Aftermarket Nav VS. OEM Nav

[Silky DMO]

I've been debating whether to spring for the OEM Nav in the Ridgeline or purchase Double-DIN NAV screen via the aftermarket. Specifically the forthcoming Alpine or current double DIN unit from Eclipse.

The way I broke it down there are some distinct advantages to the aftermarket units:

1. Screen
The screens on the aftermarket units re signifigantly larger than the OEM unit. Both have touch screens so that's a wash and both Alpine and Eclipse have superior clarity in my rough comparisons of all the units ( just compared the Eclipse and the OEM unit since the new Alpine isn't out yet).

2. Seamless
Making things look stock is very important to me. There are adapters that allow for the steering wheel controls to be used. In addition, there are inputs on the rear of the Eclipse and Alpine unit to insert other sources such as DVD's, PC's and rear cameras. There are also bezels that surround the DIN units that make things look pretty stock in the dash.

Has anyone installed a aftermarket Double-Din unit? Do things fit easily or properly?

iPod Integration:
Honda's solution, from what I've read, seems pitiful and obscenely expensive. The units from Alpine and Eclipse seem to be more user friendly and effective.

The sole drawback is that I THINK, correct me if I'm wrong, but if I replace the OEM Nav unit I have to replace the sub and sub amp since the OEM unit has an amp, albeit a small one, powering the sub. So I have to add in the cost of a sub (probably) and a sub amp (definitely).

So at the end of the day it seems aside from the added cost of the sub amp (which I would probably want to replace at some point anyways) there aren't many advantages to the OEM navigation unit??


I'd love to hear from others who have wrestled with this debate and ended up on one side or the other or if anyone has any points they I think they missed.

Thanks and congrats on a superb forum!

[byoo79]

Its a good comparison, but with the OEM NAV unit you also get the 6-disc CD changer as well.

I was also told that you "cannot" add the OEM Nav to the RL. It was too much work and Honda doesnt recommend it.

The aftermarket unit seems to be your best bet, but then you run the risk of thieves wanting to steal it. I think with the OEM Nav, theives will be less prone to steal because its so integrated and only works on a honda.

just my $.02

[Lingered_I]

Here's all the components of the Navigation system. Runs to about $2800

[IShootPics]

Originally Posted by Lingered_I

Here's all the components of the Navigation system. Runs to about $2800

you forgot the steering wheel and harness, along with the mic for the voice control

[Silky DMO]

Solid point if in fact the Honda NAV unit is not transferable to other Honda units.

If it IS transferable the Honda Nav unit is arguably MORE attractive to a potential thief since it can be added to the plethora of Honda models out there.

The cost factor is key here I think. The Nav from Honda goes for $2k.

The cost for aftermarket are something like this:
Nav unit: $1000
Steering wheel adapter: $60
amp for sub: $300
Trim piece: $25
Total: $1385.00 plus install which I imagine costs $200 (?) = $1585

That leaves me $615 for a sub and speakers and rear view camera. Seems like an even bigger no brainer now!

[ProHonda]

My vote is aftermarket also.
Factory stuff just don't hold up IMOP.

Sadly I was FORCED not to get the navi because I wanted cloth seats

Total BS IMOP

[Silky DMO]

Well the aftermarket headunits come with the mic. There is no need to buy all the parts you pointed out in the diagram since the Double DIN units simply pop in when you remove the radio assembly. All those brackets are superfluous if purchased again.

I’m not debating adding OEM Nav, but rather deciding whether to buy a RL with the OEM NAV or buy a RL with no Nav and add it myself later.

The only thing that doesn't come with the aftermarket units is the steering wheel control adapter, which is cheap. In addition, I can play any media format (including DVD-A) and have a better iPod interface.

I want to believe, for the ease of buying the unit upfront and not having to whip out the credit card again later, that the OEM Nav unit is the way to go-- but as of yet I don't see it.

Any other reason to buy OEM Nav?

[IShootPics]

Originally Posted by Silky DMO

Any other reason to buy OEM Nav?

you can finance it



I'd probably go OEM.. there's some nice integration that you can't beat with aftermarket. If you dont have an Ipod, and dont care about XM (or wait till later) you can get the Phatnoise music system, which is IMHO the best MP3 in-car music system there is for OEM radios.

However, if you go aftermarket, like Alpine, you have all the options of OEM use (minus steering wheel buttons), but gain bluetooth integration on top of the obvious. However, installation will be a pita, and switching back to stock if/when you sell it may not be an option.

[Silky DMO]

That must be it then. Aside from the ability finance the Nav over a long period of time there is NO advantage to the OEM unit. Unless someone can convince me otherwise that's going to be my position from now on.

Thanks for the opinions folks!

[hofffam]

Good analysis. I would not spend $300 to power that sub. $300 buys A LOT of amp these days. A reasonable 2x30 or 2x50 bridgeable amp near $100 should be plenty to power the factory sub.