I have a 2006 Acura TL. It has the basic console. I would like to add navigation, a rear view camera, and an alarm. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I go to the Acura dealer or try something else?
Thanks

 

It will take a lot of money and knowhow (and I'm not kidding), The dealership is clearly not the place to go, and if going to an aftermarket radio/ installation shop, realize it will cost quite a bit (without exaggeration, likely in the $2000 range for everything). First, you have to source a Navi screen and Nav DVD player, all the harnesses, and then have someone install it all. If you go aftermarket, you will have non standard navi controls, and then you won't know if it'll work with your existing HFL (likely won't). As far as a back up camera, it's been done with a lot of folks with nav units, again, with a lot of people here doing the installation themselves. I got a quote from one of my local shops, and for the $700 quoted (my car has Nav), it's really not worth the benefit (to me) for a back up camera.

As far as what I'd do (again, if it were me and my car was non Navi):
-I'd get an iSimple or USA Spec adapter so you can play your iPod /iPhone (unless you have an Android phone)
-Add Bluetooth functionality to the adapter above (generally, very easy to do)
-Use smartphone (assuming you have one) as Nav with appropriate app and this can act as your Nav which will give instructions over the stereo speakers and quiet the music at the same time.

The absolute easiest thing to do: get a Garmin or TomTom and plug it in (cheapest option as well). There are also aftermarket rear view mirrors with the back up camera built in, but in reality, it's a small image you likely won't appreciate.

Read some of the DIYs on the 3G garage to get an idea what can be done to this car (actually, quite a bit), but it will take you to get familiar with the car to do some of the work, otherwise, you'll be giving a lot of money to shops for the work.

By the way, the TL has a factory security system but if you want to add to it, you can add shock sensors for not too much $$$

 

Check this:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/completed-non-navi-factory-navi-conversion-600316/

Just to give you an idea. Everything you mention can be done (it's all possible), but it's just a matter of how much you're willing to spend.

 

erdoc48,
Thanks very much for your suggestions
Unfortunately, I am 66 and have arthritis, so I'll have to pass on the sweat equity portion, especially when it involves crawling around under the dashboard.
So that leaves the dealer or the aftermarket radio/ installation shop.
I mentioned three things: navigation, a rear view camera, and an alarm. I also thought of a remote that would start the car and the AC or heater before I go outside.
Do you think the dealer can do some or all of these for under $2000? Do you recommend an aftermarket shop for any of them?
Thanks

 

In truth, the auto / remote start and extra alarm equipment like shock sensors should be easy for any shop to do. As far as factory nav and back up camera with installation, it's not likely to cost under $2000. You might have more success aftermarket with a new head unit and camera. I'm not sure what state you're in, so I can't specifically recommend a radio shop.

The cheap and easy way to go is what I had indicated earlier.

 

Thanks again, erdoc48
FYI I am in Reno, NV, in case you know a good shop here. I'll check with the dealership and the shops about the remotes and shock sensors.