Almost 3 Years In...

Well, I’m almost 3 years in to ownership (November will be 3 years) and thought I’d give an update. My original posting can be found at https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...trd-sport-modification-recommendation.412275/, and I ended up getting the bed extender, the OEM mat and the pop lock system for the tailgate but haven’t done anything else.

Overall, I’m happy with my purchase, my truck meets my needs and gets decent enough mileage. I’m about 400 miles short of 36k where I’ll officially be out of warranty...a little nervous about that but I bought a Toyota for a reason. Will happen by the end of the week as I’m on vacation. Also, I’ll have to replace my original tires later this year...I’ll be looking for a great replacement tire that’s the same size. I’m open to suggestions but I’m looking for good mileage, good traction in all weather and low sound. Basically, everything...

For my complaints, I’m still frustrated with lack of a power rear window, especially since it was added to the 2017 model. And I wish the side view mirrors folded in automatically, but I can live with that. My real complaint is with the radio and Entune. I have a JBL system and I cannot for the life of me figure out why auto technology is years behind the curve. I think most folks would agree that Entune isn’t a great product, I’m done with it. At one point, I had to remove the option of a quick call from the screen because the radio wouldn’t read text messages when that option was on the screen...I don’t know how that makes sense but it was the solution posted online and worked. And I don’t understand why CarPlay and the Google version isn’t just built in...or you’re able to upgrade it with the factory system. Furthermore, I have the crazy reboot issue where my radio reboots at different times when trying to use Siri which really pisses me off. From my research, this isn’t an Apple only issue, might be more frequent with Apple but it does happen with Google. So far I have tried:

• Late last year, I forced a Toyota warranty appointment to update the radio. At this point, I don’t remember if it was the software or hardware update (not a radio replacement) but it didn’t work. And I’ve subsequently completed a software update myself, this appointment took over an hour so I don’t think it was just software. Didn’t work regardless.Appointment to update radio.
• In my research, I found a suggestion to remove my cell phone number from my contacts, but that didn’t work.
• Updated software from release as of 9/8/2017 with Entune™ Premium Audio (010192) but that didn’t work.
• Deleted Entune from my phone, but that didn’t work.
• As of a few weeks ago, I stopped the syncing of my contacts completed and since that time, I have not had a reboot yet...

Given all of that, I’m looking to replace the radio but I don’t know that the radio I want it out yet. I like the Alpine that finally allows wireless CarPlay but I don’t like that you lose BlueTooth and Satellite. I plan on waiting to see what Kenwood is going to release so I’ll make due for the time being but that’s what I’m looking to do.

Anyway, sorry for the long post but thanks for reading...I am open to any thoughts you might have. Thanks!

 

Pioneer 4400nex

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/NEX/AVH-W4400NEX

 

My 2016 will be 3 years old in December. I had the trip meter replaced because of random resetting and the leaky rear-end TSB done. I don't mind the sliding rear window because I can actually reach back and open and close it while driving (when no traffic is around to be safe / have an access cab). So almost 3 years in, I am very happy with my Tacoma.

I will also be looking at new tires. I drive mainly all highway so am leaning toward the Michelin Defender. Here is what other TW members think of the Michelin.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s.507794/

 

I'll be replacing my Firestones with toyo open country H/Ts in the next 5k miles. All my tire purchases since I was 21 have been toyo and I've never been disappointed. I've never tried the H/Ts before but this is also the first 4wd I've kept stock. I expect pretty good performance for the price

 

Thanks for the tire suggestions, I’ll take a look at the suggestions. I’ve got some time but would like to get started.

2016Tacoman, the head unit looks like it meets my needs. Is that what you have? Any problems installing? And would you have any pictures? Thanks!

 

2016Tacoman, one other question...did you have to replace the microphone or could you use the existing one? I’d prefer to not replace mine or want to keep it in the same location.

 

My guess... control and money. Toyota doesn't want to pay for Apple or Google's product nor cede control of functionality to 3rd parties. Although I think some toyota cars are starting to get carplay and/or android auto in the next few years. I've even read a little bit about Tesla-envy... companies want to point to their own products and say "ain't that great!" Problem is that I don't think they've been able to compete with the Apple or Google for tech, which makes sense (car company vs. tech company to design tech? I'll go with the tech companies).

Which is all a bummer, because I rented a car with Android Auto (I'm an android guy), and it really was great. It just worked, and it worked really well.

 

I was ready to pull the trigger on the alpine ilx107 and then I found out that it can’t use the factory mic and you need to mount a GPS receiver. If I could use the factory mic, I’d have bought it but I’m not going to mount a new one.

 

I’m with ya on the power mirrors, had it on my ‘15 Silverado before trading in for the Taco and it was real nice!

What grinds my gears the most is not having “auto up/down” on the rear windows and not having power seats as an option.

 

Thanks for posting.

Glad you’re enjoying it. In stock trim they are very functional. My 2018 is my fourth Tacoma. So far so good. Keep us posted!

 

I’m still holding out for Toyota to release an upgraded head unit with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Hopefully in 2020. Especially since all of Toyota’s 2019 grocery-getters have it. Once that’s released I’m going to switch over. It won’t help with sound quality, but it will presumably make other functionality better.

 

I ran the mic wire up the pillar and it sticks out the side lip of overhead console. Not really an issue and works great. Calls sound like you are in a quiet room.
I have the nex4200 and have waze, android auto, carplay, movies, engine data, tpms etc
Nex4400 is latest.
Interfaces with wheel control and is programmable.
I've got kicker speakers on it and a sub under driver seat. It rocks.

 

love my pioneer. if you buy it from Crutchfield.com they will send you all the wireing harness', dashkits and instructions.

 

Pretty straight forward. After you make the harness on the bench you can out it in the truck in 10 minutes. All plug interface.
I have nex4200.
Get the latest 4400 with app control.

 

If you replace the factory head unit how do you go about changing vehicle settings?

 

i feel ya at three years in. i'm at 185k...

 

Glad to hear you are enjoying your truck, and racking those miles up. Also glad to see you are going to change your tires after good use. I find it tempting to change them out for better looks and performance, yet its a reminder to best wait and get tires when it's actually time to replace them. Good luck with your next set.

 

As OCD I am after reading here for years, only issue in over two years I have had is a battery.
I look at everything close that comes up here.
I don't worry about the LCA howl from the holes if you consider that a problem, that doesn't bother me.
Yes I'm waiting for the blower fan to break, but honestly it's like new still.
I don't even need the new TSB wonderflash IMO, but I might get it anyway.

 

I need to do more research on it but my understanding is that you'd use iDataLink Maestro to handle those features. It would be an additional purchase but I believe you can use it rather than the installation kit when you order it. Not a wash but at least isn't as expensive.

 

Wow, that's a few miles...