In dash navigation systems?

[DisgruntledVirus]

If you read my other thread, I am looking into a new car. One of the things I looked at was the navigation packages, but was a "would be nice" feature. Then I test drove the Lancer with it and fell in love with the system.

The only issue is that it adds $2k to the sticker, and I know that I could get an aftermarket one for under $1k. Is it really worth it to spend the extra money for the factory, or go aftermarket and save some money?

 

[jagec]

Nay.

A standalone unit costs a tenth of the price, can be used in any car you wish (your own, someone elses, the replacement for your current one), can be taken inside with you to avoid theft (yes, I know it's not as easy to steal an in-dash unit as, say, an aftermarket deck, but it will increase the chances of your car getting stolen or broken into), can be upgraded more readily (or traded for a completely different unit/brand if you want), allows you to keep up with technology as it progresses, and can be taken hiking/climbing/boating/wherever else you want a GPS.

 

[aphex]

big NAY!

Problem with the built in, if they switch providers next year, your SOL getting new maps.

I bought my 2005 Mazda3 and they have YET to release a freaking map update. My entire development and much around me ceases to exist, its all just blank. I should have waited and got a nice Garmin. It looks nice to have it built in, but portable is 1000x more practical and economical.

 

[rh71]

I'd say the only positive for in-dash is seemless integration. I wanted it bad enough.

 

[ponyo]

Nay. It's a nice feature but not $2k nice feature.

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Nay. It's a nice feature but not $2k nice feature.

I'd say spend $3-400 and get a decent portible one that you can move from car to car. The Garmin NUVI 350 is a nice one. Son hase one and I really like it. so much so I'm thinking of getting one for myself.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I am looking at new cars right now, and I agree that the value is much, much greater to get one aftermarket. They literally are one tenth of the price. But there are advantages to in-dash navigation that hasn't been mentioned. Some people really don't want cords hanging down or suction-mounted devices on the windshield of their car. Integration was mentioned, but it goes a step further. In many new cars, only buying the navigation package gives you some other nice options (like full ipod integration). And remember the price of the navigation package is paid over the financing of the car, allowing many people to get something nicer than they normally would have.

As I said in the first sentence, there is no question that windshield/dash mounted GPS is better for your money. Both my cars have them. But there are some good reasons a person might consider in-dash.

 

[Thump553]

Another nay vote. Yes, you are correct you could get a "nice aftermarket" one for under a $1000. In fact I don't know if you could spend as much as a grand on one. Currently they range from near $100 to maybe $900 and that $900 system is going to be a lot better than the $2-3k system that comes from the dealer. GPS systems are changing rapidly and the software needs to be updated periodically. I suspect that next years systems will have far more features, easier to use, etc. than todays-and probably at a far lower cost.

Manufacturers are treating GPS systems now like they did fancy in-car audio systems a decade ago-they are charging at least triple what the system is worth.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: rh71
I'd say the only positive for in-dash is seemless integration. I wanted it bad enough.

To add more benefits with the integration - it gives traffic information and routes you accordingly. I've seen a lot of portable ones not even provide traffic or it's only free for a certain amount of time. Annual subscription (which I would probably not do) could add up.

One other option I had was the integration with HUD projected onto the windshield. That is the way to go for real navigation. You'd never get that on a portable. Just some more to consider...

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: rh71
I'd say the only positive for in-dash is seemless integration. I wanted it bad enough.

Oh forgot to add one other thing with the integration - it gives traffic information and routes you accordingly. I've seen a lot of portable ones not even provide traffic or it's only free for a certain amount of time. Annual subscription (which I would probably not do) could add up.

One other option I had was the integration with HUD projected onto the windshield. That is the way to go for real navigation. You'd never get that on a portable. Just some more to consider...

My sons garmin will do this for a fee, but i forget how much per month.

 

[BarneyFife]

I like in dash better in terms of that I don't have to have wires dangling and sometimes the gps would fall off the dash while I was driving.

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I like in dash better in terms of that I don't have to have wires dangling and sometimes the gps would fall off the dash while I was driving.

you can get after market in dash nav systems that are about 1/2 the price of a oem.. I still prefer a portable one that can be moved from car to car.

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: dawp

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I like in dash better in terms of that I don't have to have wires dangling and sometimes the gps would fall off the dash while I was driving.

you can get after market in dash nav systems that are about 1/2 the price of a oem.. I still prefer a portable one that can be moved from car to car.

Yeaps. I got the Kenwood DNX7100 that has an integrated Garmin GPS with TTS for $914.

 

[BarneyFife]

Originally posted by: dawp

Originally posted by: BarneyFife
I like in dash better in terms of that I don't have to have wires dangling and sometimes the gps would fall off the dash while I was driving.

you can get after market in dash nav systems that are about 1/2 the price of a oem.. I still prefer a portable one that can be moved from car to car.

True but I'm one of those people who loves oem.

 

[ProfJohn]

For $2k you can get a Laptop with map software and a portable GPS system.

The only real reason to buy the fancy one is if you travel a lot or as a realestate agent where you need to be able to find addresses on the go etc.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

The other reason I am looking to get one is because of what Rio Rebel mentioned. With it you get some other nice features, and the integration is slick (the Mazdaspeed3 version is by far the sexiest, since you can close it down back into the dash). It would be really cool if car manufacturers let you not get the factory unit, and left the space open for an after market one. Now that would be hot.

 

[TheCanuck]

Looks cool -- 30GB hard drive to rip all your mp3s to, 7" screen etc. But you can get most of that with a cheap $150 - $200 gps system and an Ipod (plus be able to use them anywhere). And in 2 - 3 years your $2000 system is obsolete. Plus what happens when you want to sell the car? Even though you paid $2000 for the GPS, the guy who buys it from you will figure it's worth maybe an extra couple of hundred on stop of a stock car.

I'd be a little paranoid about having a $2000 GPS/MP3 system in my car -- it just screams "steal me!!!".

 

[BarneyFife]

Originally posted by: TheCanuck
Looks cool -- 30GB hard drive to rip all your mp3s to, 7" screen etc. But you can get most of that with a cheap $150 - $200 gps system and an Ipod (plus be able to use them anywhere). And in 2 - 3 years your $2000 system is obsolete. Plus what happens when you want to sell the car? Even though you paid $2000 for the GPS, the guy who buys it from you will figure it's worth maybe an extra couple of hundred on stop of a stock car.

I'd be a little paranoid about having a $2000 GPS/MP3 system in my car -- it just screams "steal me!!!".

Who cares if you have insurance. I don't care if my car was run over by a tank right now.

 

[MovingTarget]

I'd say nay. Its not worth 2 grand for any non-essential feature.

 

[alfa147x]

I would get it, i hate the look of add ons

what car?

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
The other reason I am looking to get one is because of what Rio Rebel mentioned. With it you get some other nice features, and the integration is slick (the Mazdaspeed3 version is by far the sexiest, since you can close it down back into the dash). It would be really cool if car manufacturers let you not get the factory unit, and left the space open for an after market one. Now that would be hot.

Mazda3's have had the same indash popup navigation since 05 (possibly even 04). In my 3s, I was able to replace the stock stereo, add amps and a subwoofer, and keep the navigation with voice.

Problem though as I mentioned, don't expect Mazda to provide much support later down the line. They have already switched map companies once, so I'm stuck with 05 maps. I wouldn't be surprised to see them screw others down the line.

 

[Rio Rebel]

I usually don't go for spending big bucks on OEM stereos, and I certainly don't go for the name Bose...but if ever hear the "Studio on wheels" in the Infiniti G35, you'll be impressed. The ipod integration is outstanding, and the sound is remarkable. Maybe Bose actually does quality in car stereos...they certainly fall short in home audio.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I am looking at the Mazdaspeed3, Civic Si, and the Lancer GTS. All have aux input jacks and I have a 160 gb iPod for the music.

Now 2005 maps are 3 years old true, but is it really that outdated? I would imagine not, unless you are in a new development.

 

[dawp]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
I am looking at the Mazdaspeed3, Civic Si, and the Lancer GTS. All have aux input jacks and I have a 160 gb iPod for the music.

Now 2005 maps are 3 years old true, but is it really that outdated? I would imagine not, unless you are in a new development.

if you cant get updates now, what about 5-10 years down the line? And businesses do change every year and if all you have is a name and not an address, you're pretty much screwed. nothing is static, it ALWAYS changes.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: jagec
Nay.

A standalone unit costs a tenth of the price, can be used in any car you wish (your own, someone elses, the replacement for your current one), can be taken inside with you to avoid theft (yes, I know it's not as easy to steal an in-dash unit as, say, an aftermarket deck, but it will increase the chances of your car getting stolen or broken into), can be upgraded more readily (or traded for a completely different unit/brand if you want), allows you to keep up with technology as it progresses, and can be taken hiking/climbing/boating/wherever else you want a GPS.

Ditto, I have one friend who spent nearly $2k on an in dash pioneer, and another who bought a $200 mio. Both had roughly the same Nav features.