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Should You Get Navigation in Your Car?
Car Navigation Systems vs. Smartphones and Other GPS Options
In their infancy, navigation systems were an expensive option reserved for luxury cars. Today, navigation systems are nearly ubiquitous, even on economy cars. Furthermore, there are now lots of alternatives, ranging from portable systems to smartphones to aftermarket stereo systems with nav.
Which one should you buy? What are the advantages of each setup? Which is less expensive? Do you even need one given that your phone probably has one or more navigation applications? Here are a few things to consider so you can choose the system that’s right for you.
Factory Navigation Systems
Pros
Integration: The factory-installed navigation system will appeal to the car buyer who likes a clean, high-tech, integrated look. These systems typically have larger screens that are mounted in well-thought-out locations and are designed to work seamlessly with the vehicle. This means that you can use such factory features as voice activation and other interface methods such as control knobs or on-screen buttons.
Better GPS signal: In-car navigation systems are satellite-based and should always have a signal, even in the most remote of places. They’re especially handy for those who frequently travel to places with limited cellphone service.
Warranty coverage: Since the factory navigation system is part of the vehicle, it is covered by the bumper-to-bumper warranty. If anything goes wrong with the system, you can take it to any factory dealership for a free repair within the warranty period. Extended warranties might or might not include the navigation system.
Theft resistant: A portable navigation system can draw the attention of thieves. Thieves will have a much harder time stealing a factory navigation system than a smartphone or a portable unit that’s stuck to the windshield with a suction cup.
Resale value: Factory navigation systems may improve a car’s resale value but only for a short time. After three to five years, used-car shoppers are less interested in high-tech features, especially if they look dated and lack the capabilities of tech in newer cars, according to Edmunds analysts.
Cons
Cost: Prices for factory navigation are all over the map, and there doesn’t seem to be any logic to them. A la carte navigation systems start around $500 in new cars. But in many cases, automakers bundle navigation with other accessories and call it a “Tech” or “Premium” package, which can cost more than $4,000 in some luxury vehicles. In some cases, you cannot get a navigation system unless you choose one of the more expensive trim levels.
Updates: The maps on factory systems are typically as current as the vehicle’s model year. If you want to update the maps, you need to purchase a memory card or, for an older vehicle, a DVD. These can cost $75-$200.
Use limitations: For safety reasons, some factory navigation systems do not let you input directions while the car is moving, which could be frustrating if you want your passenger to press the buttons. Most portable systems do not have these restrictions.
Smartphone Navigation Systems
Pros
You already have one: Factory-navigation skeptics argue that smartphones are an alternative to an expensive factory system, noting that phones already have a map application, and that’s all you really need. Given the quality of the maps from Apple and Google, we’re inclined to agree that they are good enough for most people. That said, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. More about those later.
Traffic data: In many cities, the fastest way to get from A to B isn’t necessarily the shortest path; it’s the one with the least traffic. Smartphone apps have excellent traffic data and access to Waze, the community-based traffic app. Factory nav systems may have live traffic data, but you have to pay for a subscription once the trial has ended.
Current maps and points of interest: Smartphone maps will never be out of date, and any updates are always included. The same goes for the names and addresses of any points of interest you want to visit.
Convenience: Smartphones let you input an address as you walk to the car, leverage your contacts for their addresses, have a calendar app to remind you that you need to leave at a certain time, and then route you there. All those things happen in a faster interface with typing that’s easier than the input method required by other systems.
Integrated smartphone options: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer the convenience of smartphone navigation with the integration and safety of a built-in system. They offer the convenience of smartphone navigation but with a larger screen display. That reduces the potential for distraction.
Cons
Distraction: Unless you have Apple CarPlay or purchase a car mount for the phone, it will most likely sit in a cupholder. And since you’ll have to take your eyes off the road to check the directions, this can be just as much of a distraction as texting while driving. The mount itself can cost from $20 for a basic unit to $100 for a do-it-all mount that will charge the phone and boost the audio and GPS signal.
Spottier reception: Most of the native map applications rely on a cell signal for their map data. If you lose cellular coverage, you may find yourself unable to use the maps and directions. Apple and Google offer the ability to download certain maps for offline use, but it takes more preparation and hard-drive space on your phone (up to 1.7 GB on Google Maps). And without a cellular signal, you won’t have access to traffic info, alternate routes or lane guidance.
Battery drain: Running a navigation application on a smartphone can sometimes take a toll on its battery, which makes carrying a phone car charger more important. It can also be an added cost if you don’t already have a charger.
Portable Navigation Systems
Pros
Price: A portable navigation system is significantly less expensive than an in-car factory system. Prices can range from $50 for a basic unit to more than $200 for a fully featured model with Bluetooth and live traffic.
Cheaper updating: Many portable navigation system providers offer models with lifetime updates. These cost a bit more initially, but they are less expensive to update in the long run.
Good reception: These portable units are also satellite-based, so they shouldn’t have any of the reception issues you’d encounter with a smartphone.
Cons
Mounting: Portable units are usually mounted on the windshield or the dashboard. That’s not as tidy as a factory-installed system, and some people may not like the way they look. More importantly, these easy-to-remove devices can attract thieves, so you’ll have to make sure to hide yours or take it with you when you park the car. On the other hand, this portability can be useful for people who drive more than one vehicle.
Limited warranty: If your portable navigation unit malfunctions, you’ll only be covered for about a year or however long the limited factory warranty lasts. On the other hand, you could buy another one and still have spent less than you would have on a factory navigation system.
Aftermarket In-Dash Navigation Systems
Pros
More features: These are geared toward techies and audiophiles who want additional features while maintaining the sleek appearance of the factory unit. These aftermarket navigation systems have entertainment features that you might not find on most factory systems, such as DVD video playback, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Pandora streaming.
Better screen: Compared to older vehicles with more basic stereo systems, aftermarket navigation screens are a significant improvement. Many systems will have higher-resolution screens with animated menus and flashy colors.
Customizable: An aftermarket navigation system is designed to be the centerpiece of an upgraded audio system that allows for user customization. Some models allow you to customize the menu icons, colors and backgrounds. You can also add extra equipment, such as a backup camera or Bluetooth capability, if your vehicle didn’t already have it.
Cons
Price: An aftermarket in-dash nav system can sometimes cost as much as the factory unit. The prices start around $250 and can go over $1,000, plus at least another $250 for the installation.
Theft prone: Thieves know how much these units cost and how easily they can be removed.
Not fully integrated: Although the system sits in the dash and is thereby more integrated than a portable unit, it will never look exactly as if it were part of the car’s original design. This may or may not be a good thing, depending on your point of view. And while you’ve gained new features, you may lose steering-wheel functions such as music volume and track controls. Some companies sell a special adapter that can restore that functionality. The part costs about $40, plus installation.
Which Is the Best?
The answer all depends on your budget and the way you use navigation. A smartphone works great if you’re always within cell coverage. The factory system works everywhere and is for those who like the integrated look and are comfortable with the cost of a factory system. The aftermarket stereo with nav is a pricier option, best for those who want better audio and customization. Finally, the portable navigation systems are an inexpensive alternative. And while they aren’t as sleek as other options, they work everywhere and can be moved easily into other vehicles.
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