Updated Nav CD Available

I got a postcard from Honda claiming an update to the Nav CD for my 2006 RTL is available for $149. Has anyone else upgraded and do they think it is worth it?

I was coming to the forum to ask the same question. I am considering the updated CD if it is worth it.

This angers me to no end. It's only been a few months since I finally received my 4.64 version after being delayed for months and months. $185.00+tax+shipping down the drain. I just sold my original 4.56A on eBay for $61.00. I'll probably break down and purchase 4.73 soon, but I'll not be terribly excited about it. I'll most certainly be putting my 4.64 on eBay. I can see some people's justification behind purchasing, duplicating, and returning the discs. Even though it's easy to do and I've made backup copies in case mine get damaged, I'd have trouble sleeping with that on my conscience for a night or two.

On the other hand, the updates in 4.73 don't affect my area. I've just been treating the navi like computer software and firmware updates in that I install them as quickly as they are available. It makes me "feel" good to know I have the latest.

You should be able to go to Honda's web site and see what was actually updated. If your area, or where you normally spend most of your time, wasn't you might as well save the $149. If you spend a lot of time on the road going to different areas then it might be worth it. Personally, $149 is a LOT for the updates, which is why my '03 MDX has never seen one. I could almost buy a new Garmin NUVI for that and, at the same time, get Blue Tooth capability and a lot of other functions. Costco.com now has them on sale, if you're interested. The NUVI I have in my Ridge is also quicker at finding new routes than the MDX unit, and I can use it in any car I drive, plus it does more than navigate. When it wears out or breaks it also won't cost me $3K to repair, as the Honda/Acura unit will. That is why I will never again purchase a vehicle with a factory navi system. JMHO

You should be able to go to Honda's web site and see what was actually updated. If your area, or where you normally spend most of your time, wasn't you might as well save the $149. If you spend a lot of time on the road going to different areas then it might be worth it. Personally, $149 is a LOT for the updates, which is why my '03 MDX has never seen one. I could almost buy a new Garmin NUVI for that and, at the same time, get Blue Tooth capability and a lot of other functions. Costco.com now has them on sale, if you're interested. The NUVI I have in my Ridge is also quicker at finding new routes than the MDX unit, and I can use it in any car I drive, plus it does more than navigate. When it wears out or breaks it also won't cost me $3K to repair, as the Honda/Acura unit will. That is why I will never again purchase a vehicle with a factory navi system. JMHO

The Navi in my Ridge is alot faster at finding routes than the one in my '04 TL.

I don't think $149 every year is worth it. However, every three years I spend the money and get one. I got '08 in october of 07 for the TL and will wait to get the '10 in october/November of next year for the Ridge.

When it wears out or breaks it also won't cost me $3K to repair, as the Honda/Acura unit will. That is why I will never again purchase a vehicle with a factory navi system. JMHO

I understand your point. I, however, absolute can't STAND aftermarket accessories or wiring in a vehicle. It's just something I'm OCD about. Even with OEM navigation adding about $2K to the MSRP, I'll likely have it in my next vehicle as well. I'd rather have the nice, clean, integration that an OEM system provides. Also, consider that aftermarket systems won't control the audio or HVAC, typically have much smaller screens, are more frequently stolen, and are usually covered by a shorter manufacturer's warranty as opposed to being included in your vehicle warranty (however long you choose that to be).

On the flip side, one could purchase several aftermarket units for the price of an OEM. And, who actually changes their temperature by speaking a voice command. It will always be faster to just reach a few inches and turn a dial rather than pressing a button, speaking, then waiting for the confirmation and result. The only time I ever issue a voice command is when I'm "showing off".