Honda Navigation Alternative

Hello, I'm in the process of purchasing a 2013 Accord EX-L V6 without Navigation, but was wondering if there were any good alternatives out there. Adding the Navi upgrade to this vehicle (in my opinion) is much too expensive. A $1900 upgrade for something that my Samsung and IPhone phones already have.
Specifically looking for something that already uses the electronics within the Accord (iMid?). I could always add a portable GPS, its just more items hanging off the windshield.
Looked at Crutchfield.com, but nothing is available yet.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jaime
Specifically looking for something that already uses the electronics within the Accord (iMid?). I could always add a portable GPS, its just more items hanging off the windshield.
Looked at Crutchfield.com, but nothing is available yet.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jaime
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Comments
Dealerships didn't budge at all jumping to navigation.
Thanks for the response.
Pluses:
It's built in, no worries with leaving the navi exposed to a potential smash and grab.
the screen size is much larger then the portable navi devices.
the navi speaks through the front speakers for the radio, it's easy to understand the verbal commands.
with the navi, you also have a trip computer, touch screen controls for climate and radio. There are other features build into the navi screen, but I don't recall what they are right now since I never use them.
the system has voice recognition.
Minuses:
It's built in, your stuck with the current level of technology. There currently isn't an option of upgrading the system as new technologies are developed.
The system gets it's mapping from a DVD. I can understand that for my generation of navi systems, but for 2013??? Why do they continue with an obsolete technology for map storage? Why don't they use something like a flash drive which could plug into an accessible port somewhere on the dash. It wouldn't require a mechanical DVD player in the trunk. Hopefully the DVD player doesn't die in my 04 since it will be costly to repair/replace.
The annual DVD data upgrade currently is $149. You spend 2K for the navi system, I would think for that amount of money you would get lifetime upgrades, or at lease the price would be low just to cover the cost of the DVD and shipping. I could get a portable navi with lifetime upgrades for around the same price.
You can't transfer your navi from vehicle to vehicle.
The voice recognition doesn't work very well. You have to remember specific commands, and quite often it doesn't understand the command so it does nothing or get's it wrong and does something you have to undo. I gave up after a few weeks and I never use the voice command feature.
If the navi system dies, so does my access to the trip computer, radio and A/C controls since they share the same screen.
Mrbill
The additional climate and audio commands are nice but I do not mind reaching over the few inches to press a button (the dual climate control was really all I was asking for).
The best alternative to NAVI I found was to swap out the rear view camera with a NAVI built in ($300 to $800). This will also deter the snatch and grab (easiest install ever). You can upgrade the maps if needed and it looks cool.
http://www.carid.com/2013-honda-accord-back-up-cameras-sensors/escort-smartmirro- - r-navigation-system-4014425.html
Or get an Android cell phone and use nav on it.
Thanks for the link. Found some other items in the site of interest. :-)
That's what I do now on my 2001 Toyota Tundra, use my Samsung Galaxy S3 for navigation. This is for the wife, but she doesn't drive out of her comfort zone very much. When she does, I end up driving.
Reading these forums, now I'm concerned about this vibration with the V6. Have you experienced it? Something with the ECO cutting down to 3 cylinders, and therefore resulting in increased engine vibration.
As I have a tendency to drive a vehicle till it's almost dead (1989 Accord-269,000 miles, 2001 Toy Tundra-202,000 miles and counting), I should stay away from a single point of failure item.
Thanks,
Jaime
Our first full tank of gas got us 447 miles and most were city miles and some were just me playing around with the vehicle. Today I ran a 8 mile trip going about 68 to 72 mph with econ on and hit 42 mpg (very few hills, outside temp 62 degrees). I was watching the mpg gauge and dash lights to see how good I could do. If I drive like I usually do, I probably would have been around the mid 30's. Hope that helps.
We ordered the car (color was unavailable till mid Feb) for her commuting and her MPG, but the V6 is for me on the weekends. ;-P Her Toyota 4 Cyl has nothing to pass cars up on the freeways, especially coming from my Tundra's V8. But then again, I get mid to high teens at best for MPG.
Taking it on a long trip soon, so we shall see what the mileage is truly.