Are you in the market for a new car and encountering pressure from dealerships to include a “Savy Driver” or similar OBD2 device as a mandatory add-on? You’re not alone. Many car buyers are facing dealerships insisting on pre-installing aftermarket products, and one common example is the Savy Obd2 device. Customers like yourself are right to question this practice, especially when these add-ons come with a significant extra cost.
The original poster in a recent forum, who was looking to purchase a new Honda CR-V, ran into this exact issue. The dealer claimed the “Savy Driver” could not be removed, raising concerns about whether this was a standard practice or a dealership-specific tactic.
So, what exactly is Savy Driver, and why might a dealer be so insistent on including it? Savy Driver, also known as Savy OBD2, is a module that plugs into your car’s OBDII port. This port, standard on virtually all modern vehicles, is designed for diagnostics and accessing vehicle data. The Savy device then links to a smartphone app, providing driving data and analytics. While Savy advertises features like driver monitoring, vehicle health reports, and safe driving scores, its primary function is to track driving behavior.
Is it junk? Not necessarily. For specific situations, like monitoring a new teen driver or addressing unsafe driving habits within a household, a Savy OBD2 device could offer some benefits. However, for the average driver, its utility is questionable, and it’s certainly not a mandatory feature for enjoying your new vehicle.
The crucial point is this: dealers claiming that a Savy OBD2 device “cannot be removed” are being dishonest. These devices are aftermarket add-ons that plug into a port. They are not integrated into the vehicle’s core systems and are absolutely removable. The dealer’s insistence likely stems from a financial incentive. Companies like Savy often offer dealerships kickbacks or incentives for each device installed, creating a push for dealers to include them whether customers want them or not.
If you’re facing this situation, stand your ground. Tell the dealer firmly that you do not want the Savy OBD2 device and demand its removal. If they continue to resist, escalate the issue. Mention that you will contact Honda Corporate (or the manufacturer of your chosen vehicle) to report their practice of forcing unwanted add-ons, which negatively impacts customer experience. Dealers are often highly sensitive to manufacturer complaints regarding customer service.
Don’t let dealerships pressure you into paying for unnecessary add-ons like Savy OBD2. Know your rights as a consumer, and be assertive in getting the vehicle you want, without unwanted extras.
