I believe this subject may already have been addressed, but here goes anyway. The Garmin Streetpilot III is currently bidding on Ebay in the $500 range. I jusy purchased $30.00 the external magnetic antennae for the unit I'm bidding on. This antennae has a 16' BNC cable so that the unit can be placed anywhere in the car. My thoughts are to drill a small, 1/2" ,hole in the blank off plate in the NAV location to fish the cable thru. The streetpilot III also has a 12V power source. This hopefully will allow a NAV GPS system for under $550. That's a far cry from 2K. Addionally, it can be removed and used in the beater car if necessary. Anybody else thinking of going this route. I'll keep everyone informed as to how the external antennae works.

 

I was thinking of going that route. I like the NAV as a toy but $2K was a but much for me to justify it. I would love to hear how it works out for you.

 

Just bought a factory refurbished Streetpilot III for $599.00. New is $670. Full warranty. Should get it next week, will let everyone know how it works vs typical NAV. It's got voice commands.

 

TRhe GARMIN Streetpilot III is sweet. Works like a charm. Now if only someone knows the size of the NAV area, I can see if it fits. Can always wire it thru the back and power it up via the fusebox.

 

I've had my Streetpilot III for a year and a half or so, and I love it. Just got the updated maps for it, and I'm hoping that it will fit in the nav space. Not sure how it compares with the one Nissan is offering, but I am very happy with the Garmin, which is why I didn't get the Nav unit on my Z.

 

Bingo Toomy, it's the smart alternative to a 2K NAV. I had one in my CLK 55 and rarely used it, but I'll be taking many road trips with this Z so I'm hoping it comes in handy. Also, did you just upgrade to the 4.01 version of City Navigator. Is the upgrade worth doing ... are there more detailed maps??

 

Yes, just upgraded to v. 4.01 yesterday. I notice that several roads around my house that were not on old version of software are on the new one, and looks like more cities are detailed. I went ahead and unlocked all 7(?) areas for $150, 1 area is $75. I plan on taking many road trips in my Z and, hopefully, getting my money's worth on this unit.

 

There are different versions of the Street Pilot III. The one you guys seem to be referring to is the cheaper of the two. The one with a 32 MB card goes for about $1000.00 new. There is one with a smaller card (8 or 16?) and maybe that's the one you guys have.

 

32meg card on this one, got it on e-bay new in the box last year for $775. I've seen it retail for over $1000.

 

No, the version I purchased includes the 32 MB Card. Prices are still $1000 or so if purchased thru Garmin. I bought my Streetpilot III thru www.gpsworldsupply.com . They are offering a factory rebuilt with a FULL Garmin 1yr. Warranty for $599.00 including shipping. Can't beat that price.

 

Cool, I'll have to look into that. It looks pretty small. Do you think it'll fit in the Nav space?

 

Well, not sure, but I hope so. It is about 7" wide x 5" high(with antenna) x about 2 1/2" deep. Can anyone confirm the dimensions of the Nav space?

 

we'll be on that today at the Danville Blackhawk museum in california.