Im trying to decide what HU to get, seems like the Avic Z3 is the best out there right now.

I read that the Z2 is the same as the Z1 and that the Z3 is the same as the Z1, does this mean that the Z3 is the same as the Z1 (minus of couse the hard drive with map info on it).

If this is true, can I just get the Z1 and buy a Z3 drive on ebay and then I will basically have a Z3?

 

yes.

or you can do it yourself by downloading the disk image.

The drives on eBay may just be regular laptop hard drives, the ones that come in the Z1-3 are automotive drives that handle the vibration better.

hit up avic411.com for more info. I have the Z1 and plan on doing this soon.

 

All of the AVIC-Z models are exactly the same, the only difference is the updated maps on each model (Z-3 has the 2008 maps on it).

There's a guy on the avic411 boards that sells the drives with the updated map info loaded already.

 

the z3 will have ipod/bluetooth/other newer features that a firm ware or HDD upgrade will not add.

I would see what you need and then go from there

I would get a refurb z2 and do the update to the z3 info
I know a z2 will do ipod, not sure on the bluetooth