Toyota Link app + head unit SUCKS!

[Robbie K]

Hi, I just bought my brand new 2017 Toyota Corolla ZR and got it from the dealership last week. 
I decided the ZR model because I was led to believe that it has the latest tech/comes with Sat nav built in and was told about having the ability to download the app to my phone to add further connectivity and better my experience. 

:( How disappointed I am. The head unit system is slow, sluggish and lags way too many times.. Reminds me of a tablet from the 2011 era. 
The pandora app, which I was really looking forward to having.. Only works say 20% of the time. Im not sure if it's buggy or just an issue on mine, but I can hop in and start the car the first time and the app takes a while to load.. like everything on it does due to lag. Then it starts up fine.. But the next time I go to start the car up, the app has logged my account out/isn't working and keeps popping up a message about the Toyota link app not working whilst the car is running. So then I have to swap to bluetooth and just use my phones pandora app that way. 
The Sat nav is OK but just barley OK.. I feel like I'm better off getting a $30 car/phone mount and using my phones apple map and Siri to ask for directions, as the voice command on Toyota link won't let you as for directions?

The Phone app is HORRIBLE!! it's old, it's ugly and so outdated.. Last update to the app was in 2015? Has Toyota just given up on that!

Why haven't they got the option to put apple car play/android auto on there..
Why am I driving a brand new 2017 model car thats using an outdated and very lacking in both apps and features head unit that I had to pay slightly more to add the supposedly better and exclusive features to my car. 
It sucks!! I love my car and the new car feeling, the dealership experience was fantastic and I've never had an issue with Toyota before.
But now I'm just disappointed and embarrassed by the low end tech in my modern day car.  

Edited May 20, 2017 by Robbie K

[trentmeyer23]

Step 1. Buy Toyota.

Step 2. Throw headunit/infotainment unit in the bin or on eBay.

Step 3. Buy something that works.

In all seriousness, Toyota have always been poor when it comes to the tech side of things, when you compare it to the rest of the market.

[campbeam]

11 hours ago, Robbie K said:

I decided the ZR model because I was led to believe that it has the latest tech/comes with Sat nav built in and was told about having the ability to download the app to my phone to add further connectivity and better my experience. 

Comparing to the base model but not other car manufacturers.

I am not a new car buyer but I have read enough car reviews to know that Toyota is lagging the rest of the field when it comes to the infotainment unit. Personally, I am more interested in how the car performs its primary transport function; safety and reliability.

Don't know why but apparently BMW also resisted the adoption of apple car play/android until 2015.

If it is that important to you, then replace the unit.

[trentmeyer23]

3 hours ago, campbeam said:

Personally, I am more interested in how the car performs its primary transport function; safety and reliability.

This is definitely my first priority.

I know it's not ideal; but, you can always replace a head unit.

[Justin70]

Same with the C-HR - ultra modern looking with a low-tech infotainment system. Mind you, Asia and Europe get much better looking head units with Toyota Touch 2 with DAB+. I read that Toyota Aus persist with these head units due to compatibility with the aforementioned crap Toyota Link app which I have no intention of using.

Not a deal breaker for me as I also read you can easily swap out the head unti for a decent Kenwood model with car play.

[Robbie K]

Slight update to come..
Just in relation to the Toyota link app, Toyota have replied to a few people on their Facebook page, who have questioned the fact that pandora is about to be rendered useless and the lack of app update/s.

Have seen Toyota's social rep respond with :

"We are aware of Pandora's® plans to leave the Australian market and unfortunately as a result, the Pandora in-vehicle functionality via Toyota Link will cease to operate from July 31st, 2017. Toyota Australia will make an update available to remove the Pandora app from vehicles that have this app installed. This update will be available through the Apple® App Store® and Google Play™ by the 31st of July. We are dedicated to providing guests with the latest technology and experiences when owning a Toyota vehicle. Our team is working to ensure an alternative music streaming service can be introduced to replace Pandora®, we will advise all guests as soon as this has been completed. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. If you'd like to talk to a member of our Guest Experience Team further about this update you can reach them on 1800 869 682 (Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5:30pm AEST). Thanks, Toyota Australia."

So a potential app/maybe in car software update to come in the next few weeks.. But at this point it only seems to be in purpose of removing the Pandora app from the link services which is again a bit disappointing as it now means the "Entertainment" part of the unit is now all but gone.

[KAA]

Thanks for the information Robert..I never did enjoy the Toyota link system anyway far too many issues..I got rid of the head unit all together and went with something far more reliable..will see what Toyota's boffins come up with as a replacement system

KAA