Received an email today from the Acura Navigation Center which is offering the 2016 V3.30.10.E0 DVD map update for my 2013 RDX. It is $99 with free ship.
My car has the 2014 2.90.10.C0 which I purchased and installed 2 years ago.
Has anyone updated to this new update? Is it worth $99?
I know the RDX nav system is not as good as a $99 Garmin, but it is what is in the car, and we do use it. Thanks for your advice/opinions.

 

Depends. Not all areas of the country are updated every year and as a general rule, each area receives a map update every 5 years or so - although POI are updated more frequently.


Navteq used to post which areas were updated on their website but that link no longer works.


The easiest way to find out if your area was updated recently is to go to an Acura dealer and find the newest car on the lot and see if a road that was added a few years ago (that isn't on your map) is on that map.

 

The price for the USA Navi updates start at $199 in the fall, $149 around spring, and down to $99 by the start of summer. This about the earliest they dropped the price down in about 10 years. I usually update my maps every 3rd year since I have two smartphones (personal AT&T and work Verizon) as a back-up. I still use the Acura navi 97%-99% of the time. There are times when the Acura Navi just doesn't work (can't input address, database not up to date, out of date information) and the smartphone gets me to 100% every-time.

 

Now that Google Maps has an offline maps feature, it has become far more useful in areas with spotty reception - like between Colorado and Santa Fe - but it lacks the integration found in in-car units.

I suspect that Navteq's HERE (which is basically a Garmin for in-car units), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will take over.

 

Two-three years between updates is probably reasonable, according to what my local dealer rep told me last week. Having a smart phone mitigates the need for constant upgrades in my opinion, plus if you have Acuralink.

 

Who needs Google Maps? Go to AppStore and download HERE maps originally made by Nokia. HERE allows you to download entire US map or every state separately, store it on your phone and use it at any time. The only thing I hate about it is pop-up message "The program is used in offline mode" or something like that every time it starts without using internet.

HERE app essentially turns your smartphone into "Garmin"-like GPS unit, which is the way it should be done.

 

I guess you overlooked the last paragraph in my post.

 

I did not read that post. I only read two posts at the beginning. But anyway, HERE works great. I am glad I stopped drinking Google kool-aid and now I don't care about having internet connection on my phone.

 

Here map is a piece of crap comparing to google map. Yes, I still have it on my phone with all US maps downloaded as the last resort when there is no cell phone reception.

 

HERE is not as detailed, but it gets you where you need to go without using internet traffic or if you are somewhere without cell phone reception. I don't understand why Google does not allow downloading complete offline maps.

 

Sheesh - you quoted it in your post.

 

Google now HAS an offline mode - which you would have known had you read my post that you actually quoted.

 

Ceb,


Was there a link on the offer you received? Sometimes I just cant find the page...lol


The Acura link doesn't show the 2015 or 2016 models as having an update available.


Never mind...lol