2013 Nav map updates - Are we screwed??

I've had the truck for over 3 years and would like to update the maps. All I am seeing is Toyota will do it for $250. This seems to me excessive. I have a Garmin I bought maybe 5 years ago and I update the maps for FREE about every 3-6 months. I'd pay $25-50 for an update but $250, nope I'll just pop the Garmin on the windshield.

So, the above tyrade over, are there alternatives? I've looked around and there are some on eBay but I'm skeptical. Anyone have any luck with one of these alternatives update options?

 

I was told that in '13, at least on my '13 Camry hybrid with the HDD JBL radio, you cannot use a CD like you see on EBay. it must be done by a dealer. So to answer your question, I think you're screwed and I'm in the same boat.

 

That's what I've been lead to believe from the research I've done. I think I'll just use my 5 year old Garmin with FREE map updates when I travel. I didn't want the Entune GPS crap but got a killer deal on the truck. I figured the factory updates would be a PITA and expensive.

 

This is how all oem gps updates are. Either you have to buy a specific very expensive cd or an update. No matter what vehicle make it is.

 

Navigation is the only option i regret getting. $650 and I always use my phone with the mobtown mount. It updates free of charge and Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze etc. all work better anyway.

 

$250 for a MAPS UPDATE??? WTH

 

Lunacy

 

I can buy one of these for $220 and have lifetime maps and traffic: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-2597L...TF8&qid=1475530635&sr=8-3&keywords=garmin+GPS

 

I have that Garmin in my Tacoma and it is a wonderful system. Lifetime free maps and traffic what more could you ask for. Toyota could learn from Volvo though. My wife's XC60 has free maps while under warranty downloaded to a flash drive on my computer. Volvo's the only company that I know of that gives free updates if properly Sensus equipped.

 

wait. Why am I complaining?

I just noticed i dont have maps.

 

I never bought OEM nav cause support and reliability sucks. I've always used a Garmin and my newest one has free map updates, HOWEVER, even with the newest updates I find Google maps on my iPhone is much more superior lately. I use both at the same time for the past few big trips and the Garmin is lagging behind as far as reliability and intermittent bullshit it tells me.

Not just that but the traffic sucks total ass. Road up on what would have been 3 hrs worth of a traffic jam due to a rollover on a 2 lane, and only google maps was the one that told me about it and got my ass on around there on an alternative route that cut that 3 hour delay to 15-20 min. The Garmin notifies me of traffic after I've been sitting in it for 5 minutes, no shit Garmin.

 

When I travel in unfamiliar areas I usually have the GPS in the truck going, and use Waze on my phone. When I have a rental car or drive my other car (or the wife's car), I use the old Garmin and Waze. Waze is amazing for finding alternate routes around a traffic backup. Waze has saved me MANY times when on the road in unfamiliar places.