) to customizing the keyfob (in summer I can open the sunroof with a long press of one of the buttons), etc.

[i80and]

A very very minor contribution to my choice to buy a VW ID.4 is that a number of people reported that pulling the modem's (user-accessible) fuse is fine, and just disables remote connectivity as you'd expect.

(I haven't actually done that, but I abstractly like the option being available)

[chneu]

This is why I bought a fiesta. There is nearly no "smart" stuff in it. Everything is still mostly analog and very user friendly. Plus the ST is one of the most fun cars you can drive.

RIP Fiesta model. Too amazing for your own good.

[sho_hn]

Believe me that there's at least two dozen computers doing their thing in your "mostly analog" Fiesta.

Consumers tend to heavily underestimate the point in time from which cars started absolutely relying on modern electronics.

[Someone1234]

In my current car, if I disconnect the modem I lose the left front speaker and the microphone for the infotainment unit. Just noting for context, on this "I will just do XYZ theory."

[zikduruqe]

Is it a Subaru? If so, I seem to remember a bypass harness you can buy.

[afh1]

You would be breaking the law in Europe.

[mrgaro]

Would you? I think that EU mandates a mobile connect for emergency services (eCall), but can you point out a legislation which forbits the owner to disable it in the vehicle they own?

[theodric]

They'll have to find you first, which (without a cell modem and GPS) would be an undertaking. The cell antenna "accidentally" falling off or the cable developing a fatigue break after the connector might be easier to explain. A Faraday bag comes to mind, as well.

[lionkor]

Immediately the check engine light would come on and it would automatically pull over if you tried to drive it, I'd guess.