Opinion on aftermarket Nav systems....

BigPete · 01-12-2005, 11:46 PM

I have a Titan LE that did not come with the navigation package. At the time, I didn’t think I needed it or would use it. About two months ago I bought a Lexus RX330 with the NAV package for the wife. After using the navigation unit from Lexus I fell in love with it. I know there a quite a few after market navigation units out there and I have been through about every post on here that pertains to it.

Could any one tell me what company comes the closest to resembling the Lexus navigation software as far as the visual options and the mapping?

I think I remember seeing the Eclipse? screen shot looking very similar to that of the Lexus but I don’t know how reliable it is.

I hear a lot about the Garmin 2620 and the Magellan Rodemate 700 but I think the screens are too small. I would like to get the Pioneer AVD-W6210 6.5" touch screen with the pioneer nav unit but I don’t know where to mount it. I like the idea of the AVIC-N1 but don’t like the idea of replacing the stock unit with one that is eye candy for thieves. I see a few that have installed the bezel that comes with the Nav package and mounting 7" screen inside. That looks the best but I don’t think the 6.5" touch screen will fit.

Any suggestions?

**lizardking** · 01-13-2005, 01:04 AM

The Eclipse is very high end but very expensive.. If you looking for a good Nav and not wanting a stand alone unit like the Garmin then go with the Eclipse you wont' be sorry...

*DCtitan* · 01-13-2005, 07:19 AM

the garmin comes with a case and stand that uses a sand bag that has grip if you put it in that shelf above your RF system then your good to go you and take it with you and it wont be eye candy for thieves and you can move it to other not that you would need it in the lexus though

BigPete · 01-13-2005, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCtitan

the garmin comes with a case and stand that uses a sand bag that has grip if you put it in that shelf above your RF system then your good to go you and take it with you and it wont be eye candy for thieves and you can move it to other not that you would need it in the lexus though

The other problem is the 3.5" tiny screen.

SarkaZm · 01-13-2005, 06:47 PM

I would say the Alpine or the Eclipse units are closest to the Lexus. The Alpine has a hide-away unit that can be mounted under one of your seats. The Avic-N1 unit is motorized and a portion of the faceplate comes off for "theft deterant". It is a pretty nive unit, my friend has one. The only thing I don't like is that the maps seem to be off or out of date, and the cooling fan for the unit is kind of noisy.

markislive78 · 01-13-2005, 07:10 PM

I used a flip up behind a custom peice of black mirror plexi-glass...i've had a few friends compliment me on my install. My screen is on my my site bellow.

Just wanted to throw that out there if you guys prefer a fold down. I like it cause the screen can fold down and it has a removable faceplate....I just don't like to advertise the radio it's worth 3,000 bucks alone w/the GPS.(OK actually i got it on ebay for 1,800 w/GPS)...And all of the installation work I did Besides it took me forever to install this stuff(GPS Brain/Headunit/Headunit Brain/sirrius module/4 channel Amp 1000w/all new speaker wiring w/4gauge power wire/Sub Box/Components antennas ect...)

SarkaZm · 01-13-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markislive78

I used a flip up behind a custom peice of black mirror plexi-glass...i've had a few friends compliment me on my install. My screen is on my my site bellow.

Just wanted to throw that out there if you guys prefer a fold down. I like it cause the screen can fold down and it has a removable faceplate....I just don't like to advertise the radio it's worth 3,000 bucks alone w/the GPS.(OK actually i got it on ebay for 1,800 w/GPS)...And all of the installation work I did Besides it took me forever to install this stuff(GPS Brain/Headunit/Headunit Brain/sirrius module/4 channel Amp 1000w/all new speaker wiring w/4gauge power wire/Sub Box/Components antennas ect...)

Looks good, How do you like your Chameleon's? Are you using the Dynomax Muffler or the banks?

1BadTitan · 01-13-2005, 10:12 PM

I have the double din eclipse, I love it. Its great. I've had it for a few days and use the nav everywhere I go, just for fun. Its very accurate.

BigPete · 01-13-2005, 10:32 PM

After looking into it, the Eclipse AVN2454 is the way to go. The navigation display is EXACTELY the same as the Lexus. All I would have to do is order the double din plate from Nissan and buy the AVN2454. Does the unit fit in with no problem ? I guess I woudl loose the CD changer but hey, its worth it. The only thing I would worry about is theft.

Thank you all who took the time to reply.

rod_b · 01-14-2005, 08:13 AM

Does anyone know if the Eclipse supports multi-zone...like nav in front while DVD is playing in the back?

TIsTAN · 01-14-2005, 08:56 AM

i will probably end up getting hte kenwood double din and nav units, but here is another choice. you can get the pioneer NAV-SYS620T system consisting on a touchscreen monitor and separate nav/dvd unit. custom mount it like the stock nav display and you'll get video too. i have only had the oem acura (ie alpine) nav system and that was pretty good.

**lizardking** · 01-14-2005, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rod_b

Does anyone know if the Eclipse supports multi-zone...like nav in front while DVD is playing in the back?

The Eclipse has dual CD slots so I imagine it does...

markislive78 · 01-14-2005, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarkaZm

Looks good, How do you like your Chameleon's? Are you using the Dynomax Muffler or the banks?

The Chameleon's sound good. I am will be using these 2 straight through bullet mufflers in place of the stock resonators. I don't want the banks to get much louder when i remove the stock resonatos. The dynomax should help deaden the sould while prividing straight through performance. I'm still waiting on parts to complete this mod. I will make up a how to along with all of the parts i used and mybe even a before and after dyno.

1BadTitan · 01-14-2005, 11:10 AM

Yea it fits great. I had the wrong holes lined up and started to lose my mind, but sat on it overnight and got it done easily the next day.

nmanley · 01-14-2005, 08:42 PM

I use a Garmin iQue 3600 PDA/GPS with the sandbag mount that just sits on the dash. It doesn't slide too much unless your being aggressive and it does more than just navigate (PDA). If you get a large memory card 512mb+ you can load a LOT of extra details about places you plan to use the system in. I'm very pleased with it as I can just pop it off and hide it when parked and I can also do searches and setups with it off the mount so I can still drive while doing it.

I looked at a cool Nav system a Bass Pro Shop in Las Vegas today. It has a touch screen and windows like format. $999 was the cost. Heres a link to it http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catal...=SearchResults