Updated navigator maps for cheap, super happy

[Vito Botta]

The navigator on the Auris I bought the other day was way out of date so I was looking to update maps, and it seemed expensive with Toyota. So I gambled a bit and tried a service I found and paid $75 for the map update for 2023. It actually worked! So it was not a scam. And it wasn't difficult either. I had to send them a screenshot with some system information code and another one with a request code after initiating the update, then they sent me an activation code or whatever it's called. At first it didn't work because of a problem with the USB drive I was using, but it worked with another one and now the navigator is aware of even my area which is very new so it's pretty cool.

A couple of questions: how do you usually update the maps on your embedded navigator? Also, am I dumb or is it not possible to search the destination by name? With Apple Maps for example I can search for a shopping centre and it will take me there. With the car's navigator instead it seems that I need to always enter the full address. Am I missing something? It's a Toyota Auris 2013. Thanks!

[AisinW]

None of the maps on eBay are scams.  They are all genuine maps and updates.  The map is actually downloaded directly from Toyota Europe.  The code is generated by the seller, who knows where to get them cheaper. 

I updated mine in 2019, but now it is not up to date anymore, and many roads have changed in big cities.  So, I think updating the Toyota map is too expensive, even if it is only £30.  I have map an it is enough for Highway directions. 

[Vito Botta]

I bought it from ToyotaMaps.online instead of eBay, I guess it's the same thing?

[chrisramsden]

Thanks for mentioning eBay - I hadn't thought of trying there. I now have updated maps, and a whole new Touch & Go UI for £33. Very happy. 

I'd assumed these maps were no longer being updated and maintained, as my search for them through official Toyota channels indicated there were no updates available. 

[Roy124]

On 11/17/2023 at 9:21 AM, AisinW said:

I updated mine in 2019, but now it is not up to date anymore, and many roads have changed in big cities.  So, I think updating the Toyota map is too expensive, even if it is only £30.  I have map an it is enough for Highway directions. 

It's a simple cost/benefit equation.   If you don't venture into the unknown you can manage with old mapping.

If you ever need to go to an unfamiliar it, say Nottingham or London, a paper map is impossible unless you have a navigator with you.

[chrisramsden]

On 11/16/2023 at 11:01 PM, Vito Botta said:

Also, am I dumb or is it not possible to search the destination by name? With Apple Maps for example I can search for a shopping centre and it will take me there. With the car's navigator instead it seems that I need to always enter the full address. Am I missing something? It's a Toyota Auris 2013. Thanks!

Agreed. I want to just scroll to where I want to go and tap it (as I do on my Tomtom). Search by full address is indeed very clumsy - and many destinations don't fit into the expected town/street/number format. The POI listings seem to be dominated by large chains, so you're left thinking they have paid for this as a form of cheap and unwanted advertising. 

[Vito Botta]

Oh... 30 bucks? I should have checked on eBay then and save 45 bucks 😞

[AisinW]

Yes, always check eBay.co.uk first. The problem with Toyota map in France and Germany, they are not really up to date because of how fast the cities traffic change. So, I chose using my cellphone in downtown and use the Touch and Go for national parks or Alps trips only, or just to get to the city 

https://www.ebay.de/itm/394851449825?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=707-127634-2357-0&ssspo=ni7pHWtQTi2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=5QRHI8XfS6O&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[koji]

Great to know that the update maps on eBay are reliable, I plan to buy one from a British seller for £42 (I have the Touch and go version 1).

Regarding the way of searching a place, I rely on the POI (point of interest) or just tap the location on the map. This could be difficult if you search for a hotel in an unknown town...in that case the only solution is to fill in the town/street gaps, which is annoying...

[koji]

I've just updated the maps of the Touch&go v.1

Everything went well, very detailed instructions.

I've purchased it in the aforementioned eBay seller (fahad...), very affordable. The process took half an hour, but it may be longer on other cases.

I went for a quiet ride, and everything was done!