cheap car compass?

[pipspeak]

Dumb question really, but I find a compass a very useful navigation tool and want to get one for my 2004 SE. I do not, however, want to spend $170 for the self-dimming mirror w/ compass, so does anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper car compass solution, preferabley something better than the crummy, ball-shaped duds you can by for $5.99 in Target?

I guess I could buy a backcountry/hiking compass and try to mount it somehow, but I'm not sure how accurate they will be in a car vs. the great outdoors.

 

[sketch1]

I might reccomend going to a marine supply and checking looking for a compass. Maybe something like this http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/109361/10001/149/137/14

 

[pipspeak]

I might reccomend going to a marine supply and checking looking for a compass. Maybe something like this http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/109361/10001/149/137/14

Bingo... thanks! I already have a trip planned to a marine supply store to pick up some 303 vinyl protectant because for some reason none of the auto shops around here sell it.

 

[Red3.slow]

Sharper image has some cool one with temp sensors and ice warning if it senses out side temps getting to cold.

http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__CE351YYY

 

[sketch1]

Thats actually pretty cool, however I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for, so I don't know since its only 10 bucks. But hey, may be worth it.

 

[pipspeak]

unfortunately the Sharper Image one is the usual everything-but-kitchen-sink type gadget. Electronic compass alone would be good. Clock, multiple temperatures, date, and so on is just overkill for me.

 

[AlexJet]

I bought vehicle level with compas for $20 and mounted it on the dash. BUT, guys, 4th Gen has speaker in the center of the dash. It disturbs the compass, so I have always diven to the North, nometter where I'm driving. This sucks, so compass on the dash wouldn't work unless you'll have sensor somewhere away from it.

 

[Gromulus]

Electro-magnetic Distortion

I have had a compass in my cars for years. I rely on them quite a bit, especially when hitting the forest and logging trails.

I absolutely love the compass built into the self-dimming rear view mirror of the 4Runner. We have a 2007 Camry V6 XLE on order for my wife and we are glad that this is included.

This may be a stupid question, but I trust those of you looking at installing an automobile compass are loking at those made specifically for cars and can compensate for your vehicle's magnetic distortion?

I remember buying "non-digital" compasses and calibrating them while driving on true N-S and E-W roads.

Just something to watch out for.

http://www.thecompassstore.com/auto.html

 

[Atomic 4Runner]

Compass in Radar Detector

Several radar detectors now also come with digital compasses, and they compensate for the magnetic fields from the car and are very accurate. If you plan to get a radar detector, you could get one with a compass for just a few dollars more.