I am planing to buy a G35 coupe in a few weeks and was wondering why alot of people don't buy the car with the factory nav and then go buy an aftermarket nav. After you buy a aftermarket nav + double DIN + instalation it adds up to be more than the factory system right? And if some wants to play DVD isn't it cheaper just to get the mod?

Personally I like this one aftermarket system I saw, I think it's the "eclipse AVN2454," but I don't know how much it cost. Do any of you know?

Feedback is much appreciated

Thanks

 

My carputer system was a lot cheaper to make then the factory NAV was and I can do a whole lot more. I didn't use the double DIN converter though cause I agree $400+ is a rediculous price just to put a 7"x2" hole in your dash.

If all you want is NAV though, I would still recommend you get the stock system as it is the most convienent.

Heres pics of my system.
https://filebox.vt.edu/users/cholbroo/g35/

If you end up getting the coupe without NAV and want to do something similar, I will soon be selling the screens and housings specifically made for the g35 email godofcpu@vt.edu for more info.

 

I think most people don't buy the G with NAV because of sticker shock. They see its $2,000 more on top of the price of the car and do not realize that it only adds a little more to the car payment each month. From what I have read most people regret not getting it if they later decide they want it. I don't regret getting it in my coupe at all, but I'll be honest, my Dad actually talked me in to it. I told him I wasn't planning on getting it because it was $2K, and he said "on top of $36,000 another two isn't going to hurt that much." He was right.



Kevin
www.KPtechnologies.net
AIM: KPiersonTec
04 DG Coupe / VDC Memory
OEM Remote Window up mod
Procharged / Crawford / TS

 

Wow, that carputer system is sweet. But when you say you can do a whole lot more, what exactly do you mean? A

 

My carputer can currently do MP3's, DVD, Video files, OBD 2 Diagnostics, 0-60 times, NAV, XM / AM / FM Radio w/ time shifting, Rearview camera, WiFi file syncing, Voice Navigation, Touchscreen and remote control.

The possibilities are really endless if you put the time into it. See mp3car.com for more examples.

 

Hey goc, you're gonna make a mounting unit for G's?
I'd definitely be interested in this project!

I was extremely close to having my carputer put in last year, but the parts (LCD and psu) fell through. So I ended up putting that project on hold and getting some engine upgrades instead.

I still long for a nice clean carputer setup thou...


<font color=blue> 2004 6MT Coupe </font color=blue>

 

Right now I currently have the plexiglass housing for a 7" xenarc screen being machined and should *hopefully* have the first production out by the end of September. I also just created a prototype single DIN metal mounting bracket w/ brushed aluminum face plate and plan on sending the design off to the machine shop this week if I have time to get the last of the kinks worked out. I'll post pics of the prototype once its finished. Both products are meant to keep the stock look and work with existing screw holes in the g35 so they don't require cutting anything undoable to install.

The single DIN mounting is meant more for DVD players then anything else though.

The primary focus of my business is carputer software and I will eventually be coming out with a full carputer system, probably around December at the earliest when the software is done. The system will be made for all cars in general, but since I primarily drive a g35, you can be sure there will be a complete solution for a g35 that will keep the stock look.

If you want to see the carputer or software in action, come to the maryland carputer meet this weekend: https://g35driver.com/forums/showfla...sed&sb=5&part=

Send your e-mail address to godofcpu@vt.edu and I will keep you updated as things become available.

 

I am planning to purchase a 05 sedan next spring. I want a nav system, but am interested in people's opinion about longevity for one. I keep cars for a long time. So say that I keep my car for 10 years. Technology changes a lot lately. The factory nav will be outdated by then. If I go with an aftermarket nav system, I could upgrade the nav to the latest thing in a few years. However, I like the clean look and integration of the factroy system.

Previous to reading this board, I would have just bought the factory system. But seeing how nice a job some of you have done with aftermarket systems has got me thinking which way I should go.

Care to share your opinions on which way to go when a long term outlook is my criteria?

 

Personally, I think NAV systems change very slowly, I really haven't seen anything generally availalble now that wasn't available 5 years ago and I don't see a lot of reason why this would change greatly. The only major difference is the prevalence of NAV systems, thier cost, and mostly minor changes. You had points of interest, birds eye views, and dynamic rerouting in old systems just like you have in the new ones. Although, today you have only the features that stood the test of time, future systems will also probably look very similar to the best ones available today.

The big problems with navigation today I don't think are related to the hardware in your car. The only way I think NAV systems will really get substantially better to the point to justify a $500+ upgrade on and old car is when the infrastructure gets better. This takes an incredible amount of time 10 years+ to really get into place. i.e. more accurate GPS, integrated traffic, full 3D views based on actual building types, yes this is available now, but only in very niche areas and will probably stay that way for years to come. I don't think a good current NAV system will look very outdated 10 years from now. Of course if you get a NAV system that sucks now, it will seem outdated from the day you get it.

There are other reasons to go aftermarket. Is there some feature thats not in the stock NAV system that you would like... i.e. touchscreen, software features, screen size etc. The stock NAV is priced competively, but a good aftermarket one with more features would probably be a little bit cheaper. Do you want to add other capabilties in the future, i.e. DVD player, computer, rear view camera...these are much easier, cheaper, and just all round better to do with an aftermarket system.

 

im am personally hoping to get the avn2454 for xmas this year. I like how it looks more than stock nav and want the dvd/mp3 capabilities as well as nav. i dont think its that much more than the factory nav (im thinking maybe 400 more because of double din) and i think the extra capabilities are worth it. I am also thinking of getting a rearview camera just for the impression points it will get .... and its only liek 100 dollars

2004 Black on Black g coupe 6spd.... aluminum pedals, clear corners, z tube, and pop charger. soon to have 19" volk gt-c's and PIAA xtreme whites in the clearance and corners
Houston Texas

 

KPierson is probably right, most people probably do regret not getting it. Almost from the moment I drove my sedan off the lot I wished I had gotten the nav. It's a lot more convenient than aftermarket. Got it on the coupe.

-------------------------------
04 G35SC | Diamond Graphite | Everything exc. Sat (coming in Dec.!)

 

My only problem with doing the whole Double-Din conversion is the fact that you lose the sterring wheel controls and then you have to get the PAC unit and assign it. From the few posts I've read about that unit, it seems like people have problems with some of the functionality behind the controls and just problems in general. I think thats why the carputer idea isn't a bad one IMO. However, I am afraid of software issues with a carputer. Will the system crash a lot? Hardware/software compatability issues. I'm not very educated on the subject but have we come a long way in the carputer industry? Too bad I missed your meet god_of_cpu. I'm in Montgomery County too. Last weekend my grandmother passed away so family stuff to take care of. How did it go? Looking forward to seeing your product out in the end of September sometime.

D. Graphite/Graphite | Premium | Splash | Clears | Pedals | 35% TINT | Z-Tube | 4080 Stealthbox - JL 10w3 | Escort 8500 | PIAA's

 

pratick97,

Sorry about your grandmother. I think the meet went relatively well, probably about 10 cars showed up and almost all of them had working carputers, which was alot more from the 2 cars with working carputers from the first one. Pictures should be up soon http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...t=28792&page=4

Crashing I think is more of a hardware problem then anything else and it really depends on how much money and time you put into your carputer. If you have a budget around a $1000 you should have no problem getting a stable system. Start using old parts and el-cheapo components and your gonna have to work a little harder to get a stable system.

If you really want to see how far the carputer industry has come, PM me and we can meet up someplace and I'll give you a demo.

 

of course the cost is more than just $2K since you have to get the premium package at $2K in order to add the nav at an addtional $2K. so basically your looking at $4K to get it from the factory.

 

I see your point, but I don't think people are really buying the coupe with out the prem pkg. So the important thing is the price difference between getting the factory Nav or an aftermarket. I would think that most people on this board that have aftermarket nav also have prem pkg on their coupes and are likley spending more money (or up front cash).

I got my coupe less than 24 hours ago and I got the nav because I figured I would regret not getting it later.