Just received a letter from Acura advising availability of the 2014 map update for $149. Nothing was said about updating the Nav functionality itself, so I have to assume that won't be happening. Anyone else get a letter?
I'm not sure if I will update the maps at this time. From one year to the next I don't think that the roads change that much. Anyone planning to update, or not?

 

$149 is just plain offensive on the part of Acura. You can get a Garmin with lifetime map updates for around that price. Maybe in a few years I'll get the update, but right now my nav screen is blank most of the time due to the nag screen...

 

Considering how outdated the database seems to be, I think a free update would be more appropriate.

I haven't received that letter as of yet, but I'd bet real money that functionality will not be addressed in any way.

I'm with sat968 - I'd buy a new, better, portable GPS (that can easily be used by the passenger) before I'd pay to update the one in the RDX.

 

I got the letter this weekend as well and agree that $149 is six times more than I'd pay for this service. Is there a way that one person could buy the update and share the CD with a few members here?

If 10 people go in on it together then it is only $15 each!

Anyone have any idea based on past experience if this would be possible to "share" the CD?

 

Rip off.

 

Aside from being a violation of Federal copyright law, the disks are linked to the VIN you use when the disk is ordered. This site would also be in serious trouble is they condoned IP theft.

The maps are produced and sold by NAVTEQ, not Acura. The maps are the same for all manufacturers that NAVTEQ supports - most car manufacturers and Garmin. The NAVTEQ site (select Acura then go to map coverage) will show you which areas have been updated. Most areas are updated every 5 years or so.

 

Yea, $149 is offensive. Well people look for alternatives when they know they are getting gouged. I understand the copyright law and that is half the issue; manufacturers gouging consumers when the consumer becomes bootstrapped to one specific product. If there was competiveness in this marketplace then turdy old NAVTEQ would not be able to get away with $149 annual disc fees. Since they have the sole license to distribute the nav disc then we as consumers have no choice but to buy their disc.

 

Well, I won't be updating. When you think about it, unless a major road is built or extended where I do most of my driving, then I don't need to spend $149.

Heck, if I rent a car on business or vacation I'm still using my non-updated portable GPS which is several years old. Haven't run into problems either.

 

As the owner of a 2014 with the supposed new mapping, don't waste your money. It is by far the worst nav with the worst routing I have ever encountered.

 

The 2014 MDX has a very different navigation system with much better traffic coverage. It kinda pisses me off that they didn't make it available for the new RDX in 2013. I wonder if they'll provide an update to the RDX to the new system.

 

the mapping is identical - the calculations may be different but the raw data is the same.

 

our 2014 wont even find the acura dealer we bought it at that's sad they have been their for 15 yrs wtf

 

There is no guarantee that the update database is any more current than the original. I can't think of a way to find out without just purchasing it and then (probably) being disappointed.

 

Just bought a 2014 RDX and noticed that the development where I live that was completed in 2005 is only half digitized. I complained to the dealer and they are going to check for updates when I bring it in on Tuesday. I also received a 'tighten gas cap' message with only 158 miles - after several attempts to retighten, I deleted the code with an OBII tool.

 

I believe I have the latest update in my 2014. The street I live on is unverified yet it's been here since 2000.

There are a number of streets in my town which have been here for a hundred years (and are seen in many historical photographs) which are also "unverified".

I wouldn't mind as much if the car didn't have the need to inform me every time, even if the map isn't being displayed. To me, that's the dumbest part.

Why there isn't a way to add these areas to the database is a mystery.

 

I've found the navigation in my 2013 RDX a big disappointment. When I commute to work each day, I use Waze on my iPhone in addition to the RDX maps. I've found Waze to be more accurate in predicting ETA than the RDX even though I pay for the traffic reporting on the RDX.

FYI - I've tried a number of contraptions for holding my iPhone while in the car. Bought a Kenu Airframe from the Apple store about six months and still love it. Amazon link

 

Nowadays, everyone with smart phones with google maps, it's pointless to pay for maps. Only time I get in trouble is when there is no cell reception then I pull up the nav. Does anyone know where I can torrent the map update?

 

Maybe I'm the only one, but what does this mean? Unless you meant "to rent" although I don't think you did.

 

Torrent (actually BitTorrent) is a file downloading protocol. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torrent_file for more info. It's often (but by no means always) used to download pirated material so has gotten a bad reputation on some circles. I believe that in the context of this thread, it would be a pirated file.

 

Absolutely correct.

We can argue for years about the true value of the mapping data (and each one of us would assess a different value) but the bottom line is that it costs what it costs.

Trying to get a bootleg copy is IP theft and is illegal - even if you could get the copy to work (which you can't).

 

Just received e-mail from Acura,nav update is now $99 with free shipping.Like others have said how do you know if its any better than what you have now.

 

One part of me wants to get the map update, which they have now for $99, but the price is still kinda high, especially when I am not really sure of 'possible' improvements in my area. PS: I am almost sure that it does not include the updates to one of the the most important interchanges (for Expressways Palmetto and 836) in Miami [because it hasnt been finished], so I guess I will be waiting for the 2015 release

 

Has anyone completed the nav update on the 2013 RDX? I reviewed the instructions online and there is a choice between a "power" update and a "background" update. The power takes 2 hrs and the background 5-6 hours! The instructions does not say what the differences are or make a recommendation.

 

Well I ordered the update yesterday,hope to have it by the end of the week.Will let everyone know when I install it.Tried to order online but it would not take my database version,so I had to do it over the phone.

 

Supera - I had the same issue trying to order online. The first space only let you enter ONE digit --- unfortunately, the database version starts with the number "10" (aka: two digits). Makes you wonder about the quality of the update if they can't make the online order work.

 

I have received and installed my nav update.It took 2 hrs to install,instructions said to make sure the engine was running.I ran it for about 3 minutes,shifted to neutral and shut the engine off.When the update was finished it started right up,no effect on the battery.I checked for certain streets and a new Miss.river bridge that was not in the old database but they are in the new database.So far I am satisfied thou I agree $99 is too expensive.

 

Thanx for the info supera. I thought that it seemed like a waste of gas (2 hours for Full Power installation). I was thinking of connecting my trickle charger, but that sounds unnecessary.

Here's a link to the installation instructions if anyone is interested:
http://www.navigation.com/is-bin/int...ura/Purple.pdf

 

Thanks for the info.

Now how about driving to my house and tell me if I'm still living on an unverified street.

 

Does anyone know if it updates the function of the audio and blu tooth as well? I have a 2011 MDX. The Blu tooth and info screen for audio don't work with my iPhone for using Pandora etc.

 

I installed the 2014 Nav update. It went well. I did not start the engine, just turned on the accessory by pushing the button twice without brake pedal. I attached a battery charger to the battery and ran it at 6 amp setting for the duration (at least 2 hrs). No problems. The update seems to work fine. The nav system is still frustrating and awkward. The voice command still will not understand the word "two" when selecting a number choice. I have to say it several times, and sometimes like "tee-yoo" to get it to understand. Yikes....anyone else have this issue?

 

For those lucky 2013 RDX owners in Canada, just noticed on the Acura Navigation Center web site, they are offering the update at $99 USD for a limited time. So I tried to order on the Web. Entered Database version 10.A0, but website would not accept. Called the Navigation Center and was about to order over the phone until, at the very last minute, I was told the price would be $179 CAN. Now even at a reasonable exchange rate, $99 would be approx $110 CAN. I asked why the difference and was told the "special" was NOT being offered to Canadian owners. Also told that the Canadian version was different and therefor costs more (really??). On the Acura Navigation website it clearly states, the map update includes Canada and lists all the cities and provinces included for the $99 price (good enough for me).

What kind of *?#$% is this ??.

I can only conclude Canadian Acura owners are getting ripped off big time and Acura has feeble excuses as to why the difference in price. This is the last time I buy a car with built in Navigation unless it comes with free lifetime map updates. Needless to say, I did not buy the update.

 

Given that Acura has the worst GPS I have ever encountered I really want to know who else they supply.

 

It's not just the NAV. The entire electronic information system was designed and programmed by Daffy Duck. Completely counter-intuitive and extremely frustrating. Even getting the mileage is a challenge. You would think that would be a default display. And, who doesn't love acknowledging the warning message even after having driven for an hour.

 

NAVTEQ supplies the maps for many nav systems, including most car manufacturers and Garmin.

It ain't the map data.

 

Exactly

 

The update for 2014 RDX has come out. Did anyone update?

 

Got the email today for the $99 update "only valid til 3-31-15" I have a 2014 bought in Sept 2013, so I'm not sure if this is a 2014 update or if it's a 2015 update. Think I'll pass at this time though

 

Likely a smart move. Unless you live in an area with lots of new construction, it doesn't make sense to update frequently.