Map Update - Worth It?

I just got an email from my dealer about a map update for my Tacoma. Any opinions on how important this is? How much should I expect to pay (or is it free)? This is my first Toyota so I'm new to the Entune map updates.

 

i believe its around $150-200....and it all depends on how much you use navigation and need the updated streets and information

 

Never updated my work car which is a 2009. Waste of money IMO If the GPS cant find it my phone can.....and it plays the directions over the head unit.

 

Thanks for the replies. Wow, $150 - $200 is pricey. I think I paid something in that range for lifetime map updates for a Garmin GPS a few years ago. I'll probably hold off for now and maybe update later if/when I notice I'm having any problems. This makes me wish even more we had Android Auto in the factory head units.

 

I would love to update my maps too, is there not a cheaper option, or something sharable?

 

No

 

This should really be a free download, and shouldn't cost nearly as much as it does.

 

Google maps is free. Use that

 

OEM maps are not worth it especially at the price they are. If it was $15 i would do it but when waze and google are free to use (except data) I dont see why i should.

 

I got my map update from here https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-2017-2018-Toyota-Update-2015-16-17-Navigation-Micro-SD-Card-86271-0E185/222715618063?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=1&asc=49564&meid=799d62d9b3d04b9dbbc1c1570c38b6c9&pid=100011&rk=2&rkt=11&sd=222384273465&_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850

Works great and radio recognized it right away. It is ver 185 which is the newest one

 

Where does that SD go? I assume it stays plugged in? couldn't you copy it?

 

Google and Waze are FAR superior to the OEM Nav also. The couple times I've used the nav (since no cell service) it took me on a much longer route than Google would have.

 

The map data is behind too. For example the 2017 maps are actually 2015/2016 data mappings. Just bought my truck in October and it's not showing the correct streets that were completed in 2016. This goes for just about all mapping data not just Toyota. My Vette and Benz are 2015 data mappings but says 2016. I good thing about there set up is you can buy cloned copies and it works great. My Lexus I've given up on the maps as it has to be dealer installed. After I inquired about it a year after I bought it. That was enough to just say No!! You have to buy the dongle which has the key/software on it and they upload it into the infotainment center via the Toyota connected computer. Benz is now offering multi years of free updates. I've never taken my Benz back to the dealer except for warranty work. My wife's Jeep uses Carplay which is very slow being implemented for some reason...Money?? But works great! This is the best route to take or use Waze which runs over the infotainment and out the speakers. Done

 

My address can't even be found in the entune navigation.

 

Depending on how old your house is, a little birdie told me if you show the dealer, you can get a free map update

 

It's 3 years old. Maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

 

Is it free while under warranty?

 

Negative. It was attempted a few months ago by a few people(there's a thread somewhere). The end result was the nav system would not read the copied card.

And the card is inserted into the nav system, bottom right hand corner there is a little cover you pop off.

 

I know this is unrelated, but still curious... Could I play music throught that card slot? Say I had downloaded music and loaded said music onto a card

 

No clue, haven't heard anyone trying that but kind of doubt it.

But why not use the supplied USB port, that's what it's there for