new in dash for the 3's

[july_favre]

Some good info on the "caradvanced" unit now being sold on autodvdgps-
http://www.autodvdgps.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=55&products_id=359

 

[Xgrunt]

here you go day pic no flash

You have had this unit for some time now, do you have any issues or complaints? Is there anything that you wish it had? How is the GPS? This would probably be the most important feature for me.

 

[240ka]

all about doing abit of searching and hustling.

just bought a Pioneer Z1 in perfect condition for $600. cant wait for my kanatech kit to arrive and get my system installed

 

[djm3]

You have had this unit for some time now, do you have any issues or complaints? Is there anything that you wish it had? How is the GPS? This would probably be the most important feature for me.

I have not had a problem with the screen everything is ok. Regarding GPS, CarAdvanced sent me a map, its good. It has a voice that quiets down if Im listening to music but the image is too small. Im talking about the streets and letters. I try to zoom in on the image it doesnt get any much bigger. The streets and letters still look small. Im used to Garmin maps that why Im wondering why the zoom feature is so different. They recommended a map that I can zoom in and this one appears to be great and fast. I will send you a picture of how the image looks with the other map and how it has a better resolution with this new faster great map.

 

[09TRMS3]

piano black kits.

his feedback looks very good. prolly a good product but i woudl like to know how it compares to the z-series pioneers

can we please get some f*in piano black kits

http://www.shokits.com/Mazda/Kanatechs-Audio/Nav-Install-Kit-For-2006-2009-Mazda3/flypage.tpl.html

they have the dual din piano black kit for our car then you choose the dvd player you want. Thats what im going to do.

 

[CHICO2003]

So what's the consensus on this thread? Is there a clearcut BEST in-dash (stock looking) nav system?

 

[CHICO2003]

caradvanced has 2 models... both are $1k Other than the look (and the fact that one isn't even available) does anyone know the difference?

 

[guy_incognito]

So what's the consensus on this thread? Is there a clearcut BEST in-dash (stock looking) nav system?

I think that the best is the unit that is currently listed as coming soon at caradvanced. It is very close to OEM appearance, and seems to have the best features. It has built in GPS, good screen resolution, retains trip computer functionality, works with steering wheel controls, bluetooth, and Ipod integration.

It isn't the cheapest out there, but seems to be the best overall quality and best in terms of complete set of features.

If you head over to the electronics discussion at mazda 3 forums, and see a thread titled something like 'look what I found on the caradvanced site', you will see a pretty decent discussion about this unit and others.

There is likely to be a GB starting soon for this unit, and the estimated price is targeted to be <$800 shipped.

 

[CHICO2003]

I emailed car advanced and they actually said the other version (the $1200 that's in stock and being sold for $999) is the better model spec wise.

 

[guy_incognito]

Interesting...

Did they say how the one unit was better than the other? I had thought they were pretty similar overall.

I seem to remember one person who had recently bought that unit at caradvanced (the one on sale now), and had trouble getting audio to work on it, and ended up returning it. This made me a bit skeptical about it.

 

[CHICO2003]

Here's the 1st response I got from them...
Thanks for contacting us.
About your questions:
MZ3D has digital screen, it means the image is better than our MZ3A.
MZ3D have 800*480 pixels. MZ3A 480*234 pixels
You can connect headrest entertainment with our MZ3D and watch different movies in the front and the back also.
MZ3D looks more OEM than our MZ3A.
MZ3D can use sorround sound like Disco, stadium, cinema, studio.
About the navigation, we send Route 66 but you can use Sygic, Finean map, etc, all they come with voice command, it stop the music when make a turn.
Check the pictures, first one is route66, second with sygic.
I used to use Garmin but They work really great also.

 

[CHICO2003]

Here are 2 pics they sent me (since all of theres are red X'ed on their website)

They're going to have to send me a lot more (preferably a video) if I'm going to even consider buying this thing. The nav is an important feature. Their youtube video glosses over it in a half second... which made me leery. I've asked them for more info/pics/video so I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[MazdaMark3]

Trip Computer

I am also interested in this system as now my stock stereo in my 08 M3 GT is now having sound issues with what sounds like the base cutting in and out. I have heard before on here or other websites that this is a recurring problem.
I am interested in this MZ3D unit and even the MZ3A, but I mostly want to keep my trip computer. Does the MZ3D keep the trip computer functional?

 

[CHICO2003]

according to the mfg... they both do. we should get a GB going $1k is far too steep

 

[guy_incognito]

Thanks for that info...guess I was wrong about the resolution on the MZ3A.

Again, for those interested in the MZ3A, there will very likely be a group buy forming shortly at mazda 3 forums being put together by DaBears2k.

 

[BillTheCat]

They're going to have to send me a lot more (preferably a video) if I'm going to even consider buying this thing. The nav is an important feature. Their youtube video glosses over it in a half second... which made me leery. I've asked them for more info/pics/video so I'll keep everyone posted.

/agree. I also sent them a request for more info & specifically asked for video of their Nav in action. Currently, I have a PDA & a Bluetooth GPS antenna that sits on the dash. PDA is running Navteq's iGuidance software & maps. I'd really like to just be able to load that software into their head unit, but I'd need to know the OS it uses, etc. Wondering if they'll answer those questions.

I figured if more people hit the "Contact Us" link & request video of the Nav, they'll be more likely to post it.

 

[BillTheCat]

Got a response back a few minutes ago. It started with the standard line about how they have only tested 3 Nav systems on the unit, blah, blah. Then they said that if my software (iGuidance) will work on WinCE 5.0, it should work, but no guarantees. iGuidance does work on WinCE of various versions, so that's encouraging for me, personally. With the current release of iGuidance, they are selling it pre-loaded in its entirety (maps + software) on an SD card, too.

She also said they were trying to get a video of their Nav to post on the site. Fingers crossed, eh?

 

[BillTheCat]

Just got a 2nd response. Video of NAV in action is due this weekend.

Power to the people! Hehheh.

 

[CHICO2003]

sweet

 

[BillTheCat]

Got a 3rd response after I went to bed. (I sleep days, work nights) I had told "Denise," I think was her name, that I was posting the info on a Mazda owners' forum, and she said she'd send me a link to the video once it's posted. As soon as I receive it, I'll link it here.