| delphinus |
Does anyone REGRET getting navi? I put down a deposit on a touring w/ no navi, but I'm having second thoughts. Is it worth $2200? Part of me feels that if I'm spending this much already, $2200 isn't such a big deal, but part of me also says that it's just a toy or another thing that could break...
Thanks... |
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| toXornottoX |
I also went thru the same situation and I decided on getting the nav, its really helpful when you need to get somewhere your not familiar with. It will sure come in handy.
So i say go for it, its only $2200, not alot of money, if you dont get it i'm sure you'll regret it. |
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| 03RedrockNAV |
I must agree with toXornottoX. I had resolved that I didn't need navi and went to the dealership with my wife to negotiate on an X they had in stock w/o Navi. Much to my surprise, my wife, who couldn't care less about electronic gadgetry, asked to see a unit with the nav. system and she was SOLD when she saw the backup camera. She knew how much it cost and still wanted to have it. So, we ordered one with nav that came in the next week- we are both thrilled to have it.
In fact, this past weekend we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. She loves surprises so I took her on a scavenger hunt all around Tampa Bay where she had to figure out clues that would give her the address of the next destinantion. Although she was familiar with all of the locations, she wasn't familiar with the addresses- the nav got her there and she absolutely loved it.
Another thing I love about the system: I'm in commercial real estate- more specifically, retail shopping centers- so I see the main roads all day and can tell you the block of each shopping center, Home Depot, Carrabba's, etc. What has been so interesting with the navi is that I just leave it in 1/8 mi scale most of the time and watch as I drive around. It shows me the names of all of the cross streets and, more impressively, where all of the lakes are that make some of the residential communities behind the retail centers so desirable.
If you can spare the dough, go for it. You won't regret it! |
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| BaldEagle |
I am starting to regret having the navigation system but only because of Acura's lack of upgrading. Where I live it is not mapped and the upgrade is over a year overdue.
Here is a poll I did last year on this topic (navigation regrets):
http://acuramdx.org/forums/showthre...Fnon+navigation |
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| 03RedrockNAV |
Bald eagle has a good point that is not an immediate concern for '03 owners, but will be as development across our great nation continues and leaves us to wonder if we'll wander into the great abyss of breadcrumbs.
Bald eagle, do you know if the '03 version has coverage for your area? |
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| DEZRVIT |
| Wanted it from the start, got it, and would not be without it. It is great if you are unsure where an address is or if you are going to a place you have never been. I find it saves time, gas, and money. I have used it several times to find my way out of the downtown area by watching the map and following the roads to get back to a main street. Get it, you won't be sorry. |
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| BaldEagle |
quote:
Originally posted by 03RedrockNAV
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Bald eagle, do you know if the '03 version has coverage for your area?
No I don't know if it does. |
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| toXornottoX |
Thats right, can't forget the back-up camera, now that i have that camera back there its so helpful. When i drive one of my other cars i always look down to see if there is a screen showing me how far I am from the car behind me, of course only my X has it and I can't live without it now.
Now I would like to install rear-view cameras on my other cars.!! |
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| 03RedrockNAV |
quote:
Originally posted by toXornottoX
Thats right, can't forget the back-up camera, now that i have that camera back there its so helpful. When i drive one of my other cars i always look down to see if there is a screen showing me how far I am from the car behind me...
Now I would like to install rear-view cameras on my other cars.!!
Amazing for trailering a boat/ trailer. No more guessing how far or off-center you are- just watch the hitch go right over the ball in the rearview camera! |
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| toXornottoX |
| I dont have a boat but it sure comes in handy parking in NYC!! |
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| pmsmith66 |
| Get it and don't look back. It's very useful. |
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| crmsnidol |
| I'm glad I got it since I intend on keeping the vehicle for 10 years. I didn't want to look back in a few years and wish I had gotten it or have to deal with less integrated aftermarket navi solutions. |
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| renov8r |
I have a Garmin eTrex and it's very handy for its intended purposes (war driving, bicycle trails, input to mapping software) but the functionality of the factroy Navi is hard to duplicate.
You can come very close (like Xcel slick set-up with an HP/Compaq iPaq in a dedicated mount with good software) but that still doesn't have the cool video "rearview" nor is the voice input there.
For me it will make keeping the MDX a long time more justifiable...
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
I'm glad I got it since I intend on keeping the vehicle for 10 years. I didn't want to look back in a few years and wish I had gotten it or have to deal with less integrated aftermarket navi solutions.
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| srpbep |
We have NAV and I have mixed emotions:
If Acura delivered as promised (periodic updates), maybe I would tell you, sure, do it. But the plain fact of the matter is that Acura has FAILED and doesn't seem to care a whole bunch (in fact, told me that they don't have to update, no promise!!).
The NAV is nice if the address is in the system BUT we live in area where there is a lot of building going on. So, we had to buy a new Thomas Street Guide to put in the X for use when the NAV fails!! And the failures continue to grow. We can buy a new Thomas Guide every year (hey, Thomas thinks this a good thing!!) and Acura seems committed to my purchasing a new Thomas Guide every year!!
Now, consider the resale. The NAV depreciates MUCH MUCH faster than the rest of the vehicle. In 5 years, "they" say that the X will have a residual somewhere around 50%. That's an X WITHOUT NAV. I suspect that the NAV value in 5 years will be $400-$500 and probably less. This is not an Acura problem, rather, this is simply what happens with accessories on all vehicles.
So, make your own call. I have been disappointed in the NAV. We got it to use it but the use has been restricted. Heck, it didn't cut down on the need for a Thomas Guide!! |
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| jurincie |
I would most definitely get it again. The backup camera is great for parallel parking or even just backing out of a regular spot at the mall. I have been on two long trips in the last month and it has been great. It worked flawlessly in Hilton Head, Tampa, and Orlando. It even handled the traffic circles with ease. I got to use the detour button when there was an accident ahead of me. It is nice being able to enjoy vacation and not have to worry about navigating all of the time.
I wished I had it last night when the road was closed due to an accident on my way home from work (I had the other car). I had to go about 5 miles out of the way because I didn't know if any of the residential streets cut through. |
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| toXornottoX |
I believe the benefits outway the negatives in purchasing the navigation. Who cares about the depreciation of the nav, use it while you have it. Nothing lasts forever so if you have the opportunity to get it then go for it. whats $2,200 anyway, thats nothing when your financing it at 4% or so.
As for nav updates i'm sure they'll come up with some sort of upgraded dvd in the next couple of years. |
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| mdefrances |
We like it so much that we just bought a new '04 Acura TSX w/voice activated nav. On the surface, you might think we got nav again so we could say "Yes Virginia, there is an update" which has not been the case with our '01 MDX system. We installed an entertainment system and back up rear camera on the MDX so it is up to date in that sense. After two and a half years, we still use the Nav. Most of the urban areas we travel in are well mapped. Talking to the new Nav lady/guy is added fun.
Mark D |
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| delphinus |
Thanks everyone! I really WANT it... I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get tired of my new toy too quickly. It does make me feel better to know that there aren't too many complaints. I think that around here, the only problems I will have will be with the Big Dig, but they would have to come out with navi updates every month to keep up with that mess. :p
The dealership changed the paperwork for me today... so hopefully the X will be ready for my Labor Day weekend camping trip! :) |
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| Dick at Incline |
One feature you'll really enjoy is "Detour". I was on my way from Lake Tahoe to the Sacramento CA Airport the other morning, when I came into the Morning Commute Traffic Jam on I-80 about 18 miles from the Airport. I selected "Detour" and the Navi Unit sent me off the next exit, onto excellent side roads and directly to the Airport. I never did get back on I-80. Great Feature.
Also, the Data base for the '03 appears to be much more complete than previous versions.
My DVD says Copyright 2002, Version 3.20 |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by delphinus
Thanks everyone! I really WANT it... I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get tired of my new toy too quickly. It does make me feel better to know that there aren't too many complaints. I think that around here, the only problems I will have will be with the Big Dig, but they would have to come out with navi updates every month to keep up with that mess. :p
While I am one of those owners who didn't buy Navi and does not regret it at all --
I always, always recommend that if you think you might want the navigation system -- buy it!.
I have seen far too many folks who didn't buy the navi who regret it. Periodically someone asks if they can add the factory navi to the MDX (not feasible).
Save yourself the regret, and buy the navi. If you don't buy it, you'll never know whether or not you really needed it, and you'll regret it. Perhaps you'll be one of the very small set of buyers who regret buying the navi, but it's a lesson learned for all future vehicle purchases. And I really doubt if you'll regret it. |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
I'm very pleased with my decision to go with an '03 NAV. If you're shopping for a luxury SUV, a NAV (being a luxury item) is a perfect fit and exclamation point. In addition to the cool factor of voice recognition and rear cam, the NAV package has been quite helpful in unfamiliar places.
On my last two road trips...
Trip 1: San Francisco, CA
The NAV guided me perfectly through and around all the one way streets in downtown, S.F. (replace with any major city).
Trip 2: Provo, Utah
Went on a guided flyfishing trip along the Provo River. This included driving on several small unpaved trails. At each location, I just voice-commanded the NAV to "Register this location." Days later, I was able to return to each on my own by retreiving the saved locations and following the off-road breadcrumbs. Also, rear cam helped me avoid protruding tree limbs while retreating from tight trails.
On the downside, the obsolescence of the database is a concern. But it only affects places/roads that have changed in the last couple years. And even then... if a Mobil gas station closed within the last few years, it is likely still to be a gas station of some sort. Obviously, concern will continue to grow as time passes without Acura updates.
I understand/agree with the legitimate concerns of those who have purchased the NAV with no/marginal database coverage in their area, but you'll find their situation uncommon. What I suggest is that you go to your dealership with a short list of landmarks (older & younger than ~3years) within your region and see if the NAV can accurately locate them. |
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