Help - Nav System or Not?

[ahearn]

I'm going for my new 2007 Limited in a few days and am debating getting the Nav system. I assume it's pretty much the same as the 2006 system.

I definitely want a nav system but don't know if the Toyota built-in is the best choice. Should I go with something like the Pioneer in-dash or maybe something like a Garmin?

I like the 3-D maps and other features of Garmin, and the fact that I can change from vehicle to vehicle. But I don't like wires and add-on antennas.

Price is not the most important issue. I just want the best product.

 

[007Runner]

I am purchasing a 2007 with the navigation system. I don't think you can do better. Blue tooth with voice and backup camera new 5th generation software and graphics same as the Lexus. Big screen, and its all built in plus sat radio compatible if you want it. Entire continental USA and parts of Canada on one high density DVD. Voice goes through stereo speakers for cell phone and guidance. Mike built into head liner for blue tooth phone. Pretty fancy I would say.

 

[toto]

The built-in nav system is a really nice system, especially since it adds the rearview camera and support for a Bluetooth-enabled phone (use the stereo as a speakerphone, and dial from the nav system). But the drawback is the price. It's expensive up front, and believe it or not, it adds very little value at trade-in time. I've traded in two cars with nav, and the nav only added a few hundred bucks to the value.

Pros for the factory nav:
+ Huge screen
+ Always on (no messing with unpacking it and plugging it in to use it) - that's really great if you have a long commute and might use the map on a regular basis
+ Good software (Toyota and Honda are consistently highly-rated for OEM nav)
+ Backup camera
+ Bluetooth (if you have a Bluetooth-enabled phone; I don't)
+ It's a bigger screen for radio controls, disc changer, song/disc titles, and other info
+ Through a "hidden" service menu, you can run self-tests and pull OBD codes from the main car computers

Cons:
- Expensive up-front
- Expensive map update discs
- The software can never be upgraded. You can get updated map data, but you'll never be able to upgrade functionality (unless you actually change the computer hardware, too)

I didn't get nav on my 4Runner because it was only being offered on V8 Limiteds, and I didn't have the cash for both the V8 and the nav system. But I think I made the right choice getting the V8 and letting the nav go. I bought a Garmin StreetPilot 2720, and I'm very happy with it. I have a short commute to work, so I don't need a map every day. I actually think the Garmin software is better than the nav software from 2004; the Garmin software is more oriented toward where you're going as opposed to where you are. You'd think that a 3.8" screen is terrible, but it's not. You really wouldn't want anything bigger sitting on top of the dash, and the Garmin 27xx/28xx series uses the screen space pretty efficiently. There's something to be said for the portablity; I have two cars, so I can use the Garmin in both, and I can take it into the house for software upgrades, adding marked points, and pre-planning routes.

I do miss the backup camera, but I made sure I got a V8 without the JBL audio upgrade so that I'd have the mirrors in the back of the truck. The mirrors aren't as nice as the camera, but they're better than nothing.

 

[ahearn]

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. I had forgotten about the backup camera with the nav system. That's cool. Yeah, the price is a little steep and I don't know if my dealer is actually going to order many vehicles with the system on them. I guess that will be the thing that makes the difference - I don't care to special order a vehicle.

I would like to hear other opinions too.

 

[bonedoctor]

I've got an '05 Limited V8 with the factory NAV. The backup camera is a useful feature. If you live in a smaller area like I do temporarily, the actual navigation feature isn't as useful since it's probably easy to find your way around. But I did find it very useful when I went to Denver. Punched in the destination and it led me exactly to where I wanted to go.

 

[T133]

This is what I have got for myself:
.garmin gps ended up $160 after rebate (rebate active till the end of the year for most gramin gps units).
Small enought to carry in pocket anywhere
and has expandable memory for more maps.

 

[Mark86]

I recommend the factory navigation system. In addition to bluetooth, your radio controls are integrated into the nav screen and it understands around 100 voice commands. You can basically control the nav and radio function by saying specific commands. It also comes with a 4-disc CD changer.

 

[Uneek]

I have nav and special ordered for it.

It's better to have it, and not use it than to need it and not have it. Nav saved me a few times when there was an accident that backed up the freeway and I took city and backroads to work. I wouldn't normally use nav to get to work, so for a portable, it wouldn't be with me.

Aside from complete integration, Bluetooth and backup camera, the biggest benefit of factory or in-car nav over a portable is the ability to track when satellite signals are lost and there is no boot up time. I had a Magellan Roadmate 700 and also nav on my Treo (via a Bluetooth GPS receiver), both usually take a minute or more, depending on location and weather conditions to locate, lock-in and starting tracking with GPS satellites.

 

[DarksideSurf]

For me personally, I can get all the features of the OEM plus a cheaper and more efficient way of adding satellite radio as well as an iPod with an Eclipse or Pioneer navigation system.

I'm already paying Toyota Financial Services $600/month. No need to give them $45 more a month for a navigation system. I'm about to give that to Chase Manhattan.

 

[Jacobzky]

its nice to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, so i got the Magellan Roadmate 800 as my navigation system, as far as back up camera goes, i'd rather look behind my shoulder and left and right to make sure. i do however like an echo system for backing up so i know the proximity when backing up.

easy to move from one car to another, unlike the on board factory nav, its just there. this is what suit my needs and my wallet.

 

[Koz]

The Toyota/Lexus nav is one of the best/user friendly systems on the market. I have a Garmin also (which works great) but it doesn't compare to a factory system with all the special features (voice command, back-up camera, bluetooth, audio integration, etc.). If you have the money you can't get a better system!

Koz

 

[tp0908]

Got me a Garmin Nuvi GPS. pocket-size, easy to carry around, use in other car. It has mp3 player, picture viewer, digital book... Signal is good, fast response... except for not having a video input for backup camera - could have been perfect for me.