Basically every new vehicle made in the last 5 years has connected features. That’s why I said “not buy a vehicle” I was using hyperbole to point out that the options are limited if you want a new vehicle without connected features. Options are even slimmer if you have specific requirements for a vehicle outside of basic transportation.
What’s the alternative? Not buying a vehicle? If I wasn’t in the US and actually had good public transportation available to me I certainly would forego vehicle ownership. As it stands, it is frustrating to think I will one day lose the remote start feature, but it’s not a deal breaker.
My new vehicle has remote start, but only via the app. It’s a useful feature but frustrating that my trim level doesn’t also have it available via the keyfob. Once the manufacturer ends support for my vehicle I will lose the feature out-right.
I still use it with friends. Not because it’s private (it’s obviously not) and not because it’s good(it’s infested with ads) but because of the convenience of having the ability to send silly inconsequential videos and photos throughout the day without having to worry about that content consuming space on my device or having to go back and clean said content from my device. In that way I find it pretty convenient. That said, from a privacy standpoint it’s probably worse than most other options. Don’t use it with any expectations of privacy.