Goodmorning everyone. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Chris and I've been secretly lurking this forum for a couple of weeks now. I am contemplating pulling the trigger on a leftover 2013 GP. There are several available in the Northeast and since a pretty aggressive lease was introduced, the monthly payment ends up being super reasonable. I guess my question to you guys might be shallow but does anyone here regret not having navigation? Every car I've had since 2006 has had navigation and this would be my first one without it. I love the interface of the new nav display and personally it stinks that it isn't available in the GP. Any feedback would be kindly appreciated. I'm actually headed out to test drive one now! Thanks in advance!

 

I'm now on my third MINI. None of them have had nav, and I wanted them that way. No regrets at all.

 

We picked up our JCW last month and can absolutely say - no regrets. I barely turn on the radio because I'm listening to the engine sounds (husband taught me well) and I'm not one for visual distractions. If need be, we have a Garmin or iPhone nav apps. Now my husband on the other hand loves a good sound system. That's the only thing he felt was missing in the GP. We were thinking about becoming a two MINI family until he nixed the idea (dating myself here) because of the base radio . . . he didn't want to drop another couple of grand into sound. Other than that, the GP is put together beautifully and handles like a dream. Good luck with it if you decide to take it home.

 

We've not had Nav on all 6 of our MINIs, we use TomTom on the iPhone for our Nav. We hired a MINI which had Nav and I prefered to use the iPhone instead of the built in Nav. The built in has a lot clunkier user interface compared to the iPhone which is integrated with my address book. I can also take the iPhone away and plot route in the comfort of my living room, or hotel room.

 

4 minis, no nav. Use Waze on the iPhone. Phone tech develops much faster and you usually update that every two years or so.

 

I've had nav in a couple other cars and i haven't missed it in the Mini's at all. You can get a great portable unit and the smartphone versions are just as good these days.

Or go old school with a nice map

 

My wifes JCW has nav in it and it really takes us some wild ways to reach where we are going. I do not like the built in nav and as stated above just get a Garmin or some other brand GPS and you will be fine.

 

Forget getting factory NAV. Invest instead in a standalone GPS unit that:

1) will cost you much less than MINI factory NAV;
2) is much easier to use;
3) is infinitely easier to update;and
4) can actually be placed in line of sight so that you don't have to take you eyes of the road as much.

Or use one of the great smartphone NAV apps that are out there - just make sure that you have a car charger for the phone since these apps are power hungry and will drain your battery quickly. I use Waze for urban navigation since its traffic tracking ability is better than what is offered by my GPS.

 

Over the years, car magazines have stated that a built-in navigation system is a waste of money. I agree with this for several reasons. First, a portable system can be taken from one car to another. I have the Garmin app on my iPhone. If we take my wife's car or if I have a loaner or rental, the phone (and the nav system) goes with me. This also helps when riding in friends' cars. Second, if I trade my car in, I still have the nav device. Third, I can continually update my Garmin app. In-car nav systems can be updated, but it is often expensive. Also, they do reach a point where they are no longer upgradeable. I can easily upgrade my iPhone and nav app for much less than the cost of a new built-in nav system.

 

No remorse here. Then again, I don't use my GP for road trips where I would need navigation.

 

If the mini nav is anywhere near as difficult as using Bluetooth to make a call or using the windshield wipers then I'm pleased to use my iphone for nav

 

My phone is the best GPS I've ever owned, and I've done a lot of travelling and gone through several GPSs. Forget the built-in. They are garbage for the price.

 

+1

 

+2

 

Wow guys thanks so much for all of the insight. It looks like everyone is in agreement that no nav is fine. I will certainly keep you guys posted. I really appreciate the responses and suggestions. I'm looking forward to joining this community.

 

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No remorse here: I stick a Garmin to the speedometer and go. One thing that would keep me away from a GP is the lack of cruise control, which I think is the GP setup. Interstate driving is a killer for me if I don't have cruise.

 

Strange... I'm on highway a lot and I've got not clue why cruise control exists.

 

I seldom use cruise control myself. It's just a preference from one person to another IMO.

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I personally like cruise control, so had Way install it on the GP and am glad I did. It then has the radio controls which I also like. I have the Garmin when I need a GPS.

 

another vote for iPhone and Google Maps (although if you travel frequently to remote areas this solution isn't a good one)

Cruise control - this is my first car in about 20 years without cruise. So far no issues, we'll see on my first long trip.

I will say that not having cruise makes me more involved in driving.

 

I have the factory NAV and guarantee to you that it is a waste of money as well as time and effort. Even the "up to date" maps are NOT up to date. Major construction projects that ended years ago are not included. Updating is nearly impossible. The USB route is cheapest and yet they have "no idea when we can get it to you"--I've been waiting 2 months. The dealerships want to charge you labor on top of the $225 map/code fee.

I truly REGRET buying the NAV and would not consider it again on a Mini/BMW.

Brian

 

My smartphone is just as good

 

If I could do it over again, I would have used the $750 on an iPad mini and mount instead of the Nav. The darn thing keeps giving me routes that take much longer than my own routes! You live and learn..

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