Altima Coupe Nav System (Why)

[NoReinsVA]

My old Ford Probe GT has just hit 185K and its time to buy a new car. With a little bit of research I discovered the "perfect" replacement, the new Altima Coupe. I'm currently spec'ing it out and I'm hung up on whether I should bother with the Nav system.

It looks great on the beautiful brochure the Nisson sent me but when I did a little research on it at http://www.zenrin.com/nissanSystem.asp I got a little disappointed.

It’s sad that a $400 Tom-Tom Nav System beats the daylights out of the newest Altima system. No computer support, no skins, no voice downloads, no RAM chip, and no map/Nav point backup, no extras at all. And a great opportunity with a nice screen/Bose sound system but no DVD play mode... why even bother with this over priced accessory. Should I save the bucks and just get the disk player in prep for aftermarket or what?

PS: Does anyone know if it will come out with a tan leather/wood trim/3.5/6 speed build?

I’m really tired of the black/gray/chrome look in sports cars.

I'm a newbie here so please understand my newbie questions. Thanks...

[jdshift]

As for the nav question, I think you already answered your own question. Now the trim may be another story because this being a coupe.........the colors and trim may vary from the sedan. I sure hope so because don't get me wrong the colors look good on the sedan, but the coupe is demanding more "sporty" colors. Either way I think you will be happy with the coupe.

[NoReinsVA]

Just look at the Coupes at the local dealership. The 3.5 does come in white exterior/blond leather and wood trim. I think I see my new car....

Now the only question is the M6 or CVT? The salesman was really talking up the CVT and the 2.5 we drove handled well with it. What do you guys think?

Thanks Nissan!

[KayaVibration]

"It’s sad that a $400 Tom-Tom Nav System beats the daylights out of the newest Altima system. No computer support, no skins, no voice downloads, no RAM chip, and no map/Nav point backup, no extras at all. And a great opportunity with a nice screen/Bose sound system but no DVD play mode... why even bother with this over priced accessory. Should I save the bucks and just get the disk player in prep for aftermarket or what? "

The Navi ties everything together from the GPS to the XM to the CD player to the Bluetooth, ect. You are nuts to think you are going to get the same results form a Tom-Tom Nav system. Not to mention it will look a cheap add on. The XM traffic got us to LA and SD w/in 5 minutes of the forcasted time. The touch screen works great and the light scensors work great for day/night driving. If you are going to spend $$ on a new car, why go budget on the Navi system?

IMO I would never buy a new car w/o a preinstalled Navi system. I think the Coups Navi system is perfect and 100% glad I got it.

To be honest, I hope that I never see you are the road while watching your newest DVD.

[NoReinsVA]

Sad…. Flamers in every crowd.

I like the touch screen and integration of it all, but I have to be realistic. It is a pricey option that in terms of tank refills equals a lot of miles. Also tech does not age well in cars. In five years all current NAV systems will be dinosaurs, that is, if they still work and you care to buy an updated map DVD. The newer systems will probably have live traffic, online maps updates, highly programmable routes, Mapping AI, Low vis Hud view, auto computer input/output, Blue Ray HiDef, VTC, etc… I wish they would standardize the size of NAVs so aftermarket and upgrades could be more of a factory fit.

But in any case, if you got the cash and like gee-wiz gadgets go for it. It’s your car, only you have to drive it.

BTW for your info I would never drive while watching a DVD, that is just plain stupid. I even give the idiots with their cell phones pasted to their ear wide berth since they don’t seen to be able turn their heads to clear their lane changes and turns. I hope blue tooth helps to rid the roads of these stiff necks.

Now about that CVT vs. 6 speed, any decent insights or points of view?

[KayaVibration]

Nice comback

Your title to your tread was "Altima Coupe Nav System (why)"

To answer your tread titile, I stated why I like the Navi system and you get all bent out of shape. Looks you already have your mind made up on the Navi System in the Coupe. I would bet 99.9% of the people that own the Nav system would say they are glad they have it.

BTW...it already does have live traffic. I live in So Cal and I will use the system for road trips, so I am sure I won't need an updated map every year. I am sure the points of interest, gas stations, restraught, ect will not change that much from year to year. If I need the updated version that bad (which i doubt), I am sure it would be less then $100. We have a 100K or 6 year warrenty on the system, some I am covered for a while.

The intergration w/ XM makes the system worth it to us. It's great to be able to glance over and see the song playing. The same can be said w/ the Bluetooth intergration, it works great.

Why would anybody sit in their car and watch a movie on an in-dash DVD player? Now you are waiting for the HD version. You eighter need to find better things to do w/ your free time or I guess it might work for you to watch the p0rn that you can no longer watch in your mom's basement. Just don't pull a Pee Wee.................. Kook.

Maybe you should look into a Ford Focus or Kia, as I sure Tom-Tom will feel right at home.

[hattrix]

First, calm down folks. No need to get testy.

Second, I didn't get the nav system on mine and regret it. I wish I had the integrated look. It is true there are better nav system but having it integrated is a nice feature. I will probably go with Garmin but as has been said, it will look bad as an add on.

As for the CVT, you may have noticed that not too many are coming to dealers without it. Good luck finding a 3.5 with MT. I haven't heard of one coming to a dealer that way. Nissan is heavily pushing its CVT. Honestly, it is for good reason. The salesman wasn't spuing hype. The system is awesome. Probably better than any CVT out there. The reviews on it have been unanimous and I agree with them. It is a great system. If you feel you need to shift, use the override. Not quite the same but good enough. I don't miss MT at all. I actually brag about the CVT to people and when people ride with me I show it off a little. IMO go with the CVT.

[Jaeger]

First, calm down folks. No need to get testy.

NoReins,

The CVT is probably the best CVT out there, but it's no manual. I assume the reason you asked the CVT / manual question is that you like shifting yourself. If you didn't, you wouldn't (and shouldn't) consider it.

I think a manual would significantly enhance the sportiness of the coupe. I got it in my 3.5 SE sedan, and every time I snap off a 2-3 upshift near red line, I am glad I did. This car is a HOOT to drive wth a stick. If you are ambivalent about the stick then go with the CVT - it will hold its value better over time because most of them will be built that way. The stick may be hard to find with the V6, but it can be found. Just a matter of how much you want it and how patient you are.

Jaeger

[rjdmmfl1]

We've had this conversation a few times in the past, but you'll probably never find it with all the changes going on...

For MANY reasons, aftermarket Nav systems are LEAPS AND BOUNDS superior to the Nissan Nav system.

As far as Nav systems go regarding options, seraching points of interest, DVD playback ability, etc, the Factory Nav system on Nissan gets a D- at best. The Nav screen looks cheap and doesn't offer the multiple views that aftermarket units offer. SPecifically the Pioneer units. The kenwood unit in OK, but it is based on the Garmin platform which is also cheap and limited in ability, but makes for a simple user interface.

THe best aftermarket system out there is by far the Avic Z2. I chose to go with an Avic D3 and after insalling an additional DVD player, bluetooth module, XM radio, and rear view camera, I stil came out spening about HALF of what the tech package would have costed.

regarding the tech package, I would say that if one doesn't watch movies, and doesn't mind having an OK navigation system, then its an OK way to go... but it is DEFINATELY OVERPRICED for its limited options...

Let me see if I can find you the links to the other relative threads so that you can read what other members have said also!

http://forums.altimas.org/zerothread?id=282794

[jmack]

About the nav

My first a/c didnt have navi and I regreted not getting it. After it was totaled, there was no doubt i must have it. Here are the feature that I like on my factory navi:intergrated bluetooth controls-touch screen for all functions like your downloaded phonebook from you phone. touch screen operation of all stereo operations from direct access to folders on data disc to channel selection of xm and presets-it's nice.back-up camera-cool show off feature-can come in handy in tight spots.voice activated control of all functions from zoom level on map to dialing a number-it's great.also if you locate a point of interest-like say a restaurant-you can touch the screen and call their number-nice.If you want to have the aftermarket thing thats up to you-but to me it was worth having everything intergrated. Besides, how much stuff can you do while driving a car. All those features are great-hope you dont rearend someone. The a/c navi is to make it easier and safer to control communications.

[Rmuth25]

I have the nav system in my car, and I definatly dont regret getting it. I do have one tiny regret though...not using it to haggle the price on. Here is a little backstory about my experience buying my car. So i went to the Nissan first to give the Coupe a test drive, and after i drove it I knew it was the car I wanted, but just for the sake of negotiation I left to go to a volvo dealer to check out the c30. Anyway, my first trip to the nissan dealer they gave me this sheet that said what "they paid" for the car. Basically it ended up saying that they paid 26k for the 2.5s premium package, and the tech package was about 1500 bucks. Well, when it got time to negotiate I forgot that they asked me for that paper back, and I COMPLETELY forgot what the coupe "cost them." It does kindof suck(no it does just suck) that the nav system doesnt play DVDs, but I am willing to sacrifice that to have everything integrated.

[rjdmmfl1]

About the nav

My first a/c didnt have navi and I regreted not getting it. After it was totaled, there was no doubt i must have it. Here are the feature that I like on my factory navi:intergrated bluetooth controls-touch screen for all functions like your downloaded phonebook from you phone. touch screen operation of all stereo operations from direct access to folders on data disc to channel selection of xm and presets-it's nice.back-up camera-cool show off feature-can come in handy in tight spots.voice activated control of all functions from zoom level on map to dialing a number-it's great.also if you locate a point of interest-like say a restaurant-you can touch the screen and call their number-nice.If you want to have the aftermarket thing thats up to you-but to me it was worth having everything intergrated. Besides, how much stuff can you do while driving a car. All those features are great-hope you dont rearend someone. The a/c navi is to make it easier and safer to control communications.

Again, not insutling anyone's intelligence here, but I'm pretty sure I have operated and installed more Navigation systems than ANYONE on this thread.. and I can tell you that there are good and bad things about the factory nav

yes, the obvious good is that everything is integrated, and that's where the good ends. Its too expensive for what it offers. Bottom line, its a very limited Nav system. The pioneer system has like 12 MILLION points of interest, the factory nav system doesn't have a fraction of that!

All of pioneer's units are touchscreen, with multiple view angles and some have detailed city maps. You can search for things by phone number, address, point of interest, address book and destination history.

The pioneer Avic Z2 has Voice Navigation, has a built in Hard Drive for Navigation with 10 GB dedicated to a music library, simply put in your Mp3 disc, and burn 10 Gb of music!

I could go on and on with the comparisons, but again, as far as features go as an actual Navigation unit, the NIssan Factory unit is just not comparable! If it only cost 700 or 800 dollars, it would be different, but that's not the case. With the Avic Z2, you get WAAAYYY more for less, even with the Bluetooth, Xm radio, and reverse camera add ons!

Again, if you want to keep everything integrated, and aren't particular about features, then then factory is the way to go. With the aftermarket unit, you will give up steering wheel control of bluetooth! But if features are what you're looking for, then aftermarket unit wins hands down. There is no argument, it's just the way it is!

[mcheddadi]

Again, not insutling anyone's intelligence here, but I'm pretty sure I have operated and installed more Navigation systems than ANYONE on this thread.. and I can tell you that there are good and bad things about the factory nav

yes, the obvious good is that everything is integrated, and that's where the good ends. Its too expensive for what it offers. Bottom line, its a very limited Nav system. The pioneer system has like 12 MILLION points of interest, the factory nav system doesn't have a fraction of that!

All of pioneer's units are touchscreen, with multiple view angles and some have detailed city maps. You can search for things by phone number, address, point of interest, address book and destination history.

The pioneer Avic Z2 has Voice Navigation, has a built in Hard Drive for Navigation with 10 GB dedicated to a music library, simply put in your Mp3 disc, and burn 10 Gb of music!

I could go on and on with the comparisons, but again, as far as features go as an actual Navigation unit, the NIssan Factory unit is just not comparable! If it only cost 700 or 800 dollars, it would be different, but that's not the case. With the Avic Z2, you get WAAAYYY more for less, even with the Bluetooth, Xm radio, and reverse camera add ons!

Again, if you want to keep everything integrated, and aren't particular about features, then then factory is the way to go. With the aftermarket unit, you will give up steering wheel control of bluetooth! But if features are what you're looking for, then aftermarket unit wins hands down. There is no argument, it's just the way it is!

multiple view angles: checked!detailed city maps: checked! search for things by phone number: checked!search for things by address: checked!search for things by point of interest:checked address book: checked! destination history: checked!Voice Navigation: checked! has a built in Hard Drive for Navigation: checked! mp3 storing on the hardrive: nope.

the OEM Nav system isn't as limited as you make it sound lol. I like it! WAY overpriced maybe, but being integrated to the car makes worth it for me

[jmack]

Add to that 3 years of warranty-check... 6 cd/data disc changer-check...
Modified by jmack at 9:53 PM 3/16/2008

[6sp3.5]

The only two options I didn't get was the CVT & navigation.I know I made the right choice with the trans. The only time I ever wish I got the nav is for the back up camera.

[notaverage]

I guess, I am the only one that SLIGHTLY regrets getting the NAV. Personally, I have had the Pioneer Avic-N1 when it first came out. I loved it, until it was stolen a month later

Anyways, The pioneer system was waaay better, and that was 4 years ago.

What I love about my Factory NAV:1. Integrated2. VERY LOW chance it will be stolen3. Rearview Camera4. Bluetooth5. Steering wheel controls

What I dislike:1. Price I paid2. Not as many features as I would like that usually come with aftermarket NAV's.

I have contemplated this many times before, and I still think, maybe it would have been a better idea to get the premium package and aftermarket Nav. It would have probably cost the same including installation, rearview camera, steering wheel controls, Ipod integration, and bluetooth, and it would play DVD's (while parked) and have more bells and whistles. The only reason why I didn't do that was because of the risks of the hassle (shoddy installation, and chance it will get stolen).

Overall, it is a tradeoff. I can sleep securely, knowing my nav won't get stolen, and if it does, it is already covered in my insurance without having to add it. Plus, factory nav's help retain the resale value of your car.

[maxentropy]

Someone needs to create a nice crack for the Factory NAV system so we can press buttons and type in addresses while the wheels are moving, and I'm talking SW crack, not a cut this wire and connect it with this one HW crack like I've seen before.

Someone could make a killing cracking the factory NAV to do that and incoporate a few more features...

[notaverage]

Someone needs to create a nice crack for the Factory NAV system so we can press buttons and type in addresses while the wheels are moving, and I'm talking SW crack, not a cut this wire and connect it with this one HW crack like I've seen before.

Someone could make a killing cracking the factory NAV to do that and incoporate a few more features...

[rjdmmfl1]

multiple view angles: checked!detailed city maps: checked! search for things by phone number: checked!search for things by address: checked!search for things by point of interest:checked address book: checked! destination history: checked!Voice Navigation: checked! has a built in Hard Drive for Navigation: checked! mp3 storing on the hardrive: nope.

the OEM Nav system isn't as limited as you make it sound lol. I like it! WAY overpriced maybe, but being integrated to the car makes worth it for me

Again, I just listed a few of the features... mcheddadi, I KNOW you aren't gonna go tit for tat regarding nav systems with the Doc!!! No but seriously, just to add on a few more checks

plays DVDs...checkcan operate DVD and Nav system when vehicle is in motion...check3D landmark icons...check12 million points of interest...check15 navi and 15 A/V backgrounds.. checkcustom uploadable backgrounds...check5 selectable viewing modes...checknav/ rear camera simultabneous viewing...checkvehicle dymaics display (Voltage, Clock, Direction, Slope, Acceleration, Side Acceleration, Angular Velocity)...checkslectable angle setting...checkbuilt in 30 gb harddrive...checkIpod control with FULL INTERACTIVE TOUCHSCREEN IPOD DISPLAY..checkAuxillary input x 2...checkTV Tuner ready...checkIndependent rear/Av source control...checkExternal unit control...checkDual Zone capability...check3 band high pass crossover..check3 band subwoofer crossover...check3 pairs of RCA out including subwoofer outs...checkRemote control.....check

OK, I think that's about it.... oh yeah, I forgot to reiterate the last point...

EVEN WITH THE BACK UP CAMERA, IPOD ADAPTER, BLUETOOTH ADAPTER, XM RADIO ADAPTER... its still CHEAPER THAN THE FACTORY UNIT....check

[rjdmmfl1]

Someone needs to create a nice crack for the Factory NAV system so we can press buttons and type in addresses while the wheels are moving, and I'm talking SW crack, not a cut this wire and connect it with this one HW crack like I've seen before.

Someone could make a killing cracking the factory NAV to do that and incoporate a few more features...

All of the hackers that would do this don't care enough about any single factory nav system to spend the time it would take to do it... these same hackers are the ones that have cracked the Pioneer systems numerous attempts to keep us from watching videos and operating nav functions while driving... YAYYYY to the hackers!!!!!

[Rmuth25]

Question: You said that with the pioneer you lose the steering whell bluetooth function...is that all. Does the volume control work as well? Also, I got this crutchfield magazine the other day and it said there is an adapter I guess that would allow you to use the steering wheel functions on the aftermarket unit.

[Rmuth25]

Someone needs to create a nice crack for the Factory NAV system so we can press buttons and type in addresses while the wheels are moving, and I'm talking SW crack, not a cut this wire and connect it with this one HW crack like I've seen before.

Someone could make a killing cracking the factory NAV to do that and incoporate a few more features...

There was a thread on here a while back where a guy put a switch in his car that essencially "tricked" the nav system into thinking the car was parked.

[wogg]

Someone needs to create a nice crack for the Factory NAV system so we can press buttons and type in addresses while the wheels are moving, and I'm talking SW crack, not a cut this wire and connect it with this one HW crack like I've seen before.

Someone could make a killing cracking the factory NAV to do that and incoporate a few more features...

Only thing stopping me is that the nav software is not even on the DVD! Otherwise it would be cake. I'm taking this opportunity to ask anyone that wants this done to ask their dealership about an upgrade CD, separate from the regular maps DVD that we all use. They must use some type of upgrade CD to upgrade older cars with 6.x nav to the 7.x nav.

My dealership has said that Nissan offers a trade-in program for dead/broken nav systems, so the service managers don't know a thing about it, and couldn't help me.

Someone else must have better luck than me. I'm dying to get this thing cracked, and I know what it will take to do it.

Oh and yes the "hardware hack" exists, but flipping a switch is so ghetto. There's a much cleaner way to do it that doesn't even involve taking apart your dash.

[rjdmmfl1]

Question: You said that with the pioneer you lose the steering whell bluetooth function...is that all. Does the volume control work as well? Also, I got this crutchfield magazine the other day and it said there is an adapter I guess that would allow you to use the steering wheel functions on the aftermarket unit.

yes, that's the PAC-SWI PS ... you can retain all steering wheel functions except bluetooth

[niztec]

why dont you get like an aftermarket deck such as aplines w205 with the blackbird for the nav? sure looks better me

[maxentropy]

There was a thread on here a while back where a guy put a switch in his car that essencially "tricked" the nav system into thinking the car was parked.

Aye, read that thread and contributed to it. I'm not a big fan of hardware hacks for electronics. I'd much rather the SW hack...

@wogg: Lemme see what I can do

[MadBlackCoupe]

To each his own, but the navi I own...

Z2 baby!

And loving it, even with the BS I had to go through to get it installed.

CheckMate lol!

MadBC!

[Rmuth25]

another question. If I would get an aftermarket navigation down the road, will the rearview camera from the stock system work. Probably a dumb question but still. Also, you said the bluetooth button on the steering wheel wont work, but itll still have the same functions the stock one has sans the little button on the wheel to control it.

thanks

[fullvietFX]

My stock nav is hacked so I can press buttons while moving the car, it's a very simple mod to do.

[adidas2go]

My stock nav is hacked so I can press buttons while moving the car, it's a very simple mod to do.

Well, you should tell everyone else and help out the community