2013 Mazda 5 no Navigation?

[mazdapeace]

Hi guys - new poster and forum member here. I apologize if this has been already asked before. I'm just curious why there's no GPS/Navigation on any models sold here in the USA? Can the dealers install one as an option? Thanks in advanced.

 

[Vasy]

Hi guys - new poster and forum member here. I apologize if this has been already asked before. I'm just curious why there's no GPS/Navigation on any models sold here in the USA? Can the dealers install one as an option? Thanks in advanced.

Short answer: No.
My thread on doing it with link to product: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...all-aftermarket-stereo-on-a-2012-2013-Mazda-5
They actually have a better head unit now with faster CPU. Shipping from China was only like 4 days as they used DHL.
In their infinite wisdom, they removed navigation form packaging in 2012... same as not providing sky active engines... total BS if you ask me

 

[njaremka]

i would skip the navigation, unless you ABSOLUTELY OMG!! NEEEEED!!!!! navigation integrated into the dash. it's generally cheaper to purchase an aftermarket unit, and much easier to upgrade when needed.

 

[mazdapeace]

Thanks for the quick response guys.

@Vasy - I saw your posting before and I really really like that one.

@njaremka - You are absolutely correct. Its just a matter of preference I guess.

 

[Davicho]

OEM navigation is useless for the most part. It gets outdated quickly and it's expensive to update. My iPhone works flawlessly propped up on the information screen section of the dash.

 

[DougNuts]

I agree that factory navigation is a negative rather than a plus. I've seen articles which claimed that nav equipped used cars were selling for less than non-equipped cars. I know that I specifically searches for a GT without nav.

Now if only I could bypass the automatic wipers and have normal intermittent......

 

[Vasy]

I agree that factory navigation is a negative rather than a plus. I've seen articles which claimed that nav equipped used cars were selling for less than non-equipped cars. I know that I specifically searches for a GT without nav.

Now if only I could bypass the automatic wipers and have normal intermittent......

It really depends. Older build-in factory navigations sucked when it came to software updates.
New Mazda navigatons are tom-tom and updates are supposedly easy and available.

Aftermarket are nicer often as updates are so much easier often come with extra functions or customization as many of them just run windows ce. Also updating is easy with wide choice of the software if the stock is not your cup of coffee.
Also with the new breed of android based navigation units coming to the market, using google maps is very nice in a car.
I had external navigation (phone) and it is such bad device to use. screen is too small, always needs to be charged, cant hear directions if you have radio on.
After find both, I find build-in units of a ggod quality are FAR superior to the external units.
With phones you also need to have to either pay for software or pay for live data and if you drive to area with no coverage or expensive off your home network data charges, build-in units really shine.

 

[Mopho]

Now if only I could bypass the automatic wipers and have normal intermittent......

(huh) I believe mine has both ( it doesn't rain much here, so haven't used them yet )



.

 

[Bodgerx]

Strangely enough, here in the UK, the ONLY Mazda5 model you can buy is one with Nav. It is a Sanyo model with integrated TomTom, so it's not exactly OEM.

You could try your luck with one of these Chinese devices that have all the integrated moldings for the dashboard.

 

[mazdapeace]

Thanks once again for all the responses. We are planning ahead for a December purchase. Still not decided between the Mazda 5 or Subaru. We don't change cars as often as some here in SoCal. The new purchase will replace our 12 year old CRV which will be given to our daughter. We wanted to purchase a car that would last us the same.

 

[Vasy]

Actually I also find that "navigation" in itself is just another feature, not always have to use it.
The decks that have it, tend to have other good features as well. Although this is not necessary the case always.
But having a screen gets you ability to add/have movie playback, backup camera, picture viewer, air TV with HD antenna and other features not usually found on the plain decks.

 

[DougNuts]

It really depends. Older build-in factory navigations sucked when it came to software updates.
New Mazda navigatons are tom-tom and updates are supposedly easy and available.

Ah, good point! I should try to refrain from generalities, especially when 3-10 year old information may not apply anymore or with specific cars.

 

[aha]

mazdapeace - yup, no built-in navi and no easy place to put your portable navi on the dash either (freak). but, no worries - there's a vent gps mount which is sturdy enough since the gps or phones are lightweight these days. Google maps on android/iphone works well but the caveat is data plan (hope it's unlimited) and it relies on phone signal. At the end I always put a stand alone gps for just in case. Have you checked out the 5 yet? One of its best feature to me is the hidden storage under the 2nd row seats. But, the subaru will give you possibly slightly better MPG or better performance if you opt for the turbo (smoke)

 

[torquelover]

OEM navigation is useless for the most part. It gets outdated quickly and it's expensive to update. My iPhone works flawlessly propped up on the information screen section of the dash.

What he said. My wife uses her smartphone in the same location, has one of those super sticky rubber pads there to keep her phone propped up sideways wide-screen style. First two rows can see it from there, too.

She calls it Lola, for those who have seen and can relate to the movie "RV".

 

[Silentnoise713]

There's a price to be paid for integration and often it is worth it. That said, even if Mazda offeres an option it will be overpriced and very limited to bells and whistles that you can do better in the aftermarket world. An aftermarket Android wifi based unit works well since it is easily upgradable and Google maps with traffic is fantastic! Teather the unit to your smart phone and you have access to the "cloud" for inlimited audio/video -unless you are in the farm lands.

 

[fanbanlo]

I couldn't care less about GPS but backup camera should be mandatory in 2013/2014!

Which one is the best in-dash head unit with gps and support for backup camera?

 

[Rally Man]

What's wrong with turning you head while pulling out? It's not like we have huge blind spot on our cars. (dunno)

 

[fanbanlo]

What's wrong with turning you head while pulling out? It's not like we have huge blind spot on our cars. (dunno)

Well, I sort of agree, but having a camera would take the guessing away. So you know there are no little kids behind your car, or know where the curb is exactly.

 

[MarkVII88]

There are a couple things I am giving some serious thought to installing in my 2012 Mazda5 once spring rolls around. A backup cam is definitely one of them. I've got 5% tint on all rear windows and even with upgraded LED reverse bulbs installed, it's tough to see out at night. I don't plan to change the OEM stereo so I'd be looking to get a mirror monitor and wire it into the reverse lights for power.

Well, I sort of agree, but having a camera would take the guessing away. So you know there are no little kids behind your car, or know where the curb is exactly.

 

[Vasy]

What's wrong with turning you head while pulling out? It's not like we have huge blind spot on our cars. (dunno)

Try it at night with 5% tint with a Bentley behind you in a tight spot (puke)
Can you do it, probably yes, but why

Just the other day my car got hit by a lady backing up... sorry... I did not see it... oops... So she could have used it. hehehe

One time it works for you in a life time of the car, it pays for itself even if you had low deductible.