I am close to buying a 2012 CX-9 GT with nav but am having second thoughts given all the complaints about the factory installed navigation. I already know about the lockout when moving preventing its use (and the unavailability of a hack) but I have also heard issues on edmunds.com about incorrect routes, difficult to use etc. I probably can live with the lockout while moving but the unit has to actually work reasonably well...is that the case? Obviously I can install an after-market unit and get no lockout, likely a better unit etc. but integrated seems a nicer solution.
Will I regret buying factory navigation in 2012 CX-9?
- Thread starter chrisw_sj
- Start date
I was facing the same decision when buying my 2011 CX-9 GT, and decided against getting a Nav. It seemed awkward to use when I checked it out during test drives, and certainly not worth extra $1400 for me. Plus, I did not want to lose CD changer. I don't regret my decision - when I need a GPS, I just take out my Garmin.
It was not easy to find a GT with Bose and no Nav though...
It was not easy to find a GT with Bose and no Nav though...
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- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
> Will I regret buying factor navigation....
For functionality and bang for your bucks, YES you will.
For integration, NO you won't.
Depending on what is important to you.
Know one thing, though, the factory NAVI can function nicely (not 100%) even when GPS signals are lost.
(thanks to VSS and steering angle inputs) Your aftermarket Garmin/TomTom can't do that.
However, how often do you run into situations when GPS signals are tough to acquire? Your call.
For functionality and bang for your bucks, YES you will.
For integration, NO you won't.
Depending on what is important to you.
Know one thing, though, the factory NAVI can function nicely (not 100%) even when GPS signals are lost.
(thanks to VSS and steering angle inputs) Your aftermarket Garmin/TomTom can't do that.
However, how often do you run into situations when GPS signals are tough to acquire? Your call.
Except for parking garages and tunnels, I can't ever remember losing a GPS signal.
I'm not a fan of factory NAV system for all the reasons posted above. Plus, for the price of a factory DVD update, I can go out and buy another updated Magellan.
Z-Thrizzle
Member
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- Mazda CX-9, BMW MZ3 Roadster
If the factory nav was cheaper I would've included it when I got my 2011 CX-9. Yeah you can use your smartphone or portable gps but it's not as good or complete as an integrated system.
If integration is what you want but you don't want to spend $$$ on a factory nav, I would suggest getting an integrated aftermarket nav headunit. You can find something less expensive that has better features and up to date technology in car audio.
I went this route and am very happy with my nav system.
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- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
You could also lose GPS signal when you venture into forests.
When visible GPS sats are down to 2 or less, the NAVI can't determine
where you are. When that happens, the aftermarket unit with stay put,
while the factory ones keep going by extrapolate your current positions
based on VSS and steering angles all the way, and correct errors when
you take a turn.
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it aint that bad!
you can't enter new addresses on the fly but you can navigate to previously saved data points on the fly - at least in the 2012 you can so convenient if in the middle of nowhere and want to set a route for home or other stored location on the fly.
now the bose sound system on the other hand....
you can't enter new addresses on the fly but you can navigate to previously saved data points on the fly - at least in the 2012 you can so convenient if in the middle of nowhere and want to set a route for home or other stored location on the fly.
now the bose sound system on the other hand....
Z-Thrizzle
Member
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- Mazda CX-9, BMW MZ3 Roadster
The last time I used a portable I got so frustrated with it. This was a few years ago while driving through the city of Chicago and St Louis.
The navigation was so off which I think this was caused by the buildings.
Does the OEM nav have a gyro in it? My pioneer in-dash nav is hooked up to the VSS but also has a gyro that detects when you're turning,
going up a hill, braking etc... I think this also helps dedect the cars movement if the signal cuts out.
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- 2022 CX-5 Turbo
Skyscrapers form a modern day forest..... same impact on blocking GPS signals.
That is when OE navigation shines with VSS and steering angle inputs.
Yes, of course. The steering angle is based on gyro sensor, not the mechanical angle of
the steering column.
If you get into the NAVI test mode (refer to other thread I started), you can see all those parameters
in real time.
That is when OE navigation shines with VSS and steering angle inputs.
Yes, of course. The steering angle is based on gyro sensor, not the mechanical angle of
the steering column.
If you get into the NAVI test mode (refer to other thread I started), you can see all those parameters
in real time.
I've got the bose system with Nav (standard on Australia version of Grand Touring) and it was horrible! Some of the annoying bits:
1. "Auto" screen dim doesnt work, it still bright as heck in the middle of the nite on the highway (I dont want to risk changing it to "night dim mode" manually since I was traveling 120km/h)
2. You need to press more than 5 buttons to redial! ("Agree" button --> Menu --> Bluetooth Phone --> out goings --> The green call button (yes, you CANT click on the caller name to make a call)
3. No way you can call or access the phone menu from the steering wheels (all you can do is voice command) - I can do this on my other cars (Merc C200, Hyundai i30 and Honda Accord Euro/Acura TSX)
4. Phonebook on Voice command is different to the one stored on the Head Unit (Who needs two contact books? You should be able to sign a "voice name" to the contacts under your head unit, not create different list!)
5. Songs information from BT audio to my iphone 4 sometimes shown correctly, sometimes it shows the first song played and you cant click anything (random, repeat, menu, etc) are all disabled. Technician answer to this? Oh it probably because the songs are not in MP3/MP4 format. What the heck???
Anwyay, the navigation part itself is not bad (weird thing they have "Any City" button to allow the HU to pickup any city randomly and shown that as your destination... WTF??)... just the user friendliness is crap! I'm working in the industry where user friendliness is one of the most important thing, so sorry if I'm being to harsh here...
