I'm about to purchase the new GVN-53...was wondering what you guys thought about it so far. I will do the install myself and the 53's are currentl going for about $500shipped...

My main question is, can you play the iPod and use the Garmin at the same time? Or do you have to buy an auxiliary splitter also? Let me know...thanks

 

I would email garmin cust. service on their web site. They are very good at getting back.

 

yep, it works out great, no probs so far.
great thing that i can (or passenger can) input stuff while not in 'park'...
very easy install.

as far as ipod, i have the 08, so i have that ipod thingy integrated already, but i'm thinking you'll need a splitter if you want to hear both your ipod and the voice from the garmin at the same time

 

Check out www.thenerds.net. You can get it for a lot cheaper, that's where I got my GVN53.

I'm pretty happy with the unit, I bought it after my portable GPS unit was stolen. You have 2 options with sound. The GVN53 includes a small speaker that you can use if you do not want to hook up the RCA audio wires. That way you can still easily continue to use your Ipod. If you want to integrate the sound, you can install a switching mechanism to switch between the Garmin and your Ipod. The Garmin has a mute wire that you could use to control the switching. The mute wire is driven when the Garmin speaks the directions. I believe someone on here has done it, do a search.