To Nav or not to Nav...

[homeyclaus]

that is the question.

I am getting a T4R TE w. KDSS. Here is the problem: Only models with NAV seem to be in stock in the area around here.

This brings three concerns:

1. If the sound sucks and I rip out the stereo and nav unit, I also lose the backup cam. I can't tell from the FSM whether the wires are run to the mirror power as well, but I am pretty sure I'll need the other mirror with the monitor in it. $599. Ouch.

2. If I rip the stereo out I'll have wasted the money on the nav unit too.

3. How much are the navigation update DVDs? Are they even made?

My questions:

Is #1 true?

Has anyone bought a replacement nav dvd for their system yet, and if so, how much?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Jesse1983]

go for a test drive and test the sound and see if it fits your needs. My TE with NAV has a great sound system for my needs. If you don't get factory NAV then the back-up cam will be in the rear-view mirror.

 

[453030]

I went so far as to wait 3 months to GET the Nav unit with my Trail/KDSS.

The sound? Very very good for a stock system. I had my days of upgrading car systems and adding dual 10s in my own custom boxes. Sure, the sound was great. But still, a car's audio environment will never match that of a well appointed room, with a comfy leather chair. Point being when I need to get my 2 channel audio fix on, it is always at home.

In addition to the acceptable sound quality and Nav unit, it looks fantastic. I could not stand the stock unit's aesthetics, and in fact could not even read it with my glasses on. I enjoy how easy it is to cycle through the various sources via the touchscreen, and I frequently toggle between stations.

So get inside one and crank it up. If you don't like it then don't waste the money on it. Put that towards ripping out the base, non-Nav unit and you'll have a good amount to start with.

 

[SeattleMike]

The Nav/JBL in the TE sounds fine. Some people will recommend you go after market, but I don't think they base it on "sound" so much as the functionality of the aftermarket units. I'll wait until the 5th anniversary before updating the DVD... it takes that long for map makers to get caught up to recent construction.