Third party GPS

[Gordon Thomson]

Does anyone know if it is possible to plug a third party GPS into the car. I am having trouble trying to update the Toyota maps and I wondered if this could be an alternative.

[ernieb]

Assuming you can for that year of car, just plug your phone in and use the appropriate navigation app depending on whether it’s a Android or iOS. I use Android Auto/Waze brilliant and it charges the phone. 

[Hayzee]

Agree with Ernie. I use Android Auto with Google maps and much prefer it's routing choices and real time traffic flow info.

[nlee]

If your profile has the correct car, I guess 2018 model doesn't have Android Auto or CarPlay. If that's the case, there are probably 3 options.

Cheapest - buy a decent cradle and use your smartphone. Although it sounds like a makeshift option, it'll be a big upgrade. I did this with a 2017 Discovery Sport and it was fine.

Buy an upgrade kit which includes the replacement facia panel and all the connection convertors. You can then buy any double DIN format head unit of your choice. Most will still accommodate the fitted rear camera, steering wheel controls etc. It's possible to do this DIY, or you could get an auto electrician could do it. I did this on a LR Freelander with a Pioneer head unit.

Buy a model specific aftermarket replacement. There are quite a few available and include all the latest features including built in Maps and Android Auto,.etc. Again can be DIY or auto electrician but these are probably a little more expensive than the previous option (circa.£400).

[philip42h]

Option 4: buy a TomTom (other makes are available) and a fitting kit ...

[nlee]

13 minutes ago, philip42h said:

Option 4: buy a TomTom (other makes are available) and a fitting kit ...

Forgot the obvious one!!!

I'm surprised there's much of a market for them these days. Sales must have really dropped since the peak days.

[ernieb]

Something like this Tom Tom all signing and dancing, lots of features, lifetime maps.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/TomTom-Handsfree-Lifetime-Smartphone-Capacitive/dp/B01L8PLHV6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3NJFEQ2SL1Y76&keywords=tom+tom+sat-nav&qid=1658910521&sprefix=Tom+tom%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-4

[Roy124]

My Garmin, quite old now, would be my preferred option if I could mount it neatly (my Corolla doesn't offer a suitable ascetic location).  It has a far superior voice control and used to be my primary speed reference for my cruise control. 

I had mine wired in under the dash and up the A pillar. 

[Cyker]

6 hours ago, nlee said:

Forgot the obvious one!!!

I'm surprised there's much of a market for them these days. Sales must have really dropped since the peak days.

You'd think so but they still seem to be surprisingly popular; I know a lot of professional drivers, e.g. truckers, much prefer things like Tomtoms, as they make versions that specifically cater for trucks and have a lot more road info than e.g. Waze and googlemaps do wrt max widths, weight, height restrictions etc.