Mazda in dash GPS

[mazda 3 to 5]

Just got 2010 mazda 3 gt didn't get the in dash GPS my wife thinks we should of does anyone have one and how do you like it?

Also how much do they go for and is it too late to get one?

[Roconne]

I don't have one, but everything I've heard about it says "stay away". Just save the money and use it to purchase your own GPS unit which you can mount on the dash somewhere.

[S.F.W.]

or get an after market double din head unit with GPS. Upgrade your audio, and get NAV at the same time.

[McGuyver_3]

depending on how long you have had the car for some car companies allow you to trad the car back if you are not happy with it but their are certain conditions with it. Like i have stated before and i will state again the nav is garbage but you know what for 2000$ you get the nav, bose 10.1, smart key and active front headlights i was unable to refuse how cheap that package was. See what kind of policy mazda has for the trade back if they even have a program like this but their will be conditions. If you cannot swap it out then I would highly suggest get a double dinn unit and instal that with the according steering wheel controller adapter

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

I don't have one, but everything I've heard about it says "stay away". Just save the money and use it to purchase your own GPS unit which you can mount on the dash somewhere.

+1... you can get a good gps unit fairly cheap these days. No need to spend big bucks on factory ones that don't work as well. Or you can get an aftermarket in-dash unit, like Ami suggested, and be really pimp.

[grex]

Ive also heard alot of issues with the map updates and stuff like that. I think its an easy decision lol!

[hit26k]

I have the GT-E model like Dan, and my only complain is that its not large enough to catch enough streets. You have to zoom out and by that time, you can't read street names. I've only ever used the actual navigation system maybe 2-3 times and it works like a charm. Again, I just think the screen size should be bigger.

Unless you want the upgraded package with the sound system and auto leveling headlights, just go aftermarket and save yourself some money.

[raghtal]

Or, you can get yourself a Samsung Galaxy S smart phone and mount it in that part of the display. Google Maps GPS is awesome and has voice directions as well...

[chan7]

IMO I think the GPS is great, used it several times since I got the car and had no issues with it. The only issue I have with it, is the screen is too small even with the auto zoom during the voice guidance. Overall, what sold me to get the electronic package was not the GPS, but the other features that have been mention in this thread.

If you use a navigation system a lot, I would suggest (like everyone else) to get an aftermarket one or a double din head unit; saves you money, updates are cheaper and you get a bigger screen!

[antifuse]

Pretty much what everybody here has already said: if the only feature you want is the GPS, save yourself a TON of money and get a Garmin. Easy to update, much bigger screen, and you can put it in any car you want.

[gotak]

Or, you can get yourself a Samsung Galaxy S smart phone and mount it in that part of the display. Google Maps GPS is awesome and has voice directions as well...

Until you get out of range of cell towers. Then you are screwed. And where do we most often really really need GPS? When were are out in the boonies.

Also if anyone used a regular GPS vs a bog standard cell phone GPS you'd know the cell phone's not good enough at high speeds. Not a good suggestion IMHO unless you want to make those highway exits suddenly and crossing multiple lanes.

[ahkeen]

i got my mazda 3 back in january. and yes, this navi system is crap. here's what i got from mazda canada after i sent in a complaint.

Thank you for contacting Mazda Canada INC

In response to your query, the navigational system that will be added to a vehicle will be based on the update available based on the production date.
Since the production date of your vehicle was on Dec 16 2008 , the lastest update was the 2008 version.

Please note that an update for the navigation system is a retail service which include the order of a newer SD card, therefore since it is an optional service , please note wishing to choose this service will have to accrue the charges.

We hope this bring clarification to your concerns.

Thank you
Carinne - Coordinator
Mazda Canada INC

[bluemazda3]

Like what everybody said.. go for the aftermarket double din or a dash mounted gps.. the screen is small is it not?

[hit26k]

Like what everybody said.. go for the aftermarket double din or a dash mounted gps.. the screen is small is it not?

yup!

[Trinidad]

I also have the GT-E and the navigation is *okay* but definitely not great. I bought the package for all the other stuff. What I want to do is get an double din head unit and put that in later.

[antifuse]

i got my mazda 3 back in january. and yes, this navi system is crap. here's what i got from mazda canada after i sent in a complaint.

Thank you for contacting Mazda Canada INC

In response to your query, the navigational system that will be added to a vehicle will be based on the update available based on the production date.
Since the production date of your vehicle was on Dec 16 2008 , the lastest update was the 2008 version.

Please note that an update for the navigation system is a retail service which include the order of a newer SD card, therefore since it is an optional service , please note wishing to choose this service will have to accrue the charges.

We hope this bring clarification to your concerns.

Thank you
Carinne - Coordinator
Mazda Canada INC

OMG, is that english? Yikes.


I never understood the small screen complaint; I have 20/195 vision (translation: Terrible. And I wear glasses.), and had zero problems reading the navigation display on the demo unit I played with.

Did you use it while out driving, and trying to find a place you've never been before? And have you used a regular dash mounted GPS?

[Charlie S]

Just get a Garmin GPS from Best Buy for $200 and mount it on the screen for when you need directions. I use mine all the time. Just came back from Datona Beach. Took it with me used it in my rental.
Works like a charm.
Just dont leave it there when you get out of the car. I know cases wher the window was smashed and the GPS stolen.

Good Luck.

[kramr]

Even the sales person where I bought my 2010 GS told me to save my money. He said I can get one cheap that I can take out of the car and move it to another vehicle. I went and got a TomTom, works fine for me an set me back $100

[Default User]

Get the Caska unit for your car. Muuuuch cleaner look than having to run power cords from your windshield to your cigarette lighter

[McGuyver_3]

Even the sales person where I bought my 2010 GS told me to save my money. He said I can get one cheap that I can take out of the car and move it to another vehicle. I went and got a TomTom, works fine for me an set me back $100

well in your case your price difference would have been relatively large as you yould have to have gotten a gt model (bigger motor) and the extra options. so 2000$ that was the difference between gt and gte is now drastically hire

[McGuyver_3]

Get the Caska unit for your car. Muuuuch cleaner look than having to run power cords from your windshield to your cigarette lighter

agreed

[Jackal]

I got a Garmin. Works great and I use it at times when walking around a place I have never been. Pretty reliable on the roads but really likes the collector lanes.

[antifuse]

well in your case your price difference would have been relatively large as you yould have to have gotten a gt model (bigger motor) and the extra options. so 2000$ that was the difference between gt and gte is now drastically hire

I'd personally choose usability and affordability over style, myself. a GPS needs to be mounted on my windshield maybe once, twice a month. I can handle having a power cable running to it those few times, and have it much bigger and easier to read (I only use it when I have no idea where I am/where I'm going... and the easier it is to read, the better). And the price difference is definitely worth it for me.

[McGuyver_3]

I'd personally choose usability and affordability over style, myself. a GPS needs to be mounted on my windshield maybe once, twice a month. I can handle having a power cable running to it those few times, and have it much bigger and easier to read (I only use it when I have no idea where I am/where I'm going... and the easier it is to read, the better). And the price difference is definitely worth it for me.

You got me somewhat confused with your post now. I understand you only ned the gps 2 times max a month and in areas you are unfamiliar with but the price difference is worth it for you as in worthwhile to decline the e option or as in getting the e option and mounting an aftermarket nav?

I was under the impression the post i replied to the owner of the vehicle was inquiring of a lower model with the 2.0l in it. I was making a point that in order to get the factory nav he/she must now get the higher trim level (which is more money to start) plus the additional cost of the package.
I hope that makes it somewhat clearer