Mazda NB1 - Pro

[Kedis82ZE8]

Fortunately I haven't experienced the issues that would make someone consider selling their CX-5. The NB1 has so far delivered what I need it to do. At least the system is upgradeable with aftermarket. Think of the all the other cars that are so integrated into the screen of the infotainment system that there is no way you can get beyond your issues aside from an expensive replacement of unit or the vehicle itself. I plan to keep this vehicle 10+ years. It is reassuring to me that this single component isn't a reason to sell at a future failure date.

I think every day about the cost of fixing the system in my '07 G35x when it's platter based HD finally fails. It's not exactly an easy drive to pull out and clone the drive data and it's QNX OS before this failure. I still have some warranty left so may consider in 2 years.

EDIT: You can't just purchase the hard drive for the Infiniti. It would require a $2-3K replacement of the entire NAV, radio, climate control, voice control...etc.

 

[Skorpio]

That's a good prospective view it this matter. Many complain of how bad the infotainment is. But to me, it is adequate, and replaceable if intolerable. I know, some people say, "I paid $xxxx and the car should be perfect", but they are picky like me, I know no vehicle is perfect for me. And that's why I say, "that's why the aftermarket exists." The things that can't be bought, like steering and driving feel and a quick, smooth shifting transmission are more important in my buying decision.

 

[metalfab]

The unit should work properly. Its like buying a convection oven and the fan doesn't work. Sure, it can still cook the food, just not as evenly or as fast. Would you want it replaced or repaired? Of course you would. Maybe discount the car by not including the infotainment system in the purchase. Why pay for something that is not working as it should?

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

IMO Android Auto & Carplay will go a long way to addressing these types of issues in the future. The proprietary model has it's limits.

 

[d3finit]

I think every day about the cost of fixing the system in my '07 G35x when it's platter based HD finally fails. It's not exactly an easy drive to pull out and clone the drive data and it's QNX OS before this failure. I still have some warranty left so may consider in 2 years.

EDIT: You can't just purchase the hard drive for the Infiniti. It would require a $2-3K replacement of the entire NAV, radio, climate control, voice control...etc.

All that work, and you still wouldn't have iPod/iPhone integration, USB, and Bluetooth music streaming. It's one of the reasons why I decided to sell my '07 G35x with its antiquated infotainment system-- that and the continuously leaky air conditioning. I spent way too much time browsing the Infiniti forums to see if you could retrofit an '08+ system, and it seems virtually impossible or far too cost prohibitive.

So far, I'm satisfied with the CX-5's system, despite some of its shortcomings. Glad to know I could upgrade/replace the unit down the line if I wanted to.

And I too hope that Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay will address many of the issues we have with in-car entertainment systems as a whole. Just have a dumb screen in the dash, and let your phone or mobile device be the brains of the system.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

Yeah.. the closest I can get to streaming is using the console RCA jacks on the AUX port. I can at least feed my Pandora through that. I've used the CF slot and Music Box (Ripped music on nav drive) for the most part over the years for music. I see they no longer offered Music Box after 2011 or so.


I wonder if Infiniti saw this coming?

Ford and GM sued for millions over CD-ripping tech in cars
http://www.computerworld.com/articl...or-millions-over-cd-ripping-tech-in-cars.html

All that work, and you still wouldn't have iPod/iPhone integration, USB, and Bluetooth music streaming. It's one of the reasons why I decided to sell my '07 G35x with its antiquated infotainment system-- that and the continuously leaky air conditioning. I spent way too much time browsing the Infiniti forums to see if you could retrofit an '08+ system, and it seems virtually impossible or far too cost prohibitive.

EDIT: On my G35 I had my compressor clutch seize, break off and discharge the AC system. Thankfully that $1600 repair was under warranty.

 

[craigo]

IMO Android Auto & Carplay will go a long way to addressing these types of issues in the future. The proprietary model has it's limits.

Carplay doesn't address the body control though - the CX5's is very simple, only managing some things like lights and door locks, but many vehicles have an interface for things like the air conditioning among others. The whole industry could benefit by a lot of standardization of things like body control protocols so one could drop a new unit in without losing any functionality. We expect our vehicles to last 10+ years, but all of these info units will be very obsolete at that age.

The resale market value will surely suffer for a car thats locked into an ancient system because that's how you adjust the AC temp.