Navigation: OEM or Aftermarket?

[EwingSpeed3]

I am nearing the moment I am ready to go in to get a Speed3 and this question is really torturing me so I'd really appreciate some real world and first hand feedback. Also, comments like "navigation is stupid" or "I don't need that" or "get a map" are not necessary. I want navi.

OEM: The factory system seems barely ok. Nav systems on other car brands have gotten a lot better and I know the aftermarket ones have more features, etc. etc. but I believe there is a lot to be said for OEM fit & finish and looks. I think that the clean stock look is great and I actually lean towards this option as I don't want to tear up the console and have half the LCD not work or not be able to adjust the clock now, etc. For now, I am partial to going OEM. But....

My second option is going with a system like the Pioneer Avic-D3. I really like the iPod interface, optional bluetooth adapter for my phone and upgraded nav system. The drawbacks are the I have not seen a really clean install of this yet on a Mazdaspeed3 yet. I would love to hear from some Avic D3 owners and maybe see some pics of their installs. Also comments on the LCD screen? I've also read that there are problems with the Speed3 because of trouble finding the VSS wire? Has this been figured out? How accurate is this system really as far a navigating? This is a strong second option for me.

My third option is going with a portable system like a high end Garmin Nuvi 700 series system or a Magellan. The obvious drawbacks with these are the fact that you have this kinda of eyesore sticking out from your windshield and also wires running around in addition to the mandatory radar detector that I'll have. The upsides are better features than stock and of course, the portability. I would love to see some pics of these as well if anyone has found some imaginative install of one of these.

In making any recommendations, please don't take costs into consideration. I have a budget allocated to Navi and would like to just hear peoples personal experiences with each of these systems rather than a cost analysis because again, cost is not a consideration for me with this particular thing. Thanks in advance to the helpful people.

 

[speed3shon]

if i had no cost concerns, i would have an avic-d3 installed, if cost isnt a concern, it can be done to look very clean... but that means no "dash-kit", it would have to be custom.

 

[mrlilguy157]

i've got the OEM navigation.

i never looked at any other cars with OE nav's, but i'm very very pleased with the OEM unit.

there is a switch mod to allow you to input destinations while driving, and also units which allow you to use it as a monitor for video games/dvd's/or reverse camera. the whole shabang for under $600 easily.

i wouldn't go with anything else. the dash kits look terrible, the plastics don't match at all and it looks really really cheap. you can get a DIN to replace the spot where the OE nav would be, but that is way up high and lame looking IMO too.

 

[EwingSpeed3]

i've got the OEM navigation.

i never looked at any other cars with OE nav's, but i'm very very pleased with the OEM unit.

there is a switch mod to allow you to input destinations while driving, and also units which allow you to use it as a monitor for video games/dvd's/or reverse camera. the whole shabang for under $600 easily.

i wouldn't go with anything else. the dash kits look terrible, the plastics don't match at all and it looks really really cheap. you can get a DIN to replace the spot where the OE nav would be, but that is way up high and lame looking IMO too.

Well this helps a great deal! If I can actually add some features to the OEM unit that makes it that much more attractive. Can you give me some more info on that switch you're talking about? My fiancee has a CX-7 with the stock navi and that is our biggest pet peeve, having to pull over for me to input something for her. Also, I would love to add a rear view camera, do you have the specific info on how to play DVD's and add a rear view camera? I would like to start researching them and getting everything ready so I can have all ready when I pull the trigger. Thanks for your help!

 

[EwingSpeed3]

Anyone seen these videos? The first one shows some guy apparently getting into a diagnostic menu within the Nav that is showing real live info on what the vehicle is doing from the speed in MPH and KMH and the gyro sensors on the Nav and more. One the second one, you can see he's somehow overruled the Nav speed lockout and is able to fully use the Nav while at speed. Sorry if it's been posted before but I haven't found it anywhere. I don't suppose anyone knows how to do this?????


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JbvgDztkpo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XsBD6IUnOw

 

[Haltech]

i've got the OEM navigation.

i never looked at any other cars with OE nav's, but i'm very very pleased with the OEM unit.

there is a switch mod to allow you to input destinations while driving, and also units which allow you to use it as a monitor for video games/dvd's/or reverse camera. the whole shabang for under $600 easily.

i wouldn't go with anything else. the dash kits look terrible, the plastics don't match at all and it looks really really cheap. you can get a DIN to replace the spot where the OE nav would be, but that is way up high and lame looking IMO too.

Hey homo, wheres the switch mod? I never found it! Later dude