To Nav Or Not To Nav? Need some advice...

[eraserhead]

Hi all,

New member here, I am planning on buying a 2010 SR5 within the next month (as soon as my new homebuyer tax credit shows up!). My big dilemma here is whether or not I want to bother with the stock navi system. I've currently got an '01 Pathfinder that I installed a Pioneer F700BT navi/video unit in. I really like the unit, I've got it bypassed so that I can use all of the GPS controls and watch video from my iPod while the car is moving.

So here is my dilemma.... I really would like to be able to keep my mobile video setup. However, no salespeople or otherwise have been able to tell me if the stock nav unit has an auxiliary video input that I can hook my iPod up to. I'm guessing this is a big fat no, but still want an answer. Since the dash kit is now in the works for aftermarket stereos, it's looking more likely that I will save a few bucks and just put my current unit in the T4R, bypassed and all. Do you guys think this is the best route? I can't stress how much I like being able to enjoy front seat video. I guess there are also adapters that you can buy which will allow you to still use the steering wheel controls (for stereo, not bluetooth).

Then there is the sat radio issue. I currently have a Sirius subscription with an external tuner w/FM transmitter. However my Pioneer can do Sirius/XM if the proper tuner and antenna are installed. My question here- is the XM tuner that comes stock with most of the 2010's embedded in the actual stereo itself, or is it something that I can just plug in to my head unit? I can easily cancel my Sirius and sign up for XM, since my favorite channels are now on both networks.

What do you all think?

Thanks for listening!

Bobby

 

[7harper]

Hi all,

New member here, I am planning on buying a 2010 SR5 within the next month (as soon as my new homebuyer tax credit shows up!). My big dilemma here is whether or not I want to bother with the stock navi system. I've currently got an '01 Pathfinder that I installed a Pioneer F700BT navi/video unit in. I really like the unit, I've got it bypassed so that I can use all of the GPS controls and watch video from my iPod while the car is moving.

So here is my dilemma.... I really would like to be able to keep my mobile video setup. However, no salespeople or otherwise have been able to tell me if the stock nav unit has an auxiliary video input that I can hook my iPod up to. I'm guessing this is a big fat no, but still want an answer. Since the dash kit is now in the works for aftermarket stereos, it's looking more likely that I will save a few bucks and just put my current unit in the T4R, bypassed and all. Do you guys think this is the best route? I can't stress how much I like being able to enjoy front seat video. I guess there are also adapters that you can buy which will allow you to still use the steering wheel controls (for stereo, not bluetooth).

Then there is the sat radio issue. I currently have a Sirius subscription with an external tuner w/FM transmitter. However my Pioneer can do Sirius/XM if the proper tuner and antenna are installed. My question here- is the XM tuner that comes stock with most of the 2010's embedded in the actual stereo itself, or is it something that I can just plug in to my head unit? I can easily cancel my Sirius and sign up for XM, since my favorite channels are now on both networks.

What do you all think?

Thanks for listening!

Bobby

I don't think you can even order the OEM nav in the SR5's.There is no video input of any kind on them.

Better to go with your Pioneer nav and the aftermarket dash install kits are in the works.Any day.... Doodman will have one of the first I'm sure as he has it on order as he has the new Pioneer Nav.installed already.

 

[eraserhead]

I don't think you can even order the OEM nav in the SR5's.There is no video input of any kind on them.

Better to go with your Pioneer nav and the aftermarket dash install kits are in the works.Any day.... Doodman will have one of the first I'm sure as he has it on order as he has the new Pioneer Nav.installed already.

One of the sales reps said that they could get an SR5 with nav, but I think that I am going to take your advice and just use my current head unit. I'm used to it, and it has a lot of great features. I wouldn't mind getting a new one, but I am already overextending my finances as it is to get the 4R! :boink:

Thanks for the advice! Any idea about the XM?

 

[Jesse1983]

if Stern is one of your favorite Sirius channels you have to pay extra if you want it on XM. bs.

 

[westwind77]

One of the sales reps said that they could get an SR5 with nav

Not an option. I think 99% of the buyers know more than most of reps at the dealers. I had a few questions for my dealer and I spent about 20 mintues teaching HIM about the 4R when I bought it!

However....they can do anything for $$$$ They can order a LE/TE top console piece install the nav unit & any other needed parts. No other dealers have done this yet, or offered, if they did I am sure we would have heard about it here 1st I think you need to re-check with your rep

 

[eraserhead]

if Stern is one of your favorite Sirius channels you have to pay extra if you want it on XM. bs.

Yeah, I kind of figured. I used to love Stern, that is one of the reasons I got Sirius in the first place. However, the last year has gotten a little stale, and there's doubt if he will even be around another year. Maybe if he does retire, they can halve our subscription rates. That guy makes way too much money!

Bobby

 

[eraserhead]

Not an option. I think 99% of the buyers know more than most of reps at the dealers. I had a few questions for my dealer and I spent about 20 mintues teaching HIM about the 4R when I bought it!

However....they can do anything for $$$$ They can order a LE/TE top console piece install the nav unit & any other needed parts. No other dealers have done this yet, or offered, if they did I am sure we would have heard about it here 1st I think you need to re-check with your rep

Not really surprising. I guess that kind of makes my decision for me then, huh?
:cowboy:

 

[doodman]

Doodman will have one of the first I'm sure as he has it on order as he has the new Pioneer Nav.installed already.

That's right ! I have the Nav installed. Pretty happy with it, but of course there are some limitations. Dash kit should be in any day now. Once it's in i'm going to paint it satin black or matte black to begin the Blacking Out of the interior. Will update with pics soon on my mods thread.

As for the limitations, here's the reply I sent to harper7 a couple weeks ago (copy and pasted):

EDIT: I can't find my response to harper. Maybe he can find it in his PM inbox and post it up

Not an option. I think 99% of the buyers know more than most of reps at the dealers. I had a few questions for my dealer and I spent about 20 mintues teaching HIM about the 4R when I bought it!

This is true, it's not an option and I knew WAY more than my salesman. Either way, I'm extremely glad I went w/ the aftermarket instead of the factory style.

Hi all,

New member here, I am planning on buying a 2010 SR5 within the next month (as soon as my new homebuyer tax credit shows up!). My big dilemma here is whether or not I want to bother with the stock navi system. I've currently got an '01 Pathfinder that I installed a Pioneer F700BT navi/video unit in. I really like the unit, I've got it bypassed so that I can use all of the GPS controls and watch video from my iPod while the car is moving.

Mine is overridden as well. Love the ability to watch The Office on my lunch breaks, although I haven't tried it yet.

So here is my dilemma.... I really would like to be able to keep my mobile video setup. However, no salespeople or otherwise have been able to tell me if the stock nav unit has an auxiliary video input that I can hook my iPod up to. I'm guessing this is a big fat no, but still want an answer.

I don't think there is an aux input - more reason to go aftermarket.

Since the dash kit is now in the works for aftermarket stereos, it's looking more likely that I will save a few bucks and just put my current unit in the T4R, bypassed and all. Do you guys think this is the best route? I can't stress how much I like being able to enjoy front seat video. I guess there are also adapters that you can buy which will allow you to still use the steering wheel controls (for stereo, not bluetooth).

I think this is the best route. I saved a couple thousand dollars by doing this. You have the override which is a big plus. And yes you can get a steering wheel control harness - I've got it installed w/ my pioneer.

Then there is the sat radio issue. I currently have a Sirius subscription with an external tuner w/FM transmitter. However my Pioneer can do Sirius/XM if the proper tuner and antenna are installed. My question here- is the XM tuner that comes stock with most of the 2010's embedded in the actual stereo itself, or is it something that I can just plug in to my head unit? I can easily cancel my Sirius and sign up for XM, since my favorite channels are now on both networks.

The stock XM is embedded in the stereo itself, so you WILL have to buy an XM receiver. However the stock XM antenna works so you don't have to buy one of those.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I've had the pioneer for a couple of weeks.

 

[SeattleMike]

What do you all think?

I think if you already have a set-up you like, there is no need to pay for the stock Nav. I went with stock because it was more convenient than going aftermarket and I don't have doodman's patience or Harper's skill set. The trade-off is that I accept the OEM limitations and everything works together from the jump.

Since you have what you want already, I'd just wait for the new face piece and install your current unit. It does what you want and won't cost as much, and your only cost will be the XM receiver.

 

[eraserhead]

That's right ! I have the Nav installed. Pretty happy with it, but of course there are some limitations. Dash kit should be in any day now. Once it's in i'm going to paint it satin black or matte black to begin the Blacking Out of the interior. Will update with pics soon on my mods thread.

As for the limitations, here's the reply I sent to harper7 a couple weeks ago (copy and pasted):

EDIT: I can't find my response to harper. Maybe he can find it in his PM inbox and post it up




This is true, it's not an option and I knew WAY more than my salesman. Either way, I'm extremely glad I went w/ the aftermarket instead of the factory style.



Mine is overridden as well. Love the ability to watch The Office on my lunch breaks, although I haven't tried it yet.



I don't think there is an aux input - more reason to go aftermarket.



I think this is the best route. I saved a couple thousand dollars by doing this. You have the override which is a big plus. And yes you can get a steering wheel control harness - I've got it installed w/ my pioneer.



The stock XM is embedded in the stereo itself, so you WILL have to buy an XM receiver. However the stock XM antenna works so you don't have to buy one of those.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I've had the pioneer for a couple of weeks.

Thanks so much for the great information doodman! This just simplified things 10 fold for me. I'm going to stick with my unit. THANK YOU! As for the steering wheel harness, where did you buy yours? I would need one for the F700BT, which I think is the older model of the one you have.

I love having the bypass. I do the same thing- my lunch breaks consist of Family Guy, South Park, and yes, Beavis & Butthead.

Is it true that the party mode breaks with aftermarket stereo? Not that it really matters, since I read somewhere (maybe even from you) that the staging feature of the AVIC series is better than party mode anyway. I would do the installation myself, but I don't want to take the chance of screwing up my dash and not having any recourse, so I will probably have it done pro. The shop that installed the unit in my Pathy will remove it for free. Then I can just throw a $30 Wal-Mart piece of crap in there to trade it in.

Thanks again for all the great help! :lookout:

 

[doodman]

Thanks so much for the great information doodman! This just simplified things 10 fold for me. I'm going to stick with my unit. THANK YOU! As for the steering wheel harness, where did you buy yours? I would need one for the F700BT, which I think is the older model of the one you have.

I love having the bypass. I do the same thing- my lunch breaks consist of Family Guy, South Park, and yes, Beavis & Butthead.

Is it true that the party mode breaks with aftermarket stereo? Not that it really matters, since I read somewhere (maybe even from you) that the staging feature of the AVIC series is better than party mode anyway. I would do the installation myself, but I don't want to take the chance of screwing up my dash and not having any recourse, so I will probably have it done pro. The shop that installed the unit in my Pathy will remove it for free. Then I can just throw a $30 Wal-Mart piece of crap in there to trade it in.

Thanks again for all the great help! :lookout:

No problem

I got the steering harness from the installer who ordered it from somewhere. They may have gotten it from metraonline.com. And yes, it was me that posted about the AVIC having a better "party mode" than the stock stereo. It is seriously AMAZING!

 

[7harper]

This just simplified things 10 fold for me. I'm going to stick with my unit.

Bobby....Here is the link for the dash kit. Metra Electronics 99-8227S Dash Kits - Audio/Video Accessories at Onlinecarstereo.com

I got the steering harness from the installer who ordered it from somewhere. They may have gotten it from metraonline.com. And yes, it was me that posted about the AVIC having a better "party mode" than the stock stereo. It is seriously AMAZING!

Doodman .... You bought your Pioneer Nav someplace other then the install place.How much did they charge for the install?

 

[Trdguy2001]

If you have to be able to watch dvd's, then I would pass on the oem unit. (unless they come up with a way you can with a hack). Other than that I think the oem nav is really great, and I consider myself an average guy as far as tech is concerned so to me the oem unit does not leave much to be desired. I was kinda weary at first because of some of the negative comments I have been reading about the stock unit, but now that I have spent a lot of time messing with it, I'm very pleased. It's pretty intuitive not to mention pretty fast as far as navigating around (no pun intended) the system is concerned. In a nutshell unless you are a hardcore tech guy, I think most people will be more than happy with it.

My .02 cents
Brian

 

[BrianLSU]

I pondered the same question and decided on getting the stock NAV system. I'm happy with it, good sound, full use of steering commands and its stock. Having used multiple high priced head units in the past, I constantly worried about where I parked. Nothing says, "Come get me, just break the window and rip me out", to a crack head like a shiny $2000 aftermarket stereo.

Also, if you want movies, use a laptop or player with the audio plugged into the stock unit. Why would you want to watch a movie on a 7" screen? There's a 110V plug right there in the center console.

 

[TTown]

I pondered the same question and decided on getting the stock NAV system. I'm happy with it, good sound, full use of steering commands and its stock. Having used multiple high priced head units in the past, I constantly worried about where I parked. Nothing says, "Come get me, just break the window and rip me out", to a crack head like a shiny $2000 aftermarket stereo.

Also, if you want movies, use a laptop or player with the audio plugged into the stock unit. Why would you want to watch a movie on a 7" screen? There's a 110V plug right there in the center console.

I agree with both of your points. My wife and I use our laptops and have a portable dvd player to watch movies while on the go. The advantage to this is you can take them on the plane too.

 

[doodman]

Why would you want to watch a movie on a 7" screen?

So you don't have to worry about another device getting stolen AND so you don't have to worry about hiding it after your done with it or worry about having to lug around an extra object no matter how light it is. In one word, convenience.

Doodman .... You bought your Pioneer Nav someplace other then the install place.How much did they charge for the install?

No, actually I did buy it straight from the shop since they gave me a good deal. They did the install for free, AND threw in the iPod harness, steering harness and whatever else was needed. The only thing I paid for was the dash kit. Had they charged me for the install, I think it would have cost $150 for install, not including parts.

I remember you saying you're doing the same nav system as me. When are you installing your Pioneer?

 

[7harper]

I pondered the same question and decided on getting the stock NAV system. I'm happy with it, good sound, full use of steering commands and its stock. Having used multiple high priced head units in the past, I constantly worried about where I parked. Nothing says, "Come get me, just break the window and rip me out", to a crack head like a shiny $2000 aftermarket stereo.

Also, if you want movies, use a laptop or player with the audio plugged into the stock unit. Why would you want to watch a movie on a 7" screen? There's a 110V plug right there in the center console.

I do agree with you that a laptop is way better for movies. Mine is always with me and gave my kids an old Dell of their their own to watch movies in the truck.Keep it under the seat. I'm like you...I can't watch a movie on a 7 inch screen but the kids do like the videos with music off their ipods.

But as far as a crackhead ripping it off.I don't think a crackhead knows the difference between a JBL nav and a Pioneer or Kenwood nav? That's why he's a crackhead!And if he did he would steal the JBL nav to sell on the blackmarket(aka feebay,aka scambay) because they are selling for alot more then aftermarket. I've been tracking them on Ebay for the last 2-3 weeks to get an idea of what to sell mine for.$1200-$1600 is the norm for these used 6th gen. Toyota navs. toyota nav, buy and sell Car Electronics on eBay Motors
Brand new in the box ,top of the line last years model Kenwoods and Pioneer navs go for $850-$1050..

No, actually I did buy it straight from the shop since they gave me a good deal. They did the install for free, AND threw in the iPod harness, steering harness and whatever else was needed. The only thing I paid for was the dash kit. Had they charged me for the install, I think it would have cost $150 for install, not including parts.

I remember you saying you're doing the same nav system as me. When are you installing your Pioneer?

Still on the fence but leaning towards Kenwood I think now. It has Garmin and I miss my Garmin.Stopped by Car Toyz stereo shop today and the new 2010 Kenwood flagship DNX9960 with 3D nav was just in. Wow!I had to get the heck out of there fast! Kenwood Excelon DNX9960 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

Waiting on the bezel...I called a couple places today trying to get a timeline on the install kits(bezels). No body has a definite timeline but I do have one on order. The guy I talked to at installer.com,real knowledgeable guy, said Metra doesn't release when, just that it's in the works. Said it could be tomorrow or 6 weeks!Metra Electronics Corp. who makes them is down in Holly Hill ,FL right next to Daytona beach.I would have guessed it was in China.METRA 99-8227s Dash kit for mounting an aftermarket radio Toyota 4-Runner 2010, Double DIN radio provision, ISO stacked radio provision, Painted Silver finish