I test drove the sedan and coupe over the weekend. My question is: Can you program the navigation system while you are driving (like an address)? The salesman didn't seem too knowledgable...he said you could, but I've heard something else.

Also, is the DVD only good for the state you are living in? He said the DVD was only good for CA, but then backtracked when I asked about Nevada and Oregon...and said it was good for the western US.

Thanks in advance!

 

Can't program addresses whilst the car is moving. You can access the Info sys (trip computer and feul econ info) but that is it. Basically if you have to think or type the sys won't letcha do it unless parked. I type as fast as I can at red lights!

 

You can select a destination from the first 5 items of your address book while driving. It won't let you scroll down while driving, though. But you can scroll while stopped.

You have to stop to enter a new address as a destination.

It's too hard to mess with that joystick and keep your eyes on the road at the same time, anyway. Just pull over into the nearest parking lot and have at it.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

The way I remember, the DVD is good for the entire US and Canada. Correct me if I am wrong?

As far as inputing address while driving it won't let you. But like was stated you can select from you first 5 stored addresses. Also do quick stops..ie fast food, gas station...

In any case, it is well worth the 2g's IMO.

 

oh...get a new more knowledgeable salesman. He should know more about the car. That is his job...for crying out loud.

 

Thanks everyone! Yeah, he wasn't too knowledgable. He didn't know whether the sedan had sport suspension or not. I had to tell him it did b/c of the rims! He knew a lot about his Ford Lightning truck though!!

 

Salespeople like that make my head hurt. Yeah, everyone's right: You can select any of the first 5 destinations from your address book while driving, you can select from any of your previous destinations while driving (this helps if you're in an unknown city and need to find your way back to your hotel, etc.), and you can Quick Stops, such as food, gas stations ATMs, etc. The list of "Quick Stops" is customizable, as well.

Yes, the DVD-nav is for all of Northern America (That's the US and Canada).

Tell your salesman to take a hike... go to the service dept. and ask one of the technicians who his favorite salesman is, and who he thinks is the most knowledgeable. Then go to him... always works! Good luck, man!

G

2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint

 

Is the Nav system a subscription based service to beam you the current info? I mean is it a yearly bill and if so how much is it?

 

It's not a subscription service. Unless your dealer makes other arrangements (i.e. freebie updates thrown in) you need to buy any applicable DVD updates directly from the maker of the Nav software.

--Steve

 

The system "just works." The GPS satellites are always on, and don't have any sort of subscription service. Any GPS receiver can pick up a signal and determine it's location.

The map data is on a DVD disc. Obviously, maps change over time. Updated map discs are generally made available about once a year, and cost somewhere in the $100-200 range. You do not have to buy the new maps, and if the coverage is accurate in the areas you use it, then there's no need. If there's construction going on in your area, it may be awhile before the map data and the local streets match.

Anyone can use GPS satellites, but note that it's a service of the U.S. Military. They control the satellites, and they control the accuracy of the satellites. When the system was first launched, it had a feature called "selective availability." The satellites would randomly bump bits of data to reduce accuracy to about 100 meters (in a coded fashion that military receivers could decrypt to maintain accuracy). Currently, the satellites aren't doing that to us, giving a claimed accuracy of 20 meters (though I've seen 20 feet more often than not). Basically, the military has the ability to deny the civil use of GPS in specific regions during conflicts, so they don't need the global degradation scheme anymore.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter