Pioneer AVIC F Series Navigation

[BillTheCat]

I was browsing Crutchfield tonight in search of GPS options. Ideally, I'd like to put a factory style LCD screen in the top of the dash, but Crutchfield is running a sale right now that makes the AVIC-F series hard to pass up. The 700 (no DVD) with a backup camera for $699, and the 900 (with DVD) with backup camera for $779. Of course, both come with wiring harness adapters & fascia replacements.

I read a plethora of complaints about the AVIC F series original firmware on various forums, and avoided buying one for quite a while. But the 2.0 firmware update seems to have alleviated many of the issues, though the compliments are not as numerous as the complaints were.

I'd love to hear from anyone here who has experience with the 2.0 Firmware. Aside from the fact that it still takes 30+ seconds to boot up, any gripes? (I don't use an iPod, so the boot-up time should be shorter for me)

I will of course read thru the forums here for tips & tricks regarding factory stereo & dash fascia removal/replacement, but if anyone cares to chime in regarding those issues, please do.

 

[MazdaMark3]

Avic-F900BT

Bill,
Check this Prestige Camera site out. Looks to be alot cheaper here.

I have been interested in the Avic-F500BT because I want the portability.

http://www.prestigecamera.com/ViewProduct.aspx?id=10007859

 

[TheRealDefman]

Have you considered the Kenwood DNX5120? Crutchfield sells refurb's for about $750, you can get them on eBay for closer to $550. They seem to be very highly regarded and use Garmin for the GPS portion.

I bought one but I don't have it installed yet so I can't give you any first hand info on them.

 

[numbnuts22715]

go to onlinecarstereo.com or soniclectronix.com and order from them. I have personally ordered from them in the past and they are legit.
that prestige camera site posted up there looks kinda iffy... it looks exactly like some other website that was some sort of scam, i dunno if id trust it.

i think from the two retailers i listed, you can get the f90 for like 730 or something like that shipped.

 

[Trader]

You can get them from amazon as well:

AVIC F90Bt - $635.95

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

From what I read here:

http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=32

It has been better with the new updates but somepeople still complain about it being buggy. I am interested in the Pioneer because it can control my Iphone 3G where as the Kenwood can not. Otherwise I would get the Kenwood.

This is only from what I have read. No hands on experience yet.

 

[BillTheCat]

Yeah, one of the quirks with Pioneer is that if you don't buy from one of their authorized dealers, they don't ever want to hear from you, warranty or not. Crutchfield is an authorized dealer. Plus, for the relatively small savings of going to one of those other sites, I'd then need to buy the install kit & would not get the backup camera. Mind you, the backup camera is just gravy, but it adds value to the Crutchfield deal.

Man, I'd really love to get my hands on one of these to tinker with before deciding whether or not to pull the trigger.

 

[Trader]

Man, I'd really love to get my hands on one of these to tinker with before deciding whether or not to pull the trigger.

Agreed. I hear they are kind of buggy.

 

[CHICO2003]

much better off going with last year's AVIC D3 It'll probably even cost you less. It's like comparing Vista to XP

 

[strmtrooperMS3]

I bought my f90bt from al-eds.com for $699 shipped. they are an authorized dealer as well. price will last till 31st.

 

[laserblueP5]

With The New Firmware Update and Bluetooth Update the F-Series are getting more and more respect from Car Audio Installers Like Myself. But If You Have The Budget Go All-out With The Pioneer Z3, My Personal Favorite!!!

 

[BillTheCat]

I had some other emergency expenses come up, so I did nob buy anythign yet. Glad to hear a car audio installer give the AVIC F series a thumbs up. I may still go there, unless something better comes along before I get my play money restocked.