Toyota SatNav map update

[Old Techo]

My Prado is a 2007 model and the original SatNav map is well out of date.

For a decade I have strongly resisted buying a new map DVD as Toyota wanted $399 in the early days. Now it is $300+

I wrote to Toyota and complained that their map cost was pure extortion for something that could be made for 50 cents. I think they said (ages ago) that their maps are managed by a 3rd party provider. When I checked with such a provider they claimed that Toyota set the price.

The maps used to be provided by 'Whereis' but I think they were taken over by TomTom. Anyhow, for the last few years TomTom has been it.

For Toyota maps in Oz/NZ one seems to be pointed to Navshop who are in fact owned by TomTom. So I dealt with Navshop.

I complained about the price and asked questions about warranty if the map was out of date as I had seen in many user complaints.

TomTom's website claims they update maps around the world 4 times a year. Their site shows the latest Oz/NZ map as Oz V24 and NZ13.

So I bit the bullet and ordered said map. The DVD arrived labelled TomTom in small font and DENSO in large font and made in Japan. The plastic package had writing here and there and in one place said DENSO 2017.

I put the DVD in my poota and checked all of the many files within. None were any more recent that mid-2017. I put the DVD in the Prado and it worked nicely. I then put in my son's address, that is a street number in a significant street in the very popular seaside Torquay, near Geelong, Melbourne.    He was not found.  He built the house there 5 years ago.  About half of the length of his very busy street is not shown, just a large empty area.

Suffice to say I am mighty pissed and I have launched a grenade at both Navshop and TomTom accusing them of fraud.  I demanded my $300 be refunded but offered them $50 if I could keep their ancient map.

What makes TomTom look so ridiculous, and I told them, is Google maps are constantly updated and totally free.

[stoney]

I found the same issues with Nissan and Isuzu maps. I purchased a phone holder for $20.00 of fleebay and use google maps on the phone.
I year before I retired I got a new Hyundai work van. It had apple play. Just plug my phone into the USB and all the features on the phone come up on the in car screen. This is the best I have seen so far.

[legendts]

Have you seen these OT

www.navigationau.com/toyota-lexus-navigation-disks.html

[Old Techo]

Thanks Jeff,

Despite all of my searching for weeks, including risky bootleg stuff, I never came across those.

More ammo for me... thanks

[jr]

I purchased a SD card for my Landcruiser about a year ago and the Toyota parts shop could not tell me what version it was and what date of manufacture.
My vehicle is a 2017 model and the update I purchased was one version greater than mine.
My mate has just purchased a new Nissan Patrol and also his GPS is way out of date. Roads that have been there for years still not in the GPS.
My SD card $400.00 and the newer Landcruisers need to be loaded into internal memory $200.00 but Mr Toyota say they must load it and my Toyota dealer has only one person that can do it.
My GPS does not indicate speed limits which is annoying, I believe Toyota removes this feature to cover them selves if the data was wrong.
My granddaughters new Prado actually reports speed limits by reading the signs on the side of the road which sounds good but also reads speed limit signs on the back of buses.
Yes GPS updates are a real issue and the price is a joke.

JR

[loub]

Listen you fellows don't waste your hard earned or retirement funds.I showed my mate with his Toyota Landcruiser Sahara worth plenty and who recieved a crap update as well so I said why not put Waze app on your phone and with a phone holder you have the best navigation system going.Updates itself everyday,you can set it to tell you where the police are and also report a mobil police radar trap.It has all types of info,fuel prices ,food stops restaurants ect.Costs nothing,can talk to you when navigation is going,easy to use and you can ask it to find the quickest way.Its a no brainer.Give it a go,it even asks for your vehicle type ,fuel required ect.Winner.

[jclures]

I have used the iGO maps, for years on my systems.
I only received an email the other day to see if I wanted the new update, or a. iGO Primo NextGen Advanced version with skin for Android + 22Q4 AU/NZ maps download. I went the latter, and it cost me $26.97. I received the new system within ½ an hour and I have just installed it on my phone to test it.
I have a tablet in the Nissan which I will install it properly later on.

[nsgnomad]

May 13, 2023 18:05:54 GMT 10 legendts said:

Have you seen these OT

www.navigationau.com/toyota-lexus-navigation-disks.html

I had a look at the site and found the following disclaimer at the foot of the page..


1. Inclusion of features may vary by in-car and portable satellite navigation manufacturer, depending on their data specification.

2. Every effort is made to (a) ensure our maps reflect the changes in the road network and (b) to address map errors in the regular map update program. However, at any point in time Navigation Australia cannot guarantee that (a) our digital maps are a 100% reflection of the Australian road network, or (b) that we will be able to address map error requests within consecutive map update releases.

[ancientmariner]

Hi Peter

Waze is the way to go, has all that's required and more.

[jr]

Do the phone map apps need a phone signal to work?
I at times use WikiCamps as I have down loaded all the maps into my phone but thought Google maps and the like need a cell signal to display the map.
The Navigationaus maps say they are the vehicle manufacture supplied map so should be the same with all there fault’s.

JR

[Old Techo]

Roger,

They seem to be quite reasonable disclaimers.

JR,

Sort of, but I'm not 100% certain. Google Maps do have an offline map capability but I think i is limited in area size.

By that I mean, when you have a phone signal you can download a map of the area you are in, or some other partial map area, and use that when offline i.e. no phone signal.

That would not be anywhere as useful as WikiCamps that covers all of Oz offline.

Any device fitted with a GPS chip, and they are as cheap as chips now, will know where it is in the world but it needs a background map to be of much use.

[Old Techo]

I got a reply this morning and the other link they refer to was this... www.navigationau.com/toyota-lexus-navigation-disks.html

I have just replied to them...


We’re sorry for any possible inconvenience caused. We’d like to inform you that our only official site for ordering updates is this: navshop.com.au/ The other link that you’ve shared in the previous reply below is in no way affiliated with us.

Regarding the map updates for Lexus, I'm afraid that the current version available is only version 24.

We don't have any further updates available at the moment, but we'll be sure to let you know if and when any become available.

In case you’re planning to return the order, then do let us know here, so that we can guide you further with the process.

Regards,
TomTom Customer Support


Thank you Navshop and on May 12th I stated… Either provide a more current map or refund my money please.

As you have now confirmed you have no map later than 6 years old then please proceed with the refund.

I must state though that it is a shameful admission that your latest map is 6 years old. In my view that is ‘not fit for purpose’ It is also inconsistent with your emphasised currency claims on your own website, thus and I’ve shown it in red font…

Changes in the map happen every day, in locations around the world – examples may include updating speed limits, adding a new business listing, updating the name of a street, adding new geometry for a street, etc. Ensuring that the map keeps up with these ongoing changes is an incredible challenge. In addition to our highly innovative technology we use community input to find the newest changes.

Each month we receive more than 200,000 consumer reports. This combination enables us to create our highly accurate maps and provide you with the best and most current update possible.

Luckily for you we know Australia like the back of our hand. From the ever changing points of interest to the ever evolving road network, TomTom is your source of local knowledge.

Crucially, it's not just our top notch map data that makes us a leading Australian and New Zealand brand, it's our people too. From our GIS Technicians, Product Engineers and Research Specialists to Data Analysts and GIS Cartographers, every one of our team are experts in the mapping field. Our mapping van travels the road of the back country to ensure the freshest data in your map.

Also... on the primary Tomtom website further currency claims are made. Four new map releases per year. That combined gave me complete assurance that your latest map 1105 is even later than November 2022

We deliver fresh map data sets and Maps APIs that mirror the real world. – working together with you to bring the best, freshest map data and tech to people all over the world.

TomTom publishes four new map releases per year.

TomTom's latest map version is 1105 . If your map version is not the latest map version available, check the overview of map release dates below to find out the age of your map.

Version on device Month of release
For Year 2022
1100 November
1095 August
1090 May
1085 February

The other issues I have with your Tomtom Australian agency website is no physical address, no phone contact, leaving email as the only means and you have demonstrated tardiness in that regard. Postage suggests you are in Oakleigh, Victoria. I searched and found customer reviews of your business and it is mostly complaints about old maps and contact difficulty.

All of this paints a dark picture of TomTom when $300 is charged for a 6 year old map.

For less than that I could buy a NavMan type device with free updates or just use my mobile phone for free.

In summary - I have left you with detailed evidence of product misrepresentation that I doubt you could justify or challenge.

Please proceed with the full refund process re Order #### or partial refund if you choose to accept my $50 offer.

Kind regards,

[dieseltojo]

Yep the whole sat nav thing is run for profit not service.

I am talking service by our own various gov agencies, that should provide updates to the Gps guys (centre) that do updates. I had their address once but lost it.

I mean I have driven for years on roads with 60 or 80 klm on the Gps due to road repairs etc. That work was finished 4 years ago and the signs are 100 kph. If you are distracted you might drive along

5 kays due to missing the 100 kph sign. Getting overtaken is your only clue.

The road works people or the Gov have simply neglected to inform the GPS authorities to alter road work limits..... So even though I update the life long map edits, I still get the same old crap as to speed limits.

I do read of folks that were booked according to driving at their GPS info. The poor bastards have no idea to keep checking the road signs.

The posted signs often do not state the info on the GPS. Do not blindly trust the Gps .

[GerryP]

I had a Tom Tom some years back with a lifetime supply of free map updates. What they didn't tell me is that a "lifetime" is 5 years!
I use Google on Android Auto now. I can even talk to it give directions or to find fuel or the nearest food place.

[jr]

So Tom Tom produce the maps for Toyota vehicles.

Tom Tom update there maps four times a year for their after market GPS devices but only nock out an update for Toyota every four or five years.

Is that the way it is?


JR