What do you think of the Nissan Navigation System

[markinho]

Here's an add-on to a recent thread I posted about some questions I have concerning purchasing a 4X2 LE CC right here .

What do you think about the stock OEM Nissan NAV unit? If you have it, do you find it to be useful, practical, and worth the $2K? Or do you think that the NAV option is overpriced compared to aftermarket units despite the other Titan-specific functions offered by the OEM unit (tire pressure monitoring, etc.) If you have a Titan without the stock NAV unit, do you wish that your Titan had included it right off the lot?

I am in a predicament whereby I would ideally like a stripped-down 4X2 LE CC and bench seats with the only option being the Side Airbags Package. Unfortunately these vehicles are not common and this numerical scarcity may make them difficult to find and, if I do, work out a competitive price.

There are, however, many 4X2 LE CC Titans with Side Airbags, Big Tow, NAV, and Sunroof at dealers throughout my region here in the Bay Area, but these vehicles cost roughly $3K to $4K more than my preferred option. I do not tow and, other than the improved visibility offered by the tow mirrors, do not see any advantages to having the Big Tow package, especially since it has been related elsewhere that the Big Tow option potentially may reduce MPG by maintaining higer RPMs at highway speeds. The jury is out on the NAV unit as far as I am concerned, especially because of the price and because I would be interested in gutting the entire RF sound system and starting over--but I would have a hard time justifying doing so after I just spent a wad of cash on a NAV-equipped vehicle.

So here are my options:

1. Purchase the vehicle I need with Side Airbags only and use the extra money to purchase a bed cover, rack, and upgraded sound. Disadvantage = hard to find and, potentially, more expensive if I tip my hand to a dealer that such a configuration is exactly what I want. On the other hand, many other Titan buyers may dislike an LE with such Spartan options, meaning that dealers may be willing to sell me such a vehicle at discounted price.

2. Spend an extra $3K on the NAV + Sunroof + Big Tow LE. Disadvantage = less $$$ for desired accessorising AND inability to upgrade RF HU as effectively as stripping it. NAV won't work without its Siamese twin the RF HU.

3. Wait until 2006 to see if the options packages are more favorable to my unusual preferences.

If you've got an opinion or comment on the Titan NAV system, or if you have any general advice concerning this dilemma, I'd sure like to hear what you've got to say.

Thanks ahead of time,

Mark

[bestatchess]

I think you can get a nicer stereo w/NAV by going aftermarket:

For example:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SE5623W...enwood+car+dvd

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-SE5623W...ch=kenwood+GPS

$1,200 + $1,200 = $2,400 which I think compares favorably with RF + OEM NAV. You would still also likely be adding amp(s) & replacement speakers & sub(s) in either case. You can probably save a few bucks by buying somewhere other than Crutchfield.


I think Big Tow is a good deal if you are going to be towing compared to buying the parts separately. Big Tow mirrors are expensive and I don't think you can even get the trans temp gage. Obviously, if you never tow, it would be a waste.

[Vector]

I really like the features and benefits the Nav unit provides. The upside to it is all the extra features that they have on it like Milage, distance to empty, MPG, Tire Pressures etc.........

The usual GPS stuff applies. Its updatable VIA Nissan (new DVD is $178) So it will never get outdated.
There are a lot of convenient features such as the ability to search for Restauraunts, bank/ATM locations/Gas Stations. So if you are in need while on the road, you can easily locate these items.

Now the down side to it:

Its going to be a pain in the A$$ to install a professional sound system in the vehicle while retaining the Nav system. The system uses the Rockford $hitgate stereo for some of its functions, so you cant remove one without loosing the other. So if you plan on doing a huge audio system, you may want to avoid the Nav System. I bought the truck with it because it was a left over vehicle on the lot that was FULLY LOADED! My dealer made me an offer I could not refuse.

[titan33]

I thought someone on this forum installed an aftermarket deck with the factory nav unit. they even posted a picture.

[TXTitan05]

One of these days I am going to break down and buy a GPS. I like this one and you can move it from one vehicle to another. On the other hand the OEM GPS has so many functions which relate directly to the Titan. Good luck!

http://www.lowrance.com/Automotive/P...s/iWAY500C.asp

[mtbendo]

The factory NAV is overpriced IMHO as is most of the factory options however it is integrated nicely with everything else which is a plus if you don't intend to upgrade your stereo. Compared to the Honda NAV, the Nissan NAV is behind the ball. The joystick is cumbersome and there seems to be fewer "points of interest" available. Despite these "inconviences", I enjoy having the NAV, particularly on long, not too well planned out trips.

[tstormchaser]

I bought my 2004 LE CC last July and it was pretty much just the base LE package, nothing else. I bought a NAV unit off Ebay for $350 and it works great. Plus I can move it from one vehicle to another. I decided that I didn't want to pay 4K extra for stuff I really didn't want or need.