ChillRobP

iTrader: (1)

Hey all,
I purchased a 2003 TL Type S without Navigation back in late July, and I'm thinking about trading it in to get one WITH Navigation.
My plan was to get an aftermarket dvd/navigation player, but i haven't seen any i like, and to be honest, it looks kinda cheesy to me when you put an aftermarket dvd player in a car that has an option for it.
I didn't think i needed the Navigation because I don't go anywhere, but there have been a few times where it would've been useful. I have 3600 miles on it and about to bring it in for an oil change. I'm thinking of letting them know that I wanna trade it up for the Navigation TLS.
I think i'll be taking a loss though, and might have to cough up an extra $5,000.

Now, my question is, will it be worth it? Is the Navigation really that good? And can it easily be converted to play DVD's?

Thanks

-Rob

doopstr

Yes its good but I don't know if its worth trading up to. You are right it probably would cost you atleast 5k more to trade up. Plus don't forget the sales tax on a 30k car (1,800 in Jersey, don't know about Maryland).

I think the dealer would try to rob you on this deal.

You may want to take a serious look at the Alpine unit. The Acura unit is based on the Alpine. The Alpine unit is faster but doesn't have a touch screen. Some members here have removed the tray over the radio and installed a slide out monitor. That looks real nice. Do a search and perhaps you will find the video.

Make sure the Alpine unit has all the nice features that the NAVI in the new Accord is going to have. I would wait for the new model if its not available yet.

I think that upgrade will cost about 3k installed.

To "enable" the stock DVD/Navi to play DVD requires installing a special splitter (don't know the specifics) and installing a second DVD player.

SimTypeS

Check out the Magellen and Garmin hand-held GPS units. A lot are better than any car Navi, and can cost $300. Hook it up in your car, and when you get to a city you are visiting, you take it out of the car and walk around with it.

dj5

I agree with Slim. Check out the Garmin IV. It's portable and can be switched between cars. IMHO a much better option than the unit than a installed unit.

oblio98

The ACURA NAVI is an option well worth the cost (to me anyway). The advantages of having a built-in, on demand, well illuminated, at your fingertips unit far exceed any additional features found in a portable unit.

HOWEVER, trading in an '03 on another '03 w/NAVI is a COSTLY proposition. Unless you can get someone to buy your car directly for a decent price, PLUS get the dealer to give you an "end of the month" discount on a new one, you may be financially better off with the portable unit.

I will never buy another car without a NAVI, but I am in the minority.

If you have the bucks to spend, try and work out an acceptable deal. GOOD LUCK!

:-jon

FTM-1

I agree with all you will be taking a big hit if you trade.
I do love the Navi but I am not sure I love it that much to take the big hit you are going to. This is one time I say go the aftermarket way.

Raheel

you can get a custom job done for couple thousand that has more functions than the current Navi.. Maybe a custom install like the new Honda Accord Navi w/ Voice Activated System.. I mean you could get a navi w/ a tv tuner and a dvd slot/a nice cd player/ a nice sound system for the same price..

y2ks2k

I chose not to pay the extra $35 a month to get the navigation because when in the real world am I going to use it? I even have a job where I have to move around to every single location in Portland all day long but a $20 Thomas Guide can do it without a problem. It looks need and people might say wow.. but most the people I know with them dont even use them.

oblio98

It s a very old argument that goes back to the founding of this forum, but the bottom line is that you can not believe how much you will use the thing until you have one.

:-jon

Raheel

Either you use or you dont, I know people that go in strange areas and use it all the time and than I know people that never use it but claim it can do this and this.. Buy it only if you really need it, thats a pretty big hit though...

Falashan

I have been using Pocket Co-Pilot from TravRoute with my pocket PC.

The whole set up, software and Pocket PC, is around $800 and it has the advantage of being able to use in any automobile you drive.

I have been traveling in this area for 25 years and it tought me some very good short cuts.

It is especially useful when there is construction and you must detour. It figures a new route in about 5 seconds.

Check out the web site www.travroute.com

Plus you get to use a great Pocket PC.