AudiForums.com - To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

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- - To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion (https://www.audiforums.com/forum/audi-a3-12/nav-not-nav-qustion-49858/)

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jlinaschke
Also thanks for the feedback on Stevens Creek Audi. I had Von, nice enough guy, but really didn't seem that interested. Concord is way too far to go for me to find a good dealer, but there's gotta be something decent in-between.

In Palo Alto by 101 you have Carlsen Audi.
This LINK shows all around SF Bay area.

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: illwork4sumbread

Here is your issue in a nutshell:

If you want a clean cut, executive looking cock pit with a navigation feature, get the factory installed.

If you want a notch below executive with supperior functionality and features, go aftermarket.

Pretty simple; just depends what you want in a car.

I think this really sums it up well. Those who do not have it in dash do notget the same "integrated" aesthetic experience when they sit in the cockpit of their Audi. It really functions well as an overall system, nav is just one feature in the overall scheme of it. If you are a power driver that relies on the nav each and everytime you get in the car, I am sure there are better systems out there.

As far as comparing to an Acura or Honda, well neither of those two cars are that desirable for me personally. I would rather have the car that I want, with a less than perfect nav system then get a nav system w/ a less than ideal car for myself.

Good luck.

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jlinaschke

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jbrx7tt

I sometimes use the SD cards and sometimes my iPod (which was a breeze to install) - $69.00 for the kit + the keys to pull the 6 disc changer out.

<snip>

I am not sure about real time traffic, but I would think it would have less to do with the system and more the service that is available to the car, but I don't know a whole lot about it. It would be great! As with any nav system, there are faults and they do not always give you the best route, especially if you know your area they may not provide the quickest route, but that is the same with any nav system.

Is this the Audi iPod interface? Does it show track info, etc on the car display, and does it let you navigate easily? I had a system from Monster once that only let you play the first six playlists... wow was that lame.

Traffic is something integrated with XM radio, AFAIK, and has to be built into the system. The ability to avoid traffic on the daily commute is huge to me.

Thanks
-Joseph

Hi Joseph, I just have the blitzsafe cable that fits into the CD changer connection & runs to my iPod. No, it does not integrate into the steering wheel controls, I simply have it velcroed to the inside of the right hand side of those little bars in the middle and when I want to change it, I use the iPod controls. The SD card slots show the MP3 titles & do work with the steering wheel controls. I have had iPods hooked up to four different cars, and for me, none of the controls (like my old Alpine system had) really can match the controls of the iPods itself.

Hope that helps...Jon

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Just thought you'd all like to hear my final (ha!) decision since you were all so helpful in my initial inquiry...

I am going to buy the A3 withOUT nav and withOUT the "technology package" which includes the bluetooth integration. Instead, I'll buy the TomTom GO 910, which is really an impressive nav system for under $600. The only feature it does not have that I wanted was voice control, but it does everything else, including traffic. And, it has bluetooth integration to your phone, so that adds that capability as well. Finally it even offers iPod connectivity!

The only missing link is to connect the TomTom to the Audi's audio system. The TomTom comes with a standard 3.5" line-out, but AFAIK the Audi has no line-in?

If anyone knows a way to connect a standard audio connection to the Audi I'd love to hear about it! Otherwise, I'm going shopping this weekend and buying next weekend. Gonna put the pressure on 'em for a last weekend of the month sale ;-)

wish me luck! God I can't wait...

-Joseph

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Keep your recipt for the tomtom... I'm releasing a product mid feburary that should keep you guys interested ;)

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: A3Night

Keep your recipt for the tomtom... I'm releasing a product mid feburary that should keep you guys interested ;)

OK that's just mean!! ;-) Any hints? I haven't bought the TomTom yet…

see, just when I think I've got it all figured out! LOL

-Joseph

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jlinaschke

I am going to buy the A3 withOUT nav and withOUT the "technology package"...

-Joseph

I'd rethink the technology package... I just picked up my A3 with Tech Pkg and without Navigation on Wednesday. The Bluetooth integration into the car, with the steering wheel controls is really slick. Plus, you get the xenon headlights and auto wipers, which are both great options. Well worth the price of admission, IMHO.

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

I also would second that recommendation on getting the technology package. The bluetooth aspect is minor compared to the other features of this package. The adaptive xenon headlights make a huge difference during night driving [sm=smiley20.gif] , and the Light/Rain sensor + auto-dimming mirror features make driving in rain and night a pleasure. Compare the front end look also. If you not big on the open-sky get a hard top and keep this option.

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Interesting. Perhaps I wasn't clear on what the adaptive lights do. I also (probably falsely) assumed the tech package and the nav came together as "standard" configurations.

I definitely want the open sky system, I really like the look of that, and enjoy having a sunroof. Next best thing to a convertible ;-)

OK then! I'll be sure to look for that tech package.

Still can't wait for this baby… hehe

-J

RE: To nav or not to nav: that is the qustion

Quote:

ORIGINAL: jlinaschke

Interesting. Perhaps I wasn't clear on what the adaptive lights do. I also (probably falsely) assumed the tech package and the nav came together as "standard" configurations.

The adaptive Xenon lights will turn a few degree's in the direction you are turning so that you can see something around a curve instead of running into it. They are not fixed direction like Xenon's in the VW GTI/GLI series. Also the cell phone interface connector for bluetooth is located inside the arm rest, so your cell doesn't have to be mounted on the dash. All you need to do is wear a bluetooth head set while driving. The bluetooth transceiver it directly below the arm rest.

Best of luck on your decision!