Entune...would you buy it if you were buying a 2012?

Checked your build thread.. damn you got that thing completely customized interior wise!

I'll have to look into getting them wrapped as I keep my CB and some recovery stuff in the trays. Thanks!

 

Still diggin' the entune system my truck came with. It's been a while since I bought a new car, and the features these days are nice. Sure a cargo light and heated mirrors are important to some, but I have a shell with a light and I live in SoCal. This truck is perfect. The system works well, although I haven't really used the app for the android or iphone much, once everything was paired the first time, everything just works which is cool. I agree with others, I don't use much other than the gas and the GPS stuff.

My one gripe is that the GPS system doesn't do what all my previous garmin GPS systems did which is say, "Your destination is on the right/left" which was surprisingly helpful but the map doesn't indicate which side so I have to start looking for addresses to figure out which lane to be in.

 

1. I disagree, having the factory equipment on my '13 makes me satisfied.

2. I don't care if I could save $100, or $1000, I would rather have my sound system factory so when crap starts breaking and going wrong I know who to take it to because I'm not a tech-guy.

3. Looking at your build, I have ZERO doubt that your system sounds better. The sound deadening is awesome and I would totally want that if I wasn't afraid some local idiot would create rattles and vibrations by removing all my door panels, dash, carpeting etc to give me that same level of cabin quieting.

4: Your sound system looks great, and I'm sure the sound is equal to it's looks, but that isn't a priority for me because I like the sound I get stock. Clearly your standards are higher than mine which is cool.

5: I personally like your setup, however the usage of the storage locations, cost and time required do not appeal to me, but I respect that you have a superior sound system.

6: Nice truck!

7: I have no idea why I chose a numbering system for this post.

 

Thank you! It's a work in progress.

Thank you as well.

I always tell people "If you like it, keep it". I do have higher standards when it comes to audio. I like to hear my music the way it was intended to sound, which can't be done with the JBL or Entune systems. Hell every room in my house, has a customer home theater. Even my Hot Tub has a 5.1 surround sound system hooked up to it. I'm one of those guys I'd rather be blind the deaf that's how important sound is to me. My Dad loves his stock stereo, he's also tone deaf so that factors into it big time. It is ALWAYS about what you like to hear. I have friends that I've built stereos for who really like the sound of distortion. Why? I have no clue, but its what the like so I built them a stereo to be able to get loud and play distorted music which they love. To each their own.

I was digging the numbering system, made it super easy to read.

 

Yes, I bought it with my 2013. Having many aftermarket systems I feel the entune system sounds and functions great. Like perviously mentioned I dont' want a stereo shop pulling apart my new truck. It works perfect with my I phone 5's personal hotspot on, the phone can be in my pocket not plugged in and all the apps work.
I agree some people have a better ear for high quality sound and the JBL paper speakers are lower end but I think they sound great.

If you are into high quality sound don't get entune and install your own system.

If you want to keep your tacoma factory and are happy with the sound get it.

 

The JBL is not that bad it sounds good and they are not paper speakers!!

 

I was gung-ho on having the Entune in my truck when I was buying my 2013 (I do realize you asked about the 2012, but as I know there wasn't any major upgrades to the 2013 Entune).

But when push came to shove, the $$$ they wanted for it could not justify what the upgrade package they offered. The stock stereo system is good enough for me, I can crank the shit out of my music and it sounds great (I listen to metal and country mostly). And I'm with the others that the navigation system is not anywhere near worth it when my handheld can do the same thing with voice commands. Even without Entune, your smartphone will pair either over Bluetooth or through USB. I can't speak for the Android users, but I have an iPhone and it interfaces beautifully with my Spotify and my Apple music app (including the steering wheel controls for music and making calls). Personally I don't know who would need to use Bing or weather on their truck while they're driving, just another distraction to take away from your concentration on driving. And again, you can search anything with voice commands on even the most primitive smart phones.

Only thing I wish I had was the gas statistics, but it's a small price to pay for saving a couple thousand dollars.

 

I have a 2013 and am ok with the JBL audio system, but the navigation system sucks. The voice recognition is very poor, plus IMO the address input is backwards. It requires you to start with the street number, street name, city, state. Even if you stop and input the address manually, the map is not accurate. It gave me bad directions to a Toyota dealership located on a major street in Nashville. My wife's 07 Accura is much better.

 

I have the Entune in my '13 as well and I hate it. The JBL and sub sound great to me, but the Entune apps/entire concept is pure shit. My hope is they redesign it to just display your smart phone apps like Google Maps, etc. If not, I'll just keep using my phone.

If you're looking to spend the money to add to a vehicle, I'd go aftermarket before adding entune.

 

I love my Entune. Didn't really want or care to have it when I bought the truck, but now if I was buying another, you bet it would have Entune!

 

I just recently upgraded my 08 DC Sport to a 13 DC OR 4x4 the month I paid off the 08 (really regretted cheeping out on the 4x4 and the 13 had some interior upgrades that toyota should have included in 05 with the current gen). I decided since I was upgrading that I was going to get everything I wanted. Yes I got the JBL/Entune/Nav system. It is an expensive option but I think it is pretty good minus the nav lock outs. I used to always upgrade the audio package in my cars when I was younger and I just did not want to have to deal with it. As far as the quality it is the best stock system Ive ever heard. I am sure you can do better with aftermarket parts but I like the cleaness of stock and how it is turn key. One thing is for sure, the cab is not the very sound proof from road noise so you will need a better system then what comes stock with the non-JBL system if you do not get the upgrade. I would do the math, it cost me $30 a month on my car payment to get that system and I decided it was worth that to me to not have to upgrade the system and add a GPS.

 

Entune 1.7.4 was crap but 2.1 is nice and now it's free for life. Glad I got it:

We hope you are enjoying your Toyota and your Toyota Entune® App Suite service. Entune App Suite was designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable by providing in-vehicle access to popular mobile applications like BingTM, Pandora® and iHeartRadio.

We are pleased that so many of our valued customers are enjoying Entune App Suite. As a result, Toyota is proud to announce that Entune App Suite service is now included with your vehicle, at no additional or annual charge, compliments of Toyota.[1] Please note that expiration dates identified on some websites and printed materials have yet to be updated. Be assured, your service will not be affected.

If you have not had the chance to activate your Entune App Suite, please take this opportunity to visit myentune.com or use the convenient mobile App (available for download on iPhone® [2] or AndroidTM [3] smartphone devices) to register and take advantage of this complimentary service.

Thank you for being a loyal Toyota customer, and we hope you continue to enjoy your Toyota Entune App Suite service.

Sincerely,
Toyota Entune Customer Support

 

I think it is a great package if you don't have a lot of time to put in a better sound system or if you are like me and a college student with payments and stuff you just wanted a good sound system from the factory