Found another OEM-Style DVD, GPS, apparently with trip computer support

[chuck]

I recently got a '07 Sport GT and have been looking at stereo options. I really dont want to loose the trip computer, and i want bluetooth, and usb or sd mp3 support.

I read the discussion about the Caska head unit, which looks great, but a bit expensive. After more searching, i found this page at autodvdgps.com, model QL-MZD303 which claims to support the CAN-BUS and trip computer.

http://www.autodvdgps.com/0409-mazda3-dvd-player-with-gps-navigation-and-digital-hd-touchscreen-and-canbus-ipod-p-970.html

And i found a few ebay auctions for it as well:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/04-09-Mazda3-HD-DVD-Player-GPS-Nav-CAN-BUS-iPod-E-Book-/110592317847?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19bfd0d997

Unfortunately i cant find any in depth reviews for it, or videos with proof of the trip computer working. I think it was only released in sept or maybe just added to autodvdgps at that point. I emailed them today about getting a video. Maybe if enough people email, they'll make one (although thats probably just wishful thinking).

I know sometimes they have different model numbers, does anyone recognize it as another model? Any other comments?

Im tempted to just order it, and resell or return it if it doesnt work. For the cost of a decent double din head unit, trim, steering wheel module, plus the hassle of keeping the trip computer via relocating the factory HU it seems like a good deal.

[philipfreire]

If the caska unit is expensive to you then you should really consider if yoU really want a touchscreen headunit because with these types of electronics, you really get what you pay for. With that being said, I would not buy any OEM styled headunits made by any manufactors where there primary language is chinese and their goal is to produce cheap priced headunits. I have heard about spelling mistakes in the GUI and the looks of the GUI is horrible. They do not put the RD into theses products like say Pioneer or Kenwood or Alpine.

If I were you I would scrap the idea of those horrible OEM stuff and get pioneer/kenwood/alpine touchscreen.

[Maxlaplante]

@Chuck - I think GT model has all Bose system, Not sure.. If so, be aware that those 2 units DO NOT support Bose system.

[prime]

@Chuck - I think GT model has all Bose system, Not sure.. If so, be aware that those 2 units DO NOT support Bose system.

No not all GT models have Bose speakers unless you opt for the luxury package, but as others have mentioned you get what you pay for with these units.

To the OP - Personally, since this grabs attention in the interior and one of my most used feature in a car I would make sure I get a good one. Good luck if you do purchase and let us know how it turns out.

[MrIon]

Hey chuck,
this is the item that I bought
http://www.autodvdgps.com/0409-mazda-3-dvd-player-gps-navigation-system-7-digital-touchscreen-ipod-ready-steering-wheel-control-bluetooth-p-523.html
And I've been using it for about a month now.
Everything is pretty good for the price, interface, gps, bluetooth, bluetooth audio,etc.
There's ofcourse small issues, but doesn't really bother me. I lose the clock and any display on the LCD, but I'm still left over with the temperature, which is all i care about. They give you a sticker that looks pretty nice and you can put it over the side that doesn't display anything anymore.
Also if you have subs, there's a connection for the subs, but there's no really way to control the subs alone so that sucks.
Either way for the price and what you get I would definitly recommend this.
if you want pics or anything ask away

[chuck]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess im hoping that maybe this unit is better than the other cheap ones, but im probably hoping for too much.

Their reply to my question about controlling the trip computer wasnt very helpful:

"When you have installed the unit,the trip computer will access automatically ,No need any extra operation." So that doesnt really explain it, and makes me doubt if it works or not.

My main reason for considering these units is to keep the trip computer/lcd support. With a Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood etc i loose that unless i hide the original head unit somewhere. I could probably get by without the trip computer, but it still seems like im loosing a feature going that way.

My GT does not have the BOSE system.

Thanks for the input so far.

[3GFX]

Any luck with the unit searching? I'm looking myself.

[chuck]

I have found out a little more about it.

I think its the same series as
http://www.autodvdgps.com/2010-mazda3-dvd-player-with-gps-navigation-and-7-touchscreen-bluetooth-p-972.html. Theres a thread here talking about that model in the 2010 where the user said it worked ok for a while then froze and locked up completely and had to be sent back.

I think the description for the QL-MZD303 was taken from the QL-MZD313 where the trip computer works because its independent from the stereo in the 2010 mazda 3.

At this point ive decided to go with a JVC KW-XR810 deck with the axxess aswc, and probably hide my factory head unit somewhere in the car to keep the trip computer. The main features i want are bluetooth and usb mp3 support, not dvd/gps so its a cheaper, more reliable option.