I'm looking to buy an '06 TL 6mt, but I'm not sure if I want to get one with the NAV or not... I thought that the NAV would be nice, since everything seems integrated, and you can give voice commands... But, I've read through some gripes about the current NAV.

1. Should I get a TL with a NAV pre-installed and just do some hacks and upgrades and what not?

2. Any hacks or upgrades for realtime traffic?

3. Or, should I just get a non-NAV, and install an in-dash NAV? Any suggestions?

 

Personally, I love my nav, I dont use it all the time, but it's nice when you need it for something. I think having nav is nice because it helps in resell value (personal thought) and I dont think there is any hacks for realtime traffic currently.

Clearly the In-dash Nav is going to be less costly, but like i said the Nav is nice.

There's my .02c

 

If you go the non-navi route it's more expensive to install the oem nav unit after the fact. I have an 04 and wish I had gotten navi in it.

 

I love my nav.. the non-nav look in 04-06 isn't as pleasing on the eyes imho

 

As others have said, get the navi! Wasn't sure it was going to be worth the extra $$'s at first, but I've never regretted the decision and use it a whole lot more than I ever thought I would. In fact, I'll never buy another car without it. BTW, some will argue that you're better off with something like a Garmin, but I really like the integrated system, larger display, etc.

 

Get the Navigation. Likes others have said .. they don't use it all the time but when you do .. it's really a big help. Plus, it makes you car look MUCH more luxurious and high tech .

 

get the nav u'll regret it if you dont

 

I'm sorry... I didn't really word this properly. I know that I am getting a NAVI, but I want to know if I should get the OEM or an aftermarket in-dash navi...

 

Oem.

 

I think everyone that's been chiming in has basically been suggesting that you get the OEM Nav (I'll add my voice to the chorus on this, BTW). The integration of the system into the overall technology of the car just makes it so much more worth it than to try to cobble some after-market solution together. Best of luck on your decisions!

 

Well, if you get the non-nav, you can do like I did and put in a computer and touchscreen giving you nav, music, video, Internet, real-time traffic, email and a whole lot more. I did that all for less than the cost of OEM nav.

 

+1 on the OEM Navi. Have it in my TL and wouldn't want it any other way.

 

kevinDGP: let's see some pics of your computer set up...

 

Here you go. I moved the radio/HVAC information LCD down below to where the storage compartment was and put a touch screen in the hole that was left. The computer is in the trunk. I've since painted the computer black so it looks better. I'm using a Sprint USB aircard for always on Internet. This isn't really for the faint of heart, but it's well worth it if you have the inclination. There's a lot to be learned at the www.mp3car.com forums.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...6/Carputer.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...876/Screen.jpg

 

wow... that seems like a lot of work. But, the screen looks nice! Too bad the computer takes up so much trunk space... You could always try to go without a spare tire and squeeze it in there, but then you'd be scrood if you got a flat...

 

+1 for OEM.

 

It was a fair amount of work, but like I said it allows me to do just about anything I can think of. I don't need the trunk space for anything so don't mind having it back there. I was able to do it all for less than the cost of the OEM nav.

 

The TL has one of the best NAV's around, I don't think I'd enjoy my car half as much without the it. Another important thing to consider is that screen does a lot more than just show maps, the audio screens and phone book import features get more use in my car than the maps...

*

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again.................

The best part about getting the Navi is that you'll never be one of the 10's of 1000's that didn't who looked back afterwards and banged their heads into the wall wishing they had.

Why do you think the vast majority of used 3G TL's for sale out there are Non-Nav units?
.
.

 

DMZ, you never seem to disappoint with these navi threads.


+1 for OEM navi.

People who don't have nav want nav. People who do have nav complain about it. It's a forum. It's just natural for people to find something to complain about.

Only if you are really tech savy enough to use all of the features of a carputer all the time would I recommend that. Trying to integrate anything aftermarket will require a lot of time and effort.

If you really want MP3, XM traffic, and a newer interface, go with the '07 TL.

Good luck on the decision.

 

I have a lot of complaints about the navi, but I'd still say buy the nav vs. the non-nav, since first of all, the 04-06 non-nav's look awful - a big blank square with two little rows of information (slightly improved in the '07, but still a poor excuse for what should be there). I'm loving the Audio display side of things too -esp. XM radio display.

Even the nav itself is not too bad ... it will get you where you want to go, once you know the address. Where it falls down is on the 'finding places' side of things, but you can call 411 and get the address for $1 a call, or use a phone browser and google local. I personally keep my old portable navi with me, and use it's far superior lookup (address finding) features for anything challenging (the garmin NUVI has an awesome battery and is pocket-sized). I also find that the voice activation works pretty well, at least in the '07.

Eventually, when I get up the courage, I will build a 'carputer' and stick it in the trunk, but use the existing built-in display rather than deal with dash adapters, etc.

Now, if there were a 'drop in place' modular replacement, I'd jump all over it in a heartbeat - but it seems the setup is way too proprietary for that.

 

If you're referring to upgrading the '04/5/6 Navi to the '07 with the Nav Traffic and the additional voice commands, whomever figures that one out will be able to count me in.

 

I am totally against TL Navi. That software is the worst ever. I am very regretting having it. I have tried many time looking for Walmart, bestbuy, etc.. IT would take me to another state. I agree with aftermarket. I rather put a new Navi with Carputer to it. Save some money on NOn Navi and get a Carputer with navi. Garmin is my choice if you travel alot.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...line+converter

Check this out.

 

If you have plenty of nerve, skills, money and time you could install a better system for sure. I think your issue is how you go about searching for things. The system does not respond to a 'logical' search. You have to try something like searching by distance or city. It's not perfect but is one of the very best factory units.

Oh, this is another vote for OEM Navigation/Information System.

 

I bought an 07 AV6 EX-L w/Navi, after which I purchased a Tom Tom One for use in my Murano/Civic. Honestly, I find the TT1 to be on par with the OEM unit in my Accord....and this is a basic Tom Tom model.

Other than the bling factor of having that Navi screen adorning my center console, I think I would have been just as satisfied with the utility and practicality of TT1.