Add Navigation System After Purchase

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by chris, Sep 4, 2006.

  1. chris

    chris Guest

    Because of the rapidly shrinking pool of 2006 Honda Civics in my
    neighborhood, I ended up getting one yesterday w/o a navigation system,
    although I really wanted one with it. The salesman said that the nav
    systems come from the factory - it's not something you could upgrade
    later. I'm not so sure... Although Crutchfield says you can get some
    that *technicall* will fit, you have to fabricate your own mounting
    brackets, and significantly change the look of your dash, so I don't
    like that option.

    Is it possible to get a Navigation System after delivery, and then just
    replace the audio console along with the radio? Is this completely
    insane, or has someone done this before?


    Thanks!
    Chris
     
    chris, Sep 4, 2006
    #1
  2. I would just get a portable hand-held GPS system, which will cost a lot less
    than an in-dash system. Having an in-dash system means that if the system
    has a problem, the entire car has to be left at the dealer or wherever to
    fix the problem.
     
    High Tech Misfit, Sep 4, 2006
    #2
  3. chris

    Paul G Guest

    Not sure about the '06, but I added a nice Kenwood touch-screen unit to
    my wife's '04 Civic. Just pulled out the factory CD player and
    attached storage bin, slid in the vehicle-specific kit (it had to match
    the stereo opening, which wasn't square), and we were ready to go.

    Try a local car audio shop or electronics chain; I know Best Buy sells
    the unit I bought. If going with a local store, look for one that is
    consistently busy and has the product in stock, will show it to you,
    etc.
     
    Paul G, Sep 6, 2006
    #3
  4. chris

    Dr Nick Guest

    I LOVE the honda in dash navigation system. (I have an accord so it's slight
    different than the civics)

    that being said, from what ive' read about puting in the factory nav after
    it's built, it's is definetly NOT worth it. it will cost you approx 2,000
    for all the parts, plus time and aggrivation, I'd say spend half of that and
    get a good indash navi if you'd like (pioneer makes a good one, not sure of
    the model)

    I'd also recommend getting a portable unit like a garmin or tomtom. the
    obvious advantage is you can take it from car to car.

    As good as the honda unit is, it's deifnetly not worth the time or effort to
    put in after the fact. trust me on this.

    -N
     
    Dr Nick, Sep 7, 2006
    #4
  5. chris

    televascular Guest

    It's true. The Honda Navi retrofit requires a great deal of knowledge
    about car electronics, as well as the balls to gut your interior. It's
    even more work if you decide to swap steering wheels to add the Voice
    Navigation button feature. You pay a couple grand, and the stock navi
    doesn't support DVD movie playback.

    Dr. Nick, I think the [equally expensive] Pioneer navi you're thinking
    about is the AVIC-Z1. It features a great deal more features than the
    stock navi, and has gotten stellar reviews. However, the cost of the
    unit, dashboard, harness, and installation will definitely run upwards
    of $2500 or more. Unless you can find a killer deal.

    Basically, it's not worth retrofitting unless you're REALLY willing to
    shell out the cash. But chances are, if you're not afraid to blow money
    on something like this, you can afford to sell your car and swap out
    for a navi-equipped model.
     
    televascular, Sep 9, 2006
    #5
  6. chris

    BRaymond Guest

    I just bought a portable unit, the Garmin Nuvi. It is extremely small.
    The entire unit is a 3.5" screen, about 1" thick. It was $500 on
    eBay, and a much better value than getting the factory nav system.

    Bud.
     
    BRaymond, Sep 9, 2006
    #6
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