Hi all. I'm about to get an '06 Grand Touring and am debating whether to get the OEM NAV or go aftermarket. So, this is not a question about whether or not to get NAV, rather, I'm sold on NAV based on the experience with my wife's car's system. My questions really about how good the Nissan NAV is. First, I believe they modified the NAV system for 06 but I'm not sure. In any case, my criteria are basically: functionality, speed (e.g., when recalculating a route, etc.), ease of use of the interface, integration with the audio system (i.e., is any part of the BOSE audio system controllable via the NAV screen, do the voice commands go through the audio system speakers, does the NAV mute the audio system when voice commend is being spoken, etc.). Also, on the aftermarket-side of things, are there installation kits available for mounting a touch screen, say Alpine, in the stock location? Thanks...

 

For the price i like aftermarket ones better plus u can enjoy watching dvd too besides NAV.

 

I have the Nav in my 05 AE. Its a little faster than the 03-04's when recalculating the route. The voice comes thru the audio speakers and does mute the audio that playing at the time. No the nav has no controls thru the nav screen you have to use the buttons for everything. Its easy to use because it doesn't do a whole lot. The database is pretty limited. I went with the factory because I didn't want to hassel with aftermarket stuff and I like the closing door so it's not seen when your not using it. I realize the 06's don't have this feature. The nav is has been upgraded with new screens and software for 06 so it should be a little better than the 05.

 

i had the nav in my old z
LOOKED great!
functioned .. OK using touchy joystick to input info SUX!!
you get a few reminders for scheduled maintenance, and its "prettier" graphix
but functionaly inferior and behind its time..
IF it had touchscreen that only way i would get it. for that price.


so i went with touchscreen eclipse/ dvd unit LOVE it!!
not just topuchscreen, but have DVD also and MUCH beter audio control including DSP and EQ. and many more POI's

i say go aftermarket and get better audio as a bonus!!

 

You can get a lot more out of a car computer for a lot less money, but it's a big task to complete. Stock nav will also look better, so to each his own.

 

I've used the Nissan nav units in a Pathfinder and Armada. Imho it sucks. No touch screen, all joy stick. Yuck.

Save your money and buy a Garmin or Magellan unit that you can mount. You'll save hundreds or thousands, and can put that money on useful mods.

For more info read: http://gpsinformation.us/main/gpsauto.htm

 

I LOVE the nav in my 03' I will never own another car without it....

 

Same here. I LOVE my stock 06' NAV. It looks AWESOME and works like a charm. As soon as you learn all the functions and how to use them, its easy as cake! I also love the stock NAV, as thieves know they can't just go in and tear it out. I love OEM!

 

I have an 03 with navi and I think it's okay, I bought the car used and it came with it, which was a plus because I probally wouldn't have bought an aftermarket one because of the price. I would probally spend the money on performance or aero parts. Even though the new navi doesn't have a pull down. It looks better that way, I leave mine opened and turn off the screen, at night it looks really good becasue the buttons stay lit, and makes the center consoule look fuller and better.

 

I'm gathering that the OEM NAV, while visually integrated with the Z, does not really compare with aftermarket offerings in terms of integration with the audio system (aftermarket) and input interface (touchscreen). My question now becomes, how visually integrated can one make an aftermarket screen? Are there trim installation kits available (scocshe, etc.) that provide an OEM-style installation? Thanks...

 

Here's a thread from NSXPrime on aftermarket nav/DVD units. I personally like the double DIN much better than the single DIN units, which can block AC vents.

However, my advice is still just to go buy a portable unit, and forget about the "clean" look. The portable units will give you the best value, performance, and features, although a bit more hassle because you have to mount / dismount it to keep it safe. Although thieves can and will steal OEM / in-dash units almost as easy.

CostCo has a sale on the Magellan 360 for $450 right now, a really good deal considering it comes with all 50 states and Canada. CostCo also sells the Pharos Traveler GPS which has the new SiRF chipset that is far more sensitive and quicker to lock onto GPS satellites than older technology.

Good luck.

 

i used the double din style, looks great, keeps your compartment free for other stuff, get a bigger screen, no folding screen to break/ lossen/ flop during hard driving, ant block vents and gauges and look very aftermarket.

the trim kits are pretty good at making it look integrated.. do what i did..
do a search in the audio section for gps/ touchscreen youl see lots of pics !!
and get more ideas