I need help choosing a Navigation System!!!

[mvy07]

I just got my FJ Monday for my graduation present from high school. I've decided that I want to get a navigation system installed and I've been looking on crutchfield.com at various navigation systems and I have decided that it would suit me best to get an in-dash model. I have been looking at the Pioneer AVIC-D3, which comes with a free back up camera with the purchase. Does anyone know how good this unit works and also how difficult it is to install? If anyone knows of any discounts you can get please let me know.... I would really appreciate any help!

[SoonerFJ]

mvy07 previously said:

I just got my FJ Monday for my graduation present from high school. I've decided that I want to get a navigation system installed and I've been looking on crutchfield.com at various navigation systems and I have decided that it would suit me best to get an in-dash model. I have been looking at the Pioneer AVIC-D3, which comes with a free back up camera with the purchase. Does anyone know how good this unit works and also how difficult it is to install? If anyone knows of any discounts you can get please let me know.... I would really appreciate any help!

I posted this a few days ago:

Just a reminder that there is a discount code for anyone that orders 3 or more Pioneer car audio components (from Crutchfield) that cost at least $50 each. I picked up the code from a forum member (J-Rock) here a few weeks ago, and it still works. The code is 3a185 I ordered the D3 and a couple of pairs of Pioneer speakers to qualify for the 15% discount.

They are also offering a free back up camera with the Avic D3 until the end of this month so I was able to convince my wife on how much money I could save by buying the stuff now.

If anyone else wants to take advantage of this, you can also have my "refer a friend discount" and save another $20. The code for that is ptby9-6h310-wiv4q We had something started like this a few weeks back, but it kind of fizzled out.

BTW, I am not affiliated with Crutchfield at all. Just trying to pass on some savings.

[RoverGGM]

If you glance up above your new thread there is a button called simply "Search"........well anyway, I found this by typing in AVIC
The Avic-D3 FAQ Thread

But I suppose we could always use another thread on a topic we've covered 70 times before, it makes the search function less useful

[Noisycow]

Get a separate DVD in-dash player and Nav up top like a Garmin or a TomTom. Much cooler. All in one not as great imo.

[RoverGGM]

Noisycow previously said:

Get a separate DVD in-dash player and Nav up top like a Garmin or a TomTom. Much cooler. All in one not as great imo.

I concur with the Cow...got a Garmin Nuvi 350 mounted next to the tri-guage cluster. It can be removed and used in another vehicle if you need to.

[rachnjosh]

Check out the avic z2. I just had installed a week ago and still figuring it all out but so far, AWESOME!! The unit has a hard drive that stores the navigation software and has enough space (10 gb) to store your music collection AND access it with the voice controls. You never need cd's again.

[FJ4GD]

RoverGGM previously said:

I concur with the Cow...got a Garmin Nuvi 350 mounted next to the tri-guage cluster. It can be removed and used in another vehicle if you need to.

So true...I would do this if I were you as well. Then you don't have to worrry about someone ripping out your whole dash to steal your D3, you just disconnet the Nuvi and take it with you.

[Taz]

If I were buying a standalone nav, it wouldn't be the Nuvi. Seriously look at TomTom instead. I have a Nuvi 360 (and a bunch of other Garmins, several TomToms and several in dash nav systems.

I have the Avic D3 in my FJ. I think in a lot of ways it is a good choice BUT the POI search totally sucks in my book. That and the lack of QWERTY keyboard (also true on the Nuvi) are its 2 biggest downfalls. On the plus side it integrates well with the XM Traffic(optional), steering wheel controls work well (SWIPS interface for me(optional)), backup cam is absolute a killer app for me, good job on DVDs, iPod interace(optional) and more.

I thought it would be a PITA having to swap out the nav DVDs when I want to play a CD but I don't use it that much. I have an aux input for external HD based MP3 player as well as the iPod interface. I have XM (with traffic) and Sirius and BT as well. Once I got the screen brightness dialed in, I am pretty happy. I'd give it 8.5 out of 10 overall and 7.5 out of 10 for the nav section. Lack of QWERTY keyboard and inability to use a zip code to speed address entry really bug me (applies to Garmin Nuvi as well) and the POI search really needs to be revamped. If you search for McDonalds, it will list every freaking McD's in the entire country while failing to show you the closest ones to you and NO DANG OPTION TO SORT by distance. What was Pioneer thinking!!!!!!

Routing choices are good and you can have it display several choices in order or just the fastest or shortest or ... (insert your choice here). Backup cam works very well in low light conditions AND you can engage it even when not in reverse which is great when I want to tow.