OEM In-dash Navigation Questions

3rd party nav systems which can be updated over the internet have advantages over the DVD based systems which are out of date at the point of purchase. The cost of a new DVD is upwards of $200. The advantages of the built in GPS include a larger brighter screen and a backup camera. I don't know any system that is completely up to date with addresses because the core information is still dependant on local government input which can vary greatly.

Unless you are in real estate or some other profession that is constantly dealing with new properties, you will probably find the built in system adequate for nearly all purposes.

 

I'll provide a few cents' worth of feedback:

1) Map coverage is very good but depends on how fast your area is changing (new housing developments).

4) You don't have to use the voice com
nds, you can enter addresses thru the touch screen keyboard.

5). The nav is part of a package with the solar sunroof, so the price you quote isn't just for the nav unit. That said, I'd rather have the integrated unit than a third-party "TomTom" like device.

 

Your poll doesn't have a correct answer for me. I like the fact that it is built in and I don't have to try and hide it when I park the car. I also like the audio interface and the bluetooth interface with my phone. The backup camera is great.

Other than that I don't think it's very good as a nav system, maybe 10 years ago it would have been OK but it is really obsolete technology. I don't like the dumb things Toyota has done to "keep us safe", actually to keep their lawyers happy. Haven't they noticed a lot of other companies make nav systems you (or your passenger) can use to select a destination while the car is moving? and they are not being sued because of it. Also for some reason known only to Toyota it will not provide guidance to get me some places I need to go even though they are on the map, and speaking of maps the price of a map update is obscene. Come to think of it maybe the poll does have my answer after all.

I have never used a Tom Tom but I have used, and owned, several Garmin units and this Toyota Denso system doesn't hold a candle to them. I have it because it was part of the ATP and I did want some of the other things in that package such as the DRCC.

 

I have both....and there are key differences.
1) The GARMIN (I have the NUVI 850) unit allows spoken voice command / data entry - which I specifically selected for safety reasons. The OEM unit is VERY limited in the type of spoken voice command it recognizes - and is in fact pretty frustrating sometimes.
2) Keying in address while moving cannot be done with the OEM nav. There used to be a workaround, but that is also gone.
3) My Gamin also has BT capability, but its not as good as the OEM and the sound is difficult to understand sometimes so I don't use it.
4) Updates on the Garmin (I purchased the lifetime update) allows me to update the software 4 times / year. The OEM update is available 1 time /year and is +$200! I also have found that the data used to create the OEM disk is ~ 2 years old - but is "verified data" where as the Garmin unit is not, meaning that some data can be inaccurate.
5) Traffic is available on both, the Garmin is a one time (lifetime) purchase, the OEM uses XM (you MUST subscribe to the satellite radio service first) and is an additional monthly fee.
6) The OEM has benefits that are not available in a 3rd party unit. Backup camera, additional Hybrid menus and a better interface to the car's extra systems.

I purchased the Garmin because I travel a lot and it allows me to take a familiar unit with me and not have to rent the rental car's offering. The voice command function alone keeps it fastened to my windshield.

 

1. No problem in my area so far. I have been surprised by the rural roads and directions for what I would consider local knowledge.
2. I do not plan to update mine until a new version comes out that adds a lot of new areas not on my current disk. The Toyota price is high.
3. It will do everything for me that a TomTom or Garmin will do. It is not as user friendly as the others though.
4. You only need to use the Voice Commands if you are in motion. Otherwise you can just type in the infol
5. My Nav was not that expensive. It is worth it to me to have the built-in unit without external cables and mounting hardware. Plus the backup camera system is really nice.

 

Hell, just having BT phonebook AND rearview camera are enough reasons to get NAVI! The navigation itself is OK, some things are better than my Garmin NUVI 775t, some are not. But, for me, the phonebook (and speed dial) along with rearview camera are enough for me to buy OEM NAVI. Garmin NUVI BT is just horrendous to use...absolutely useless.

BTW, XM Traffic is more accurate and more up to date with current traffic than the FM-sourced Traffic on the NUVIs. But the NUVI traffic is free of charge, so i can't complain!

 

I really like it. I have a Garmin Nuvi (I don't remember the number but it is a really fancy one with lots of bells and whistles).

The map coverage is fine. The difference is that the Garmin is much easier to update and much cheaper too.

I find it just as easy to use as the Garmin, but I am most annoyed that it won't let you do much while you are moving. Some simple things should be allowed, but that is Toyota.

No, you don't have to use voice commands. In fact, I have only done that once.

Yes, it was worth it to me since I wanted the bluetooth and other capabilities and I was tired of removing my Garmin to avoid theft. It is also easier since it is on all the time and I don't have to break it out when I want to see what the road ahead has in store for me.

There are lots of complaints on this board, but you have to remember that people don't usually post on boards like this to say something is just fine.

 

Everytime I've used the navigation systems, it has worked well. No issue.

 

IMHO:

The Toyota nav is good enough for most people and purposes, is bigger, brighter and built-in, and gives you bluetooth audio streaming, touch screen controls of radio, etc., and ease of setting up phones and other preferences and settings. All in all, I would probably get it again.

Personally, I don't like the fisheye lens of the backup camera (can't tell how close you are to things) and don't really use it much. As others have noted, the POIs and even roads are often out of date, and the update dvds overpriced. The dvd based system is also kind of sluggish sometimes. The voice commands are mostly just irritating parlor tricks that don't work well enough or fast enough in the real world.

Now that the top of the line Garmin (3790T) is only $450 (including lifetime traffic) and much sleeker, with a larger and higher resolution screen than their prior portables, it is getting harder to justify the Toyota nav price. However, having used older model garmins, I think the toyota nav haters and garmin lovers are overstating their case. The portable navs are often slow, have cartoonish graphics, and can be just as wrong, ignorant and/or frustrating as the Toyota system.

If you get an iphone, loading tom-tom or navigon apps (with traffic, turn by turn directions and lane change warnings), or other even cheaper apps, is less than $100, and will always be up to date or easily updated. I've been impressed by the Navigon mobile navigator app. If you get an android phone, you have Googles' voice turn by turn gps app built-in. It's hard to argue with free.

 

The problems with portable NAVIs, including my top NUVI in addition to above:

1. Searching for POIs can take a very very long time...OEM NAVI is much faster
2. Signal capturing can take a while, esp. if you don't use it a long time. OEM NAVI signal capturing is instant!
3. Sometimes, i have notice that the logic behind routing is not as good as OEM NAVI. OEM NAVI allows you to pick from 3 different routes.
4. NUVIs have a small screen (even the newer ones) and although they have 3-D view, the graphics are cartoonish and not really anymore helpful than 2-D OEM.

If you have no plans on updating your OEM NAVI, then yeah, get the portable navis. But, if you're willing to buy the updated discs, then i would get OEM NAVI in addition to the other benefits of OEM NAVI mentioned above.

 

I agree with your observations. I would just point out that the Navigon is a battery hog! Even with the cigarette lighter adapter connected, the IPhone battery is hard pressed to keep up. Yesterday, I drove from Key West to Miami and while on the road had the Navigon map on my IPhone. I started at 62% battery power and after an hour of cruising at about 55mph, I was at 61%. I turned off the Navigon and by the time I got off the keys I was up to 80%. Not likely to kill the IPhone battery, but it certainly won't charge it up while driving, which I usually prefer to avoid taking all the dongles needed to charge up my phone on a trip. I expect that if I started at 100% it might keep it there or close to it.

 

Navigon just updated their App:

What's New In Version 1.6.0

- iOS 4 support including Multitasking and FastAppSwitch
- Latest available NAVTEQ map data
- Live Weather information (at destination and on route)
- CleverParking (Parking spots around your destination and prior to arriving at the destination are shown)
- New destination overview screen providing weather, parking and POI information around your destination
- Refined RealityView Pro

Discussed in more detail here:

MobileNavigator adds Background Location and more | iLounge News

"Support for iOS 4 Background Location allows MobileNavigator to continue running in the background and providing voice guidance on multitasking-capable devices. MobileNavigator will also automatically shut down background location mode when no route is active or once you’ve reached your destination, avoiding unnecessary power consumption from the GPS hardware. The latest update also adds enhanced graphics for the iPhone 4 Retina Display and includes the latest NAVTEQ map data."

 

:welcome:
I do not like my OEM nav.
I use a Garmin 765T with lifetime updates.
I suggest you test drive a model with the nav system and ask the salesperson to fully demonstrate the unit.
Then try it yourself in multiple settings.
Good luck.

 

Ok, here is yet another reason for the OEM NAVI:

USB port! Wow, with my Itouch, i have full control via the steering wheel controls! The screen shows me what song and artist is playing...along with my playlist. It also recharges my Itouch at the same time.

 

Save your 2500$ and buy a nuvi 1690

The once a year Toyota update disk is a joke, the thing is still terrible, update the nuvi once a day if you wish...
jmho.ymmv

 

I was told by my dealer that Toyota will offer "free" downloads of updated NAV settings that "we" as consumers can burn on DVD from the comfort of our homes. This I find a little hard to believe as for I have been a GM and Audi guy for many years...and always had to pay $$ for updated GPS/NAV discs. Any comments would be appreciated. Thnx

 

Ask for the URL or procedure to get the free download. Don't hold your breathe waiting.

 

Let me guess - you are a newer owner, and as part of the sale, this was explained to you.

I would *run* back, and verify this in writing. What you *will* find is a less than reputable sales person, and little chance at redemption.

*If* they admit this was said, they *should* at minimum give you in writing that your first upgrade ($200+) is on them...

 

I a word, NO! It is not worth the extra money - or any money for that matter. My $250 3 year old Garmin is far superior. The address database is highly flawed, bluetooth is problematical, and the radio reception stinks. If I had to do it over, I would just use my Garmin. The interface is much more intuitive, and the new units include lifetime traffic updates at no extra cost, unlike the requirement to subscribe to XM. Map updates are either free or much less expensive, as it can be done over the web, vs buying a new DVD from Toyota for $200+.