Is the stock nav package worth it?
 

Hey everyone,
I am close to buying a 370z, but I am wondering if the navigation upgrade is worth it. As far as I can see, I would really like the built in iPod compatibility and the steering controls for Bluetooth. But after reading this forum I have seen many of you have installed aftermarket systems that do the same and even more. So do you guys think it's better to just skip the stock nav?

In terms of functionality, an aftermarket nav can do everything the oem can do and it'll do it better. It is possible to connect an aftermarket nav to the steering wheel controls + ipod.

The only reason I got my nav was to get rid of the fugly garage door at the top of the dash. An aftermarket nav can't do that without some custom fabrication...

Uhh, my verizon phone does a better job at navigation than the stock nav, but I love the looks of the stock nav system. Changes the whole appearance of the interior imho, which is why I got it.

I would save your money and invest in a aftermarket one.

For two reasons it has the bose system and if you ever want to upgrade anything with the nav system or your audio system you are going to drop a lot of extra money.

My incredible does nav so much better than my garmin for nav.

If you typically upgrade your stereo, or plan to, don't get the Nav. But if you more or less run stock audio, then the Nav is not bad -- nice large screen, bluetooth, USB connectivity plus the ability to rip your CDs to the unit's harddrive. Everyone of those functions could be done better by some aftermarket product, but if you just want something decent integrated into the car @ the factory, you could do worse.

Are you looking at an 09' or 10'? I own an 09' with a unique lil cable that doesn't charge my ipod touch. From what I understand Nissan went to a standard USB for the 10' models. I haven't heard much from the 10' owners on how the touch's behave with the USB connection. But my touch is worthless in the 09' model. About the time Apple went to the 3.0v software and beyond, my touch is worthless in the car. Listing and Scrolling music is a nightmare and about the only way to listen to a song is unplug the cable, start the song on the ipod and plug it in real fast. To me aftermarkets would be much better on firmware updates and other factors to prevent these problems. That said, the Nav. package does offer some nifty things that make having it fun. My bluetooth phones works perfect with the system, but the ipod touch connectivity has been a huge disappointment.

Navigation Option.....
 

Just came back from the dealership and never felt soo happy in my life!!

I'm getting the 2012 370z Touring M6 - Gun Metallic + Persimmon Leather (Sport and Navigation)

I had to get the Nav included because this was the only Gun Metallic + Persimmon Leather Sport Available.....

I didn't want the navigation because I know where I'm going all the time.

Is the functions other than the Navigation useful?

Is the Nav worth it?

Anyone think it's useless?

nav is useful when you run into construction zones or closed roads to find alternate routes. even if you dont use it as a nav, you can use the map mode (like me) to see your options immediately. that alone is a big plus. also might be able to wire up the rear view camera and perhaps some obd2 gauge stuff. :)

i didnt get the nav cause i wanted cloth seats (base) but i have a 5" nuvi wired up in my car.

The navigation option is a nice feature, really completes the dash area nicely.
If I did it again I would get the navigation (even though I did not want the leather seats). There are features that you can only get with the navigation, being able to adjust the auto on/off feature and such (many things in the manual).

You get the full IPod interface on the screen, easier bluetooth menu with full phone book, bluetooth wireless music streaming, back up cam bigger screen, plus it looks better than an empty cubby hole. :tup:

^ This

plus you get better resale for a fully loaded vehicle. The extra features of the NAV system make it a good value. More stereo upgrade options are possible with the base system, but I hardly ever turn the radio on; my car makes sweeter music.....

its great... until u need an update. EFFF UUU NISSAAAAAN!!!

but yea i like my nav a lot

how much are updates?

I am going to warn you now, if you are not going to use it do not get it. Because you can not change out that head unit at all to aftermarket.

IMO no it is not because aftermarket always offered more options and expand ability over stock.

I am the opposite - having the Nav provides integrated functionality you can't get otherwise, such as A/C status, trip computer/fuel records, setting controls such as headlight timeout as well as the expected entertainment features - touchscreen iPod / USB controls, hard drive music storage, etc.

iPod controls is more than enough reason for me to have the nav. Does the nav have a bluetooth for hands free phone calls?

But you can do ipod controls on a aftermarket system as well.

navigation was worth the money to me!

Guys, I just got a letter from Nissan to update my map for a "sales" price of $199...what do you guys think? I mean, I can get a Garmin state of the art GPS with life time map update for cheaper...not to mention, it is probably going to be $199 each year...this is almost as worst as my ex...

:rofl2: You bring up the other bad part of OEM nav's price of an upgrade!!!

That's nuts, how are the maps updated? Is it like a CD you purchase and just update it yourself? Any chance of updating somewhere for cheaper?

I have the Kenwood DNX9990HD & the updates are free from what I understand. I say go aftermarket b/c you have a lot of options to what you can & can't do with the HU.

The positives of the stock navigation are its clean appearance and see less integration with the other functions of the car..

The negatives are the limited features, poor sound quality, and inability to upgrade other features..

What features are limited as opposed to aftermarket?

If you don't plan on upgrading the stereo system, then get the stock nav. If you plan on upgrading, then don't get the stock nav. Just my :twocents:

When you mean stereo system, you're talking about the speakers right?

I stopped getting the OEM NAV systems installed when I kept getting billed $200 or more for updated CD's that you have to install. I bought an aftermarket NAV with 7" screen, free lifetime map updates, traffic updates and a bunch of other things for less than $500; came with everything to mount and even allows me to pair my bluetooth etc. Best investment ever.:tup:

Hit shopnbc.com, research the models and see what the web has to offer. Much better than OEM stuff...MUCH Better!

you can always download the updated nav map files for free via torrents.. just sayin

Billed, as in you had no choice but to pay it? Sorry, but I've never had an OEM nav so I don't know how it works.

If the Z's NAV package is the same as the NAV package on my wife's 2012 Murano, I'm not impressed. Some nice features, to be sure, but I note that you only need to get a little rural before one gets the "you are entering an area where map data is incomplete". I don't get that on any of the navigation programs I use on my iPhone or iPad. The Murano's system has the same Bluetooth phone compatibility that I have on my 2011 Z with sport package. She doesn't use the iPhone dock connector for music...instead just uses the headphone jack connector (as do I in my Z) because it's quite a bit simpler.

Bottom line, I suspect an aftermarket system might be more comprehensive than the OEM, but the navigation app that I use on my iPhone or iPad (MotionX Drive) is free on the iPhone and $3.00 on the iPad.

After more and more research, I'm beginning to think the OEM nav is not worth it. I mean the Z does look way better with the OEM nav vs the cubby but I think the functionality doesn't beat aftermarket.

After there any cool mods you do with the cubby? Such as removing the door and/or door mods.

Nope. ;)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1...800/Teaser.JPG

That's awesome theDreamer! I check out your journal to find out your set up, nice work! Are you still using the Kenwood? Any desires to swap it out for another model?

I just got the kenwood and really like it.
Had the Pioneer Z120 before and it was good, but a lot of the 'features' on the kenwood are just a step up. The UI is a bit dated and some getting around is clunky, but the navigation & music/radio features are a lot better which is what I use 95% of the time.

dreamer definitely has a winning setup here.

another option i went was got a nuvi 5" one with the ecoRoute hooked up to it so i have guage monitoring. i dont use my nav as a nav, rather a map when i need to find a quick way around a construction zone or closed road, etc. it also has bt so i can use it as a speaker phone too. i like my HU control screen separate from nav.