I realize this probably should be in the A/V forum, but thought I'd get better response here.

I'm contimplating an '06 coupe with 6spd and need some advice. Generally, I like the base G with the sport-tuned suspension package...though the premium package sounds great...not important to me. However, I'm moving from Austin to Dallas and will need a Navigation system. I'd prefer the integrated design of Infiniti's nav system...but it sounds like it's not the greatest in the world. And since I can't get it without the whole premium package is it worth it...or would I best be served getting an aftermarket nav system? And if aftermarket is the best way to go...any recommendations? Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

I didnt get the nav. when i bought my 05, I would strongly recomend getting either the factory or an aftermarket, look under the electronics section of this fourm, you might like the D1 or Z1 head units better than the factory 1(also if you decide to go for the aftermarket navs. you wouldnt need the premium)

 

I have everything but NAV and will not ever be without it again... One evening out of town looking for a room after Katrina convinced me it is well worth the $

 

I don't have it, I kinda want a carputer in that spot, cheaper but I dont think it looks as good as stock. It looks really cool and good to have if you travel a lot.

 

yea its worth it..........i regret not getting it

 

I would say go for the factory nav if you were thinking about it.... There are plenty of aftermarket systems available with a few more bells and whistles. Often by the time you get them professionally installed it can get more expensive and you don't get the navi mpg or the hideaway screen.

I say either way its well worth the money, otherwise its more of a personal perference.

 

ITs worth it, i rather go double din and get an after market

 

I'm not sure if they changed the Nav on the '06 models or not... but I have it on my '04. The nav is pretty crappy compared to other systems that I've seen produced by other manufacturers such as Honda/Acura and Mercedes.

I must admit though, it is very nice to have the real-time fuel economy feature that is part of the OEM Nav. I use that all the time.

Anytime I've ever used the actual Nav system to get me somewhere, it has always taken me some horribly inefficient route to get to my destination... despite the fact that I have all the settings in it configured for my optimal route planning preferences. Also.. you have to consider that the Nav discs get old after a few years, and if you live in a place with lots of changes such as I do(Boston area) that could have a significant impact on the cost of the whole unit if you're required to buy update discs every 3 or so years at 300 bucks a pop.

I think most aftermarket Nav systems download the Navigation info from the web, rather than having to buy a pricey disc. This is just what I have heard though, and I haven't actually looked into it myself.

It is also a lot harder for a thief to steal a built-in Nav system than most aftermarket units.

 

I say get aftermarket so you can have NAV, DVD, MP3 in one unit. plus stock head unit is garbage anyways so upgrading it will not be a waste.

 

Nav: Personally, I thought I wouldn't have paid/asked for it if I bought off the lot, but the ride i got had it.

Honestly, I love it. I use it WAY more then i thought. Other then giving directions(and yes it has voice guidance), it calculates your gas mileage current and past comparisons, reminds you when you hit X amount of miles to do oil changes, and acts like "411"- it can give you address' and #s to many places.
The most I use it is when I'm out of town, I can punch in any company name/location and it will pull up their info and direct me there. very convenient, i haven't had to mapquest or call for directions since.
I even forgot where my dentist was, i put in his NAME and it found his office for me.
I also like how it will show me mileage remaining to my destination on my trips.
PLUS, my thought now is why spend all that $ on this nice "luxury sports coupe" and not have that feature. Also, many of the other cars in its class do have nav.

 

I considered the navigation system when I was shopping around. In the end, I liked the idea of having a "portable" system that could be moved from car to car. I purchased a GPS unit for my Palm PDA with the TomTom navigation software. It works great, can be moved from car to car, and although it is not factory installed, the PDA fits perfectly with a little velcro where the factory screen is located when the cover to the compartment is opened.

 

Yes it is.

 

I have a Garmin IQue M5, only cost $550

it has pocket pc, Nav, Mp3 player, bluetooth, etc on it... I carry it with me all the time, it's awesome.

 

I opted for an aftermarket portable unit, as well. It's great for rental cars when one travels alot.

 

I think the NAV is a good investment. I didn't get the NAV and just bought the streetdeck G35 bundle. It has NAV, allows you to play DVD's, browse through pictures, play's mp3's, etc. All in all, the interface that StreetDeck made is awesome.

In the end, it costs more for the bundle than the stock NAV by around 200 dollars, but it's an investment that is well worth it IMO. Either way, you can't lose getting either one.