What are the pros and cons of getting a car with a GPS/navigation unit , are they worth the extra upgrade?

Question

What are the pros and cons of getting a car with a GPS/navigation unit , are they worth the extra upgrade?

Answer 1

The GPS/Nav systems installed in cars today are a very expensive option.   In the new Honda Accord for example, the Nav option adds $2200 to the price of the car.  You can buy an very good Nav system at Best Buy for less than $500.

Personally I don't see why they are so popular.  I think it's a gimmicky fad to have a computer screen on your dash. So What!!!  Unless you are traveling a lot or have a tendency to get lost in your own town, I don't understand why you would need a GPS unit.

I would never pay extra for the Nav option if I were buying a new car.

Answer 2

Too expensive.  Most windshield mount can be bought for about $200 to $500.  And they can be carried with you when you go on vacation.

The good thing about in-dash GPS is that (1) it is always on so there no sat tracking time (2) they are large so easier to see (3) brighter so easier to see in day light (4) don't block windshield view.

The windshield GPS are cheap, portable, but small view screen, not too bright for daylight operation. Also most people do NOT leave them on (for months) until needed. Then it takes long time (like up to 1/2 hour) to resync with the satellite.  By that time you are either late or already at your destination.

Also my friend's in dash module was damaged when they try to steal it.  She had total of $2,500 damage from this one attempt.

Good Luck...

Answer 3

I personally bought my Acura with the GPS pre-installed in there because I like how the screen is a lot bigger than the portable ones (I have really bad eyes).  The GPS added an additional $2200 to the total cost of the car so you decide whether or not it's worth it to have it in your car.  It's all a personal preference.

Answer 4

Well, firstly, how often do you use a GPS?

I have seen people I work with using the GPS to come to and from work. Now,  I can go to work with my eyes shut. I dont need a robotic voice saying turn here, slow down, etc etc.

I use my N95 for GPS when I need it. I've owned it 18months and used it once.

I would use a portable unit. You can take it out when you get out of the car, use it in friends cars, sync it with the pc to download and sell it if you dont need it, or if you want to upgrade.

Add to that, you can now buy portable GPS units from Aldi (Aus equiv to Walmart) for under $200.

Answer 5

I heard those upgrades were pretty expensive. With the rapid changes and construction taking place everywhere, it's just not worth it. I own a Blackberry cell phone, which has the best GPS Navigation system known to man. It automatically updates free of charge to the customer and is very accurate. It's much better than the vehicle GPS systems.

Answer 6

getting a car with a built in GPS Sat NAV is a GOOD move.

OK it may cost you £1000 but you get a screen of say 7" when a tom tom manages 3.5". Also they ARE covered by your vehicles warranty either for 3,5,8 or even 12 years (mine is 8)

its NOT possible to rip out an inbuilt GPS its part of the car and distributed so its in many locations (mine has 5 and the screen is also the speed so wont work with anything else),

you cannot tell mine has a sat nav until you use it! so its SAFE from theft. the only units stolen are the portable ones as they can be sold in the pub. and are more obvious as they have the cradle to give them away.

you INCREASE the resale value of the car over one without the sat NAV by £1500 (True from experience)

you also are NOT at risk of being prosecuting for using it while driving as the laws for mobile phones are used on handheld sat navs. I know of 5 people who have points for using a satnav while  driving - 2 with smart phones, Treo and N95, and 3 with TomTOms. A inbuilt one is legally limited so you cannot set destination while moving so its impossible to get prosecuted.

also they use the vehicles sensors to work out your position if it loses the GPS signals Tom Toms etc cannot do this.

The myth about not being up-datable is also not true. also the update costs on these are the same as Tom Tom, I got all of Europe for mine  on 4 DVDs which took 30 seconds to install for £120 and Tom Tom wanted £150!!

Also the myth that you can get immediate replacement for a faulty had help is wrong all stores take it back for repair then POST you either the fixed unit or a replacement this take s14 days. So having it inbuilt and needing a dealer trip (next day) if it fails is actually faster. Also as the units are built in the are more protected and so less likely to develop faults or damage!

if your never plant to sell your car are short of money or a cheapskate then save your cash. but if you want the extra convenience more readable screen and a much better resale value go for the inbuilt one.

Answer 7

Forget a dealer installed one. They are way overpriced.

You can get the best GPS available aftermarket for about 1/3 of the cost ($700) and can set it up to work in multiple cars.

Answer 8

I personally wouldn't buy an in dash GPS from the manufacturer.

1.  GPS units are among the #1 item stolen.  They will rip it out of your dash.  A "portable" unit can be taken with you, stuck under the seat or locked in the glove compartment.  Just be sure to take the suction cup mount down also = tell tale sign you have a GPS.  

2.  Your GPS unit is stuck with that vehicle.

3.  The dealer must to the updates and so forth because you can't take it in your home and hook it up to your computer.  Potential for extra costs.

4.  GPS units have so many options now.  A nice but simple unit will only cost you a few hundred dollars.

5.  If something happens to your GPS and it needs replaced, you're stuck with replacing with the auto dealer.  Install fees and all that will be huge if not covered by warranty.

6.  If you're traveling and your GPS takes a dive, you're stuck.  Even with a warranty.  You'd have to find a dealer, make an appointment, they would most likely have to order the offending item and you're looking at a couple of weeks.  With a portable GPS bought from a store like Best Buy or Circuit City with their extended warranty, you can go into any of their stores and get a replacement right away.  

Hope this helps!