Temporary car tracker ideas

[Networkgeek]

Hi all

So, I have a weird question but hear me out.

My pride and joy is going back for some warranty work tomorrow (BMW M2). The car is immaculate and I'd very much like to keep it this way, but I understand that some garages have tight compounds, which is why I've chosen a particular garage that is absolutely massive. But mistakes can still happen.

Anyway, without wanting to sound like an absolute weirdo, although I'm afraid I will do

My car doesn't have an aftermarket tracker fitted, only the built-in one, that is easily switched off. I have a few spare phones from over the years, could I use one of these as a rudimentary tracking device?

The issue I have with my car means it needs to be road tested, now I don't trust the mechanics one bit, especially in a fast car. And, I keep reading on forums of mechanics going on joy-rides, taking customer cars home etc.

So, I'm just hoping that someone else knows of an app that will track speed and GPS location. Most of the ones I've seen have bad reviews.

Thanks
NG

Edited by Networkgeek on Monday 16th October 09:10

[Alex_225]

You could probably get an Apple Airtag or something similar but if the car needs to be road tested then I'm not sure it'll tell you what you might want. It will tell you the location but you're probably hoping it'll tell you how fast it's driven etc.

Personally, I wouldn't worry. If they take it for a slightly ambitious test drive, the car will mechanically survive no problem. If they damage the car, then as long as you have a record of it's condition now, they'll be liable for anything that needs repairing.

Sadly allowing other people to test drive our cars after a repair or MOT is done is an inevitability.

[mcflurry]

If you have an Android phone you could leave it in the car with the Google maps activated.
It will show you where the car went.

That said, if the mechanic presses the accelerator, then they press it..

[andy43]

No idea on an app but Amazon Prime or Halfords in person might get you set up with something in time.
Or get on mumsnet for the local “my husband must be having an affair” thread - one of those crazies is bound to have a spare magnetic tracker to stick under the car…

[TommoAE86]

Alex_225 said:

Personally, I wouldn't worry. If they take it for a slightly ambitious test drive, the car will mechanically survive no problem. If they damage the car, then as long as you have a record of it's condition now, they'll be liable for anything that needs repairing.

This, the Toyota garage took my car for a 3km "test drive" after doing some work that required no driving, I then had abit of a cryptic "oh we know someone who might have driven it" on the owners club. Basically they took it for a 3km rag because it's fast and interesting.

Car is totally fine is the important thing, it can handle some loser driving it in an uncaring fashion for a short time. The only thing I feel is the indignation of someone thinking it's ok to do that with my pride & joy, but basically I just bad mouth that dealership whenever something like that comes up

[SkodaIan]

If you're really that concerned, why not ask the dealership whether you can accompany the staff on any test drive which is needed, or even drive it yourself with them in the passenger seat. It is after all your car not theirs.

Most dealerships have a waiting area where you can hang around and drink bad coffee and read three months old car magazines while the work is being done.

Even if they quote "elf and safety" or "insurance" as reasons for not letting you in the car on the test drive, just having you in the waiting area should focus their minds on not abusing your car.

[nw942]

I've used this is the past: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TruTrak-FMT100-GPS-Tracke...

Easy to install. Only issue I had with it was that the screws became lose due to vibration after a while so I'd glue or tape them.

[Golden Guinea Charlie]

We use life 360.
Shows the exact route taken and when, also top speed. Works well as long as the phone has a data connection
https://www.life360.com/uk/

Edited by Golden Guinea Charlie on Monday 16th October 14:23

[mikeyr]

Does the warranty work require a test drive? I can get your concern (only because I lived near a garage once and saw them ragging an RS6 around the car park one evening although, in their defence, might have been owned by said garage but does make you wonder!

If there is no need to test drive, e.g. fixing a window, then just noting mileage should suffice? As others have said, an air tag or phone might be good but that only work if they joyride it some distance, donuts in the car park won't show much.

If worried about it either leave phone (although might not be practical, or can you get a 'tracker fitted' sticker for the dash just to act as a deterrent.

[mikeyr]

PS does the BMW app show location? not sure if that is only real time or keeps history of travels?

I would HOPE that at a licenced dealer garage that they'd not be taking the piss with test drives but who knows...

[Networkgeek]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

The car is with the dealer now, and I hope it's in safe hands.

I felt like such a car nerd though when handing the car over. The girl was in her early 20s and chuckled when I mentioned how the tyre pressure system on my M2, isn't as accurate as my analogue tyre gauges. I felt so uncool .

Anyway, I downloaded Life360 and put a spare phone in the car. But, I forgot to install a SIM card... So that was a waste of time .

The BMW tracker app doesn't appear to do live updates as the car is driving, I think it's more for finding your car in a carpark.