I'm torn between waiting 6-8 weeks for a ssm/quartz navi for $500 off sticker or getting a ssm/quartz NON navi for $1500 under sticker. For the math challenged, that is $3000 for the Navi and I'd have to wait a couple months possibly. Is it really worth $3K? All thoughts appreciated.

A second question is whether the $3K could be better allocated to a DVD rear seat entertainment system. I know the TSX accessory guide lists it as an option, as does the Canadian Acura site. Is this an option on the TL? If so, why is it not officially listed. Even the Accord offers this same rear seat DVD entertainment system as a dealer installed option.

Thanks.

 

I can tell you that Navigation is very very handy, and you can get very used to using it all the time. I don't know about the US specs, but in Canada, Navigation also gives you the Handsfree link for mobile phones and that is also very useful, not to mention also safe. However, if you don't want/need the Handsfree Link, you can always spend $1,000 on the Garmin Streetpilot GPS which is also very nice, and get your car sooner and save money. I personally prefer the "clean" look of the dash (without wires and clutter that an external NAV unit would add), and wanted the Handsfree link. People have also mentioned that if you are buying/financing your car (not leasing), your trade-in value will be higher as well. DVD entertainment is not listed as an option, but there are companies making headrest/rear units as well as company that modifies the existing setup to view DVDs on the front NAV LCD panel for about $600 US.

 

Wait. You will really regret it if you don't. Every time I get in the car I'm glad I did.

 

I'd like to know if there is really any company which can modify Navi-LCD on 04TL to DVD screen. It seems so hard to do this work. Lots of ppl have said that Navi-LCD is not changable...

Thanks.

 

Wildcat Jon,

First of all, I will say if you live in the countryside and prefer to driving a lot to everywhere. It's worthy. If you only use this car as you commute between multiple-fix-points as well as you use another transportation vehicles for other trips, you should save moeny not to buy Navi.

Usually, I suggest ppl buying Navi model 'cause it looks nicer and better inside. I couldn't survive with that non-Navi screen. The way Acura splits it is so awful (my preference only, not to offend anyone buying non-Navi). I wish Acura finds better ways to set up non-Navi screen and the clock screen on the dash board. That clock LCD of Non-Navi is another disaster, too.

You may need to compare with Navi and Non-Navi. The central console is really different.

Basically, I should say Navi gives you plenty of options to enjoy the trips and have the better interior looks for your modern car. My wife and I drive a lot during the weekend or holidays, we always try to get out of the city for some relax time. That's how I start to understand how good TL's Navi can bring to me. It's unnecessary to have it on all the time, especially in the familiar way to destinations, but it still provides you lots of fun rather than sitting in the car without anything you can do.

 

Has anyone tried the following to see if it works well? This product has been mentioned in other threads before.

http://www.avelectronic.com/products.htm

 

essential?.... no
worth the extra money?... yes

 

I drive mainly 20 miles each way 5 days a week to downtown Cincy - virtually all interstate. I do take 2 hour trips once a month or so with my wife and 2 kids in the car - longer trips we go in the Expedition. Most of the time I know where I'm going.

I love the look of the Navi in the dash and how the audio is integrated as well into the navi screen. However, for $3K. . . I don't know.

Also, I plan on keeping the car 7-8 years, so I doubt the navi technology will be worth much (probably obsolete) by 2011 anyway in terms of resale.

Also, anyone else have any thoughts about rear seat dealer installed DVD entertainment? Weird that the TSX and Accord have it as an option but the TL doesn't. Any dealers on here care to comment?

 

Whether you choose the Navi or non-Navi is a matter of personal need and preference. If you do a lot of travelling to unfamilar places, then the Navi can certainly be valuable and is worth the money in the long run. However, if you are commuting to and from work or mostly driving to places whose locations are familiar to you, then you may want to save the extra money ($2K can buy you a lot of accessories or DVD A disks!).

MY '04 TL is a non-Navi and it suits me just fine. The primary reason I chose the non-NAVI was that I had it in my '01 TL, and probably only used it once or twice during an entire year. I realize that the '04 Navi is far more sophisticated, but given that I primarily use the car to commute to and from work and to travel places I am familiar with, I really couldn't justify the additional $2K premium. If I do drive anywhere where I need detailed driving directions, I will typically get what I need from MapQuest.

Lastly, unlike most of the responses in this thread, I thought that the Navi screen in the '04 TL was too big. I test drove a Navi model and found the screen very distracting, but that is only my opinion.

As for the gentleman that commented that the non-Navi screen was badly designed, I couldn't disagree more. I find that is provides ample information for the climate control and audio system, is easy to read and is not distracting while driving. It is certainly a step up from other vehicles I test drove.

Hope this helps.

Greg S

2004 Acura TL 5SP/Non-navi
Redondo Red Pearl/Parchment
Deck Lid Spoiler
Body Side Molding
Splash Guards
Wheel Locks

 

It is a personal decision.

I went without the Navi. No need where I live and could spend the $3,000 on other items.

?? Is the future trade-in going to be worth $3,000 extra you paid?? NO, it will be less than the $2k sticker difference.

It is a great feature though, but you have to decide is it worth the money to YOU. For me it would have been a "toy" I would have used less than once a month. My price differential was even greater than the $3,000.

 

I saw it before, and wonder if anyone has done with it. Please post. Thanks.

 

i was in the same spot you are...did i want to wait?

ultimately, the answer was no...

i was originally concerned only the navi had the hands free and the descriptors for the xm tracks

however, the non-navi has hands-free, and the xm tracks, title, artist, etc are shown on the non-navi display

so it comes down to appearance on the dash of the navi unit, and the usefulness of the gps

if both cars were available right now, would i spend the extra 3k???...not quite sure....but since the navi was 6-8 weeks away, the decision was a little easier

 

Your definitely right. It's personal preference. $3k is a gap, and this won't lift your future sale tag (I'd like to say the Navi would have higher trade-in price than non-Navi, but it may only $1k difference, not $3k you've invested).

If you like to have $3k for other purposes, you should not regret not having Navi on your new TL.

 

I saw your picture here, it's great to have white on 18" wheel. Do you tint your windows? If so, do you think your guys doing the good works? Thanks.

 

Just curious - Is the differential for the Navi $2,000 or $3,000?

I thought the MSRP was $33,195, and $35,195 for the non-Navi and Navi, respectively?

Greg S

 

The price difference is $2000.

 

Jon is saying that he can get a TL with nav for $500 discount and without for $1500, making the Nav an additional $1K for a total of $3K.

 

Agreed. But it sounds to me like the non-Navi is the better deal. The dealer that is quoting Jon this these prices is out to make an additional grand.

Sounds to me like they taking advantage, since the demand for the Navi vehicles probably surpasses the supply.

I say get the car without the Navi, drive it and enjoy it now, and use MapQuest if you need directions (IMHO).

Greg S.

 

rets:

thanks for you comment on my WDP TL...windows were tinted by the dealer before i bought it...i have no details

gstais:

respectfully, i'm not sure how the dealer is 'taking advantage'...if the navi cars are in more demand, doesn't it make sense that the discount from msrp would be less...capitalism and all that

 

I see your point. However, the dealer I purchased my TL from did not discount from sticker. So, in my case, the differential would have been the $2000.

Don't let anyone kid you - dealers are making big profits on this vehicle, especially if you have a trade. That being said, I suppose that in the name of capitalism if they can make a bigger profit, more power to them.

I personally would not pay the additional premium, but then again the Navi was not a "must have" for me.

Again, only my opinion.

Greg S

 

Not sure I agree with your pricing... I just picked up a Navi for $1000 off of list, it took two weeks.

Of course, I live in LosAngeles and there are about 15 dealerships, so it was just waiting for one of them to get it in stock, and the total number of dealerships sure helped.

As to get it or not, my personal experience it to get it.
Sure, it's a great toy.
Sure it voice controls the stereo (CD PLAY DISC THREE TRACK TWO)

But the first time you NEED to know where you're going it becomes invaluable.

Not to forget some of the things that you just don't want to live without: "FIND NEAREST HOSPITAL" or "FIND NEAREST ATM"

I've had my car less than one week.
I NEEDED the navigation when I went to my boss's new house and had to be on time.
I found it very useful this week when I wanted to find my branch of my bank in a different city.
I love showing it off to my friends with the "FIND NEAREST MEXICAN RESTURANT" type stuff.

I did not consider resale value; but I did consider that it added about 7% to the cost and that was worth it for me.

-=Nick=-

 

Thanks for the opinions. Keep them coming. Still looking for someone with some info about the DVD Ent System and availability for the TL (since it is avail. on Accord and TSX as an accessory).

The most I can get off in Cincy on the Navi is $500 from sticker. Only 2 dealerships. Can get $1500 off nonnavis on the lot - they have about 15 at one dealer (no navis though, which is why they won't discount more than $500). So, yes, this makes it a $3000 decision. Tough one. I really wanted the Navi but for $3k difference, leaning toward not getting it.

 

Perhaps, you will really like Non-Navi plus one or two additional DVD LCD screen in the back. I think they may cost less than $3k.

I don't have further info or positive experience how to modify Navi to DVD screen. You may hate this if ppl confirm there is no way to change it, or it may spend more than $3k to accomplish this task.

Or 05 TL may have some update to it... but remember the law prohibits the manufacturer having DVD screen installed in the front. Any DVD screen stuff in the front should be completed only in after-market shop.

My 2cents...

 

Let me clarify - I'm not looking to modify any navi screen, just to get essentially the same DVD Entertainment system for the rear seats that is available as an Acura dealer installed accessory for the TSX, MDX and Accord. Curious as to why this isn't an accessory for the TL (yet).

 

I have never seen the DVD dealer installed rear seat accessory. Is this on the website or somewhere else for the TSX or Accord?? I would like to see what it is. Thanks.

 

Get the Navi. It adds so much to the car. Besides, an extra $2-3k spread out over 4 or 5 years ain't that bad imo.

 

Not mentioning u'd like to modify it, just a suggetsion, that's why you're here looking for. No offense at all.

TL isn't having the option, is it because TL is first year new?

There are too many designs Acura doesn't make final decisions yet. If you still remember, the original sticker had some features actually not on the car, then Acura re-provided the new sticker with matched features of current TL.

TL is new, still has lots of things to add/modify. I think.

 

As for the rear seat DVD ent. system, the TSX is a first year as well and the glossy 'Accessories' brochure for TSX shows a dealer installed rear seat DVD ent. system. The Accord also has this identical option that can be installed at the dealer. The TL accessories glossy at the dealer doesn't list it at all.

Still struggling with the Navi vs. non navi. Thanks to all for input. At least I know I love the TL, and I've driven the new 3, 5, G35, GS300, RX330, X5 and X3. TL for the price and features is the runaway winner. Only the bimmers are close and that is only because the drive is second to none.

 

I know lots of buyers having test-driving those cars prior to having 04TL. So did I. And, I totally understand what I may experience in this first year vehicle.

You may know those cars you test drive do not have the decent Navi as TL has. BMW 5 i-Drive sucks, the way G35 displays I don't like it, I don't know how big Lexus has but don't like it either.

Anyway, after weighting those features and price, TL seems to be the winner.

 

As someone said above,

Even if you just drive in your neighborhood and know your neighborhood without any problems, the NAVI will come in handy when you need to find something.. a store or whatever.

I needed to find a Kmart in a part of town I wasn't familiar in and there it was on Navo.

Same with so many other things...

Yes, it is a personal choice, and I do not think it is some kind of neccesity, butonce you have it you do not go back.

I used to carry around a Garmin portable Nav.

On another note, as far as it being obsolete in 7-10 years, the GPS system satellites and/or their replacements aren't going anywhere. they are used by the Govt and have all sorts of applications.

As for the NAVI aspect of the technology, maybe there will be a 3-d Navi like there is overseas... maybe it will animate the road or do funky things like tha tin the future, but we have voice commands and a great screen, so whatever new things Navi may add (that can not be put in by a software update) will be some enhancements but not anything that would render the thing obsolete... and of course we buy for today anyway right!

Mike

 

3D? Do you mean the display as G35 has? I prefer to having something better that that kind of 3D...

Also, 04TL Navi has the great combination with yellowbook-like database, which as MikeRadio mentioned, you will find 80% targets without struggling.

 

I had the same dilemma. In my case the difference to get/order the navi was $2400. My family encouraged me to "treat myself" which I ultimately did. In my case it added a 4 week (SSM car due in later this month) delay. It allowed me to scrape together a bigger deposit.

As far as treating the $3000 as an "investment", it just isn't. That would mean the $35K we shell out is also an investment! My salesguy did not influence me one way or another. however, after I told him I wanted navi, he did say the trade in valuewill be higher. In your case, if it adds $1000 trade in, then the cost to you would be $2000. Divide that out over time to find the true cost to you.

 

True cost to me is the gas and time savings when I need to find someplace in an area I do not know.

 

I have the nav system in our MDX and TSX and have ordered a TL with nav also. We've had the MDX since 2001. We have used and still use the nav a lot in each of the cars. Sometimes, instances just pop up and you can get there without folding a map over the steering wheel or stopping to ask directions. We lived in LA and now Phoenix and both areas are well mapped. We really got to depend on it; it will surprise you.
As for your DVD system question, I put a Blaupunkt DVD/CD/MP3 player, a Clarion flip down monitor, a rear view (color night vision)camera and a TV tuner in my MDX. This is similar to the factory installed entertainment system on the new MDX) Everything is routed through an aftermarket tuner which cost about $495. Installation was another $200. I can provide details if you're interested. There are some threads on the acuramdx.com forum.
We had a group buy of the tuner. You can also set it up to play on headrest mounted monitors. I haven't seen it offered on the TL dealer accessory list, but it is on the TSX list as is XM satellite radio and a handsfree cell phone system. The last two items are a deal makers on the TL, as far as I'm concerned. I'm a gadget guy.

 

I had originally ordered my TL without navigation, but after seeing so many pictures on this forum, I decided to have it added on. I know this is a terrible reason for spending $2000, but the navigation system really complements the high-tech interior of the car very nicely. Besides, even if you don't use the navigation that often, you still get voice commands and a touch screen to control just about everything else. Go for it!

EB

 

el_Bandito, the voice commands are there even without the nav.

 

el_Bandito, the voice commands are there even without the nav. however, my opinion is that the TL isn't the same car without the Nav. It's the main reason I bought my '00. Without it, the car is a nice sedan, but the Nav system makes it disctinctive. And Acura's is the best in the business.

 

Only HandsFreeLink voice commands are available without the NAV. Sound system, climate control, whatever else might be controlled by the NAVI unit voice commands aren't there in the non-Navi TL.

Mike

 

Is the there a way to set the Navi screen to always have the audio screen on? I don't always use the navi, but would like the audio screen on at all times just because I hate seeing a blank screen.

 

As stated before, NAV is entirely a personal preference. However, I can comment on utility.

My father makes his living using GPS technology every day, mapping and such. Current NAV software works reasonably well in areas that have been adequatley mapped and fed into the database. The areas I drive are often not in the database at all. When this occurs, the NAV systems I have used (unsure if they are all the same or differ slightly) give bogus directions. Even when the area is in the database, you will often get directions that are not the most direct or time-saving. Again, I haven't used this TL system (just deposited on a non NAV) so I could be wrong. If you are considering NAV, I recommend you look into this further.

For me, lack of NAV does not detract from any other features of the car. I can buy a map or use yahoo maps and still enjoy voice command stereo or phone use. Better still, I can use the portable GPS, and as technology improves I can take advantage of that. My bet is in 10 years this NAV in the dash will look like an 8-track tape player. By then, they should be smaller and possible multifunctional.

For appox $400-500 I can get the new PDA based GPS with voice, if I decide I really really have to get one. Many need no wires at all to operate inside the car. The extra $$ from having no monthly NAV fees will supplement my fuel cost ... if I don't get lost ;-)

Hope this helps.