I'm really torn on whether something like this is necessary. One thing I have heard that is frustrating is that the maps don't get updated often. This is a problem here in las Vegas because of the insane growth. If new streets are opening up everyday, obviously they won't be on the maps. Can one get NEW software from another map company?


I guess I'm wondering if anyone regrets not getting NAV or if those who have NAV swear by it and would never give it up.

Can anyone help me make a decision???

 

It's a tough call. I wouldn't have gotten Nav, but I bought used and it had it. I love it. I use a Garmin 60CS in my other cars for GPS - whether built in or portable, Nav ROCKS.
Is it necessary? No. Is it indispensible? Yes.
As far as maps go, in a fast growth area, they won't keep up, but unless you need to go into the new areas often, it doesn't matter. There are no third party maps that work with the Nav - they all come from Navteq. They aren't that much behind Garmin or Magellan in terms of updates.

There are LOTS of threads that discuss this same question - search on 'Nav'.
Pros - integrated - no need for wires, mounts or to take it out or stash it when parked, large screen, british voice, OBC screen
Cons - pricey, suboptimal one **** control, POI not as easy or intuitive as aftermarket solutions.

 

Just got my new MCS last week with Nav. My wife has a aftermarket Magellan Roadmate 760 with dash mount. The only thing I like better on mine is the fact that its built into the dash. Otherwise the Magellan is much easier to use, has touch screen and seems to pick up more areas than my Mini.

 

I've never used the integrated system, so I can't speak to how well it works. I opted to go for an aftermarket GPS since it's less than half the price; I can move it around from car to car & take it with me anywhere; and I'll get to keep it even once I sell the Mini. Some disadvantages relative to the integrated system are that the screen is smaller, it's not as elegant a solution, and you have to pop it out of the mount & take it with you every time you park your car (unless you want it to get stolen!).

I went with the Garmin Nuvi, & keep it mounted on the central speedometer, as in this pic: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...4&postcount=69

It works extremely well. I've found the maps to be very accurate, the driving directions are easy to follow, the UI is very simple and the screen is very legible even with direct sunlight.

 

Id get a Garmin... it wont be built into the dash, but its easier to use and will be updated sooner

 

NAV is not for everybody, but if I used my car for business and time was of the essence (appointments etc) I'd search out and buy the best NAV I could afford.

Just my experience but I've found Mapquest has been able to provide all of the navigation I ever need...even driving alone when I might have to pull over, read the directions and then proceed.

I don't know if Mapquest is updated more frequently than NAV maps.

 

i like the cool factor, that is pretty much it, functionality, i presonally don't need it.

 

Have you considered something like the Pioneer Avic-N2? You can find it online for about $1200 shipped. Add XM NacTraffic tuner and installation = probably around $1500-1600. As opposed to the factory nav at $1700. The Pioneer gives you an in dash 6.5" motorized touch screen that flips out. Voice guided directions, DVD/XM/CD/MP3/Vehicle Diagnostic Mode (speedo, tach, g's). XM Nav Traffic gives you updated traffic reports integrated into the nav screen. I think it costs an extra $5 a month of something like that on stop of $12.95 for XM radio service.

I suppose the point of this post is that you can get alot more for your money if you go aftermarket. I personally like the Pioneer, but Kenwood makes a similar product and I think Alpine does also.

Living in Vegas does present a bit of a problem because it is expanding at about 200000000% a day so...ya. If you really want nav, I'd say go aftermarket. I'll post a pic of the Pioneer unit in a Mini once I find the thread.

 

Not my car but here is a pic of the Pioneer installed...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...9&d=1138594461

www.pioneerelectronics.com

I'm going to be installing it as soon as I recover from paying for school and books and whatnot.

 

As stated earlier in the thread much has been posted about this so you might see more info that helps you by searching. As I myself have posted before I love having the nav built in and it has really really helped me many times (day to day use and vacation use) for directions to places, findings places then getting directions and even phone numbers, etc. The position is great, built in is nice so I don't have to worry about taking it or leaving it, and its under warranty, all things I like about it. You can have the map screen on all the time and see where you are in relation to things with no direction which I find nice. I also like being able to turn the screen off (directions on or not) and have the car much darker then otherwise at night.

The interface is something you have to get used to but once learned that's it, you just use it and it works - no different then using other software and the single **** thing is simple (I'm not one who wants touch screen in particular). I'm sure it could be better, and Navteq could be improved on, but for me its the best solution for my car. The bottom line is whether its something you will use or not.

 

I never use my nav, but I when I move to a new area I predict that I will use it a bit more. I like it for the cool factor too. I recently intalled a dvd player and now the nav system is way more useful.

 

From a $$ point of view. Go aftermarket. Will be a better unit, they will always be ahead of anything builtin. You can take it from car to car or with you to the next car. If you go oem, yes, its built it so NO you cant take it with you and you will NOT get much of anything extra on resale. Just kiss the money goodbye.

Mapquest isnt going to help you when you need to go someplace and aint near a comp.

Avic-n2 is very nice, price dropped about $800 since introduction but the motorized screen is a possibly source of failure ... it replaces your existing stereo ... again, cant take it with you easily ... throw the money away TWICE ... Once for the OEM Radio ... once for the replacement radio .. Also an annoying look (IMO) covering about bottom of Speedo ... detract from the classic MINI look.

Bottom line ... you got $1700 to drop and want a clean look, go built-in. Want a better unit you can take with your, go aftermarket ... MUCH cheaper.

Here is a Magellan mounted with a panavise. When not in use, it pops off and take to your other cars.

 

nay! i like my speedo in the center.

i don't use nav's...and i travel a lot for biz. I just map out the location
on mapquest and alternate routes. i draw the map on paper and by
the time im done, i memorize it. the only help i need is to know whether
it's a toll road, how much the toll, and if it's manned or not. that's about
all.

i didn't get a nav on my G35C either. just a waste of money for me.

 

I occasionally use my car for business and always did a Mapquest before leaving the house to visit with a client. The problem with Mapquest always is that it gets you within spitting distance of the target - but because of lousy signage or confusing intersections I always seem to spend 30 minutes going the last 5% of the way to find where I want to be.

With NAV, it will get you to exactly the desired address and often tells you "your destination is on the left" when it does. If it keeps me from being late a few times, the thing may actually pay for itself !!!

I hear that the next version of the NAV software will offer a much more sophisticated 3-D view for the map, and a more intuitive means of getting through the menus. Apparently this is being beta tested now.

Bill

 

And that is a perfect example of OEM technology far beyond the aftermarket technology. Like Duh ... MINI just figured that was a good idea?

 

Being in the military causes me to move at least every two to three years, it has proven to be invaluable for learning new areas! I also nave a Garmin 2620 for use in my other vehicle. I can also use the Garmin when there is a need to rent a car.

Minitor, how do you get DVD's to play through the NAV?

 

Not my experience on this, we definately got more for our 03 with nav. Fwiw Edmunds lists the Dealer Retail on it as Over $1400, Private and Trade In over $1200. There is a fair share of people who do want it in their cars and like the option of it with the built in screen and controls vs messing with the car's electricals or toting around an add on.

The thing with the 3d view is pretty and all, but the reality to me is how clear it is and if it works well, so that view is not as important since those key issues are already met.

 

I have a Garmin 2620 (newer models are now available)
It has a window/suction mount from Ram Mounts (gpscity.com)
Both..... are incredible!!!!!!

Peace,
D

 

I have the 2610 and Ram mount, Dennis, and love the set-up!

I take a 6-8 week cross-country road trip every spring and it is so convenient to program all my stops into the Garmin, and not have to fumble with reading printouts or the tiny print on maps. Easily locating the nearest gas station, lodging, and food is another good reason to go Garmin or Magellan or whichever. When I stop the MINI, I toss a MINI cap over the unit, to keep it less visible.

I like having the center speedo.

 

Since nobody bothered to answer this... No you can't. Only the maps from the recommended vendor will work with your Nav system... It doesn't matter if you use an OEM, Garmin, Magellan, TomTom, etc... system. You must go to the mfg or the mfg's designated vendor to get your map updates....

In your situation you need to look at other factors as well... If the updates are as critical as you say that they are, then you need to also determine who updates their maps the most in your area. Plus you also need to factor in the cost (if any) of those updates...

Those of you who have aftermarket systems... How often do map updates become available for your system? What do they cost? Does anybody update their maps more than annually? How comprehensive are those updates? Are they nationwide or do they typically only address a region or two?

Along the same lines you also need to determine just how accurate the maps are for the area that you drive in. In 2004 most systems that used Navteq data provided inaccurate driving directions due to bad data supplied by Navteq, particularly in the Washington DC area. This caused a major DC area interstate to be recognized as a small side street, which meant they never routed down that interstate. The MINI system and Pioneer systems were both afflicted with this. You may run into similar problems in the Vegas area... Bad map data in general can diminish the value of a nav system.

 

Not my message - I know first-hand that the aftermarket units are a lot more sophisticated. I am just happy that the company is at least trying to stay in the race and make improvements where they can - which won't include touch screen obviously but hopefully will include ways of getting what we need with less effort. The 3D stuff is eye-candy - and something I actually may not prefer to the flat maps....

Bill

 

But that begs the question, why not?

 

voice activation? lower cost?

 

This is a good point and why I haven't bought any sort of Nav. I've been living in the NY/NJ area for awhile and pretty much know where I'm going... Nav would be really cool but I know my way around here so it's not necessary.

Heck... Vegas is ALOT less confusing than navigating around here! Do you REALLY need Nav? It's an expensive option if you are going to the same places 95% of the time.

 

They actually should do this in their next generation - it is totally INSANE that the "liability waiver" screen that comes up when you start the car has an "ACCEPT" button that you really can't press....

I would love to see usable voice-activated, touch-screen technology in the MINI, complete with traffic status and warnings of impending meteor showers, but I will wager that it will be some significant period of time after that stuff has been widely accepted before it trickles to OEM.... That is always the trade-off - seamless integration vs. edge of the envelope...

Bill