Navigation Pro's and Con's

[WHODEYMANIA]

I'm considering getting the navigation system on a new RTL. I'm concerned that this is an addition I'll later regret. Here are the pro's and con's, as I see them:

Pro's:
Large screen
Permanently installed (less likely to get stolen)
Integrated with stereo system

Con's:
Price (versus a dismountable, after market version)
Cannot remove and use in another system
Cannot upgrade as easily
If broken, becomes a $2000 blank/cracked screen

Basically, with the influx of portable GPS systems hitting the market, I'm worried that the factory installed GPS will go the way of the car phone. This could possibly hurt future resale value and become obsolete when future technological advances improve current GPS systems.

Any insight would be appreciated.

[CrazyStups]

For the 2k you could buy a few portable GPS systems. IMO i think that the after market solution is better. The Garmin nuvi's series are great and are a fraction of the cost for the OEM navi.

[k757]

Those are good points. The biggest beef i have with OEM GPS is the cost. ~$2k for a GPS unit? I think for equal functions on a portable unit, you are looking at ~$300 (or less). The Garmin nuvi350 I have was $370 shipped (almost a yr ago) and has more features than the OEM unit. I totally love the SD card slot that I can load mp3 music files on and can use it as a walkman on a plane then when I get to the rental car, I have MY GPS unit and can leave the clunky maps at the rental counter.

With the extra money you saved with an aftermarket unit, you can get a second unit for hiking and still have $1k extra.

[CrazyStups]

Greats points K757! I should have mentioned that we have a nuvi 660 I wanted the 360 but my wife liked the bigger screen LOL so you know who won that contest. I'm glad we went with the 660 though. It came with the FM traffic receiver which is awesome!

[BruceRTL]

I have been using portable GPS's for around 10 years now. My portable of choice is the Garmin Vista C. Yes I know that's not a "driving" GPS it's more geared for hiking. Regardless it gives me all the portability I need when away from my Ridgeline. I've used it for driving, biking, kayaking, flying, and geocaching. It does have additional features that the OEM doesn't have like actual moving time vs stopped time. I do like the large screen format and the touch screen on the OEM. I also like the fact, as you said, it's less likely to be stolen and it is integrated with the radio (including XM).

I have heard CLICK AND CLACK (the car show on NPR radio) say that they believe an aftermarket portable GPS is the better way to go.

I guess I'm the kind of guy that likes my cake and to eat it also. If I didn't already have a portable GPS, I would probably opt to purchase a portable instead of the OEM GPS. On the other hand this is a tough call because I can also add a backup camera or even an input for my Ipod Video to the OEM GPS (with additional hardware).

Final answer, get both!

[FTM1]

Originally Posted by WHODEYMANIA

I'm considering getting the navigation system on a new RTL. I'm concerned that this is an addition I'll later regret. Here are the pro's and con's, as I see them:

Pro's:
Large screen
Permanently installed (less likely to get stolen)
Integrated with stereo system

Con's:
Price (versus a dismountable, after market version)
Cannot remove and use in another system
Cannot upgrade as easily
If broken, becomes a $2000 blank/cracked screen

Basically, with the influx of portable GPS systems hitting the market, I'm worried that the factory installed GPS will go the way of the car phone. This could possibly hurt future resale value and become obsolete when future technological advances improve current GPS systems.

Any insight would be appreciated.

You forgot that the OEM system has voice activated features that can control climate A/C Heating , Audio along with Navigation system fuctions.
I prefer the OEM system after 8 years with the older OEM DVD system in my car.
I love the voice activated OEM Navi system this is what I wanted when Acura sent me a Navi survey back in 2000.
I would prefer the system that is in the 08 Acura MDX but the Ridgeline one is good.

[ericrwalker]

One thing I noticed about my GPS in the Accord and the RL is that when I am in NYC and Boston, and I am in a tunnel the GPS seems to know where I am still..at least distance...and doesn't have to wait until you get out of the other side of the tunnel to find a signal again like I have to with my portable one then you have to figure out where you are going from there.

[shovelhd]

K, like I said on another thread, you can't compare a nav system available in 2005 with one available in 2008. They are light-years apart in functionality.

I really like my in-dash aftermarket nav system. It's one component in a complete system. I don't need or want voice recognition as I ride with the windows and roof open a lot of the time. I like the big touchscreen, the Garmin functionality, and that it works through the rest of the system.

[TarheelGrad1998]

I've been trying to decide on this one myself. I think I'm coming down against the OEM, but mostly because I don't travel all that much and can't see paying the extra for it.

Further, how do map updates work? Do you have to take it to the dealership?

Also, I was wondering, can someone confirm that the only way to get an RT with an audio input (like for MP3) is with the Navi?

Not that it's worth paying $2k for, but still, was wondering if you get an RTL without Navi if you can still use an MP3 player...

[ericrwalker]

maybe you won't use it a lot...but if you "can" afford it, go for it. it's more than a navi screen, full XM radio display, calculator, calendar, and a lot more.

I wish it has the climate controls and trip computer in it like my Accord had.

Originally Posted by TarheelGrad1998

I've been trying to decide on this one myself. I think I'm coming down against the OEM, but mostly because I don't travel all that much and can't see paying the extra for it.

Further, how do map updates work? Do you have to take it to the dealership?

Also, I was wondering, can someone confirm that the only way to get an RT with an audio input (like for MP3) is with the Navi?

Not that it's worth paying $2k for, but still, was wondering if you get an RTL without Navi if you can still use an MP3 player...