new in dash for the 3's

[GoFast]

carpc is good to go now and can begin the group buy

 

[carpcandaccessories]

Mazda3 digital screen - Group Buy link

Thanks Gofast, i received his answer .
Now, we'll start the Group Buy, for more information here is the link:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123739335

 

[Gvr4-330]

I believe it is true that the trip computer is lost, but the other LCD functions are maintained. I've yet to hear any back-up to the report of it being a POS. Seems mighty suspicious that it comes from DaBears2k, and not from the actual source (crazyitalian)...

The extra resolution is nice on the red stripe unit, but the trip computer is maintained on the DSS unit, so it is up to you as to which one is better. The only other big difference is that the DSS can come in silver.

If you order the DSS through alibaba, there are actually quite a few more options. The basic unit is $396. Options include OBD for $50, GPS for $110, TPMS for $110, and rear camera for $55. I am a bit confused on the TV option. One place is says "if built-in TV, add 7usd", then as an option there is a TV box for $40. See the attachment for the excel spreadsheet from the company.

I briefly got in contact with an alibaba seller for the red stripe unit, and was quoted a price of $790 plus $62 shipping to CA.

Guy Incognito,

I took the chance and ordered from one of the Alibaba suppliers. The supplier in the link you used quoted me $525+75 shipping, but there was another supplier http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/227366351/car_dvd_with_gps.html who sold it to me for $520+65 shipping. I used paypal, so they added a paypal fee of $23 (it's 4% for foreign transactions) so $608 total. I put it on my Amex in case there are any issues and it should be here in about 10 days. I just hope they are the same radio. When I asked her what the GPS software was, she said Windows CE, so I guess we'll find out when I get the unit. I wanted to try this unit because it would let me keep the trip computer, but I am interested in seeing how it compares it to the red-strip unit.

I did see another seller who had the red-stripe unit and they quoted me a price of $720+76 shipping, but they didn't accept paypal. That price is a lot closer to the $900 of the group buy so I think it would be worth the piece of mind ordering that one from caradvanced.

I'll let you all know how that goes!

Rob

 

[Keith H.]

.....

 

[MazdaMark3]

Alibaba purchase

Guy Incognito,

I took the chance and ordered from one of the Alibaba suppliers. The supplier in the link you used quoted me $525+75 shipping, but there was another supplier http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/227366351/car_dvd_with_gps.html who sold it to me for $520+65 shipping. I used paypal, so they added a paypal fee of $23 (it's 4% for foreign transactions) so $608 total. I put it on my Amex in case there are any issues and it should be here in about 10 days. I just hope they are the same radio. When I asked her what the GPS software was, she said Windows CE, so I guess we'll find out when I get the unit. I wanted to try this unit because it would let me keep the trip computer, but I am interested in seeing how it compares it to the red-strip unit.

I did see another seller who had the red-stripe unit and they quoted me a price of $720+76 shipping, but they didn't accept paypal. That price is a lot closer to the $900 of the group buy so I think it would be worth the piece of mind ordering that one from caradvanced.

I'll let you all know how that goes!

Rob

Rob,
Did you buy the DSS unit from this Alibaba website? I am also eyeing the DSS unit because it appears to be the only unit that retains the trip computer and LCD functions. I am alot more interested in paying $608 than $800+.
Please keep us posted! Thanks.

Mark

 

[djthom]

whats the big hub bub with the trip computer?? i mean the mpg reading is ALWAYS higher than the actual...the mpg untill empty is also GROSSLY inaccurate...
In my world if a measuring device is inaccurate it is of no value...

ok rant over

 

[CHICO2003]

I'm finding the #s to be pretty accurate actually. I always fill-up at the same gas station and will occasionally whip out the calculator to figure out what my actual mpg was. It's usually within 1-2mpg... which I think is reasonable. As for the miles till empty readout... I'd never want to chance it (since it's bad for the engine) so that's not really a big deal. I think the avg consumed mpg is relatively useful as it promotes better driving habits.

 

[Tyrdstorm]

After a bunch of research I decided to go with the "red stripe" unit from Car Advanced. I don't really mind losing the trip computer and I like how it still uses the LCD display and steering wheel controls.

It should be here tomorrow, but I won't be able to install it until Friday since I'm out of town. It is going to be installed in my '09 Mazdaspeed 3 GT. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

I plan on adding a rear LCD monitor for the backseat passengers if they are unable to comfortably view the dash monitor. I carpool with 3 other people 1.25hrs each way, so this is the primary reason why I purchased the unit.

As far as CarAdvanced goes, I give them an A+ for prompt service. Ordered it late Sunday night via CC through Paypal and got an almost immediate response with my order confirmation, delivery date and installation instructions. It shipped out of Tampa FL, so that makes me feel a little better than having something shipped over seas.

Now I just need to figure out where to get TomTom for CE.

Oh and 1st post. Nice forums.

 

[Gvr4-330]

Rob,
Did you buy the DSS unit from this Alibaba website? I am also eyeing the DSS unit because it appears to be the only unit that retains the trip computer and LCD functions. I am alot more interested in paying $608 than $800+.
Please keep us posted! Thanks.

Mark

Yeah, same here. So I believe it is the DSS unit. I can give you the contact info of the person who helped me, but the supplier I went through is the one linked. You can mention my name if you like, robert yu. I talked to a jessie.

Rob

 

[guy_incognito]

Guy Incognito,

I took the chance and ordered from one of the Alibaba suppliers. The supplier in the link you used quoted me $525+75 shipping, but there was another supplier http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/227366351/car_dvd_with_gps.html who sold it to me for $520+65 shipping. I used paypal, so they added a paypal fee of $23 (it's 4% for foreign transactions) so $608 total. I put it on my Amex in case there are any issues and it should be here in about 10 days. I just hope they are the same radio. When I asked her what the GPS software was, she said Windows CE, so I guess we'll find out when I get the unit. I wanted to try this unit because it would let me keep the trip computer, but I am interested in seeing how it compares it to the red-strip unit.

I did see another seller who had the red-stripe unit and they quoted me a price of $720+76 shipping, but they didn't accept paypal. That price is a lot closer to the $900 of the group buy so I think it would be worth the piece of mind ordering that one from caradvanced.

I'll let you all know how that goes!

Rob

Nice. I look forward to hearing how this turns out for you! I have had a lot of communications with the other Alibaba company (Shenzhen LSQ Star Electronic). I'd imagine that they both have the same product. Did you order the silver or black? Did the other company offer the different options, such as TV, OBD, TPMS, etc?

Nice pickup on the Simpsons reference!

 

[Gvr4-330]

I bought the black. I've got the piano black interior, but I'm hoping this will look good enough. I'm not sure about the other options. I know the other company (Shenzhen LSQ Star Electronic) said that the OBD wouldn't work with the US cars. I've already got TPMS sensors in my car, so I'll see if they work with the radio. I probably wouldn't bother swapping out the sensors anyway. I wasn't sure if the tv would work in the US either, so I didn't bother looking into that. All I know is they both have Nav, bluetooth, and Ipod and that's what I'd want now.

The thing I might regret about the system is I would lose my Sirius radio. I am also torn between this and the better caradvanced unit, mainly because I wanted to keep the trip computer. I am wondering if it would be possible to write a Windows CE program that was able to access the trip computer functions on the other unit. Either way, I think this price is good enough that I won't lose money if I decide to resell it later.

Rob

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I carpool with 3 other people 1.25hrs each way, so this is the primary reason why I purchased the unit.

I don't mean to be off-topic as i've been monitoring this thread for a while, but this statement caught me off-guard. 3 other adults are comfortable in your car for an 1 drive each way? I got nothing but complaints from people riding in the back in a 25 minute drive, saying it was too cramped.

 

[CHICO2003]

With all due respect... I just don't understand the logic of having those headrest lcds for anyone other than kids. Keeping kids happy (especially during long car rides) is 2nd only to driving safely. (even though they sort of go hand in hand) so that to me makes perfect sense. Keeping some shmos happy during a commute... I mean hell, they should be happy enough they're not driving! That's a shitload of mileage you're putting on your car and.. on top of that... you're providing entertainment? Everyone should have a friend like you!

 

[guy_incognito]

I bought the black. I've got the piano black interior, but I'm hoping this will look good enough. I'm not sure about the other options. I know the other company (Shenzhen LSQ Star Electronic) said that the OBD wouldn't work with the US cars. I've already got TPMS sensors in my car, so I'll see if they work with the radio. I probably wouldn't bother swapping out the sensors anyway. I wasn't sure if the tv would work in the US either, so I didn't bother looking into that. All I know is they both have Nav, bluetooth, and Ipod and that's what I'd want now.

The thing I might regret about the system is I would lose my Sirius radio. I am also torn between this and the better caradvanced unit, mainly because I wanted to keep the trip computer. I am wondering if it would be possible to write a Windows CE program that was able to access the trip computer functions on the other unit. Either way, I think this price is good enough that I won't lose money if I decide to resell it later.

Rob

I've thought about that too.

I honestly don't see the other unit as being that much better. The resolution is better, but that seems to be about it. The screen size is actually larger on the DSS, and crazyitalian says that the screen quality still seems to be pretty good. It's true that keeping the trip computer isn't a huge deal, but it is nice just to help it be that little bit more OEM-looking. Also, the availability of silver with this DSS is a big plus for those of us with pre 08.5s.

 

[Tyrdstorm]

With all due respect... I just don't understand the logic of having those headrest lcds for anyone other than kids. Keeping kids happy (especially during long car rides) is 2nd only to driving safely. (even though they sort of go hand in hand) so that to me makes perfect sense. Keeping some shmos happy during a commute... I mean hell, they should be happy enough they're not driving! That's a shitload of mileage you're putting on your car and.. on top of that... you're providing entertainment? Everyone should have a friend like you!

A 2nd LCD is only about $130-$150, so it's not that bad. I wasn't planning on doing the headrest LCDs, but either the roofmount or armrest mount. I tried sitting in the backseat to check the visibility of the dash and you have to lean over a bit to see the screen. We'll see how bad it is.

One of the other drivers has a roof top DVD player and we watch movies from an iPod or Zune and it makes the trip go by much quicker!

The mileage isn't bad when you only have to drive one week out of the month. Each of us takes turns driving a week at a time. Total is only about 12,000 per year from the commute.

@Silver - The only complaints I've received so far is about whiplash from my driving. I guess you don't complain when you have a free ride.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

True, free is free. I can personally fit just fine in my backseat but my fat ass, tall ass friends complain. I honestly never realized how small the car was until my gf got the CX7 and she parked next to me. It is small! No biggie though. I just don't think long distance passengers would fare too well in the back.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

Oh and the trip computer is only really a metric to help with your mileage. Between my current mileage, boost/vac, and calculated load, I can truely see how my go-pedal affects my mileage. Now, do I truely believe I'm getting 34.5 mpg in 5th gear at 50mph? No, but again its just a gauge. Better than nothing I suppose.

 

[CHICO2003]

My backseat is just a glorified shelf for my golf clubs. People always seem to F things up back there when (scuffs, matts out of place, mud/dirt, etc.) so it's an easy way to deter having to cart people around.

 

[Gvr4-330]

Well, my order is temporarily on hold. It seems the supplier I ordered from is having some paypal issues, so they refunded me my money. I wasn't willing to do a Western Union transfer, so I told them I'd wait the 7-10 days for paypal to unfreeze their account.

In return, she told me she would try and get me a better price

Rob

 

[BillTheCat]

Well, my order is temporarily on hold. It seems the supplier I ordered from is having some paypal issues, so they refunded me my money. I wasn't willing to do a Western Union transfer, so I told them I'd wait the 7-10 days for paypal to unfreeze their account.

In return, she told me she would try and get me a better price

Rob

Red flag, anyone? I mean, odds are you'll be OK, but I'd be nervous about proceeding. I guess the fact that they refunded your payment is a good sign.