In-dash GPS by CarToys.ca (Downsview Auto) - Review

[cash_money]

Hey guys,

I bought an In-Dash GPS from CarToys.ca and I originally had some minor problems with the GPS voice TTS not functioning. I went back and the owner tried to help me fix it, but it didn't get resolved, so naturally I was a little frustrated.

When I had time, I took the unit out, dropped it off and they had their TECH guy look at it. 2 Days later, I received a call, I went back and the owner installed it for me in like 10 minutes. I am happy to report that everything is working as advertised. It's a cool little unit for the price. Touch screen works well, movies play well, has an SD card reader to load MP3s, IPOD and AUX jacks work great. The only thing that you need to get used to is the fact that the volume change lags a little when you are running the GPS and playing a CD/RADIO/SD Card, ETC. Otherwise, if the GPS isnt on, the volume change works great.

Every time I called, they always answered the phone. They are pretty busy during the day, but overall, I'm happy with the purchase and service. I'd buy from them again.

[sudz]

Price? Pictures? Sounds pretty cool!

[cash_money]

Price? Pictures? Sounds pretty cool!

http://www.cartoy.ca/mazda-3/

Price was 399.95+tax. every time i call to bug them, they are always willing to answer my questions. there was some negative feedback a while ago about them, but ive had positive experiences dealing with them. hope my review helps!

[GSXi]

nice price.

here's the 2010+ version:
http://www.cartoy.ca/mazda-3-2010/

might test the water.

[cash_money]

nice price.

here's the 2010+ version:
http://www.cartoy.ca/mazda-3-2010/

might test the water.

its a great unit. was using the hands free Bluetooth today, great clarity on both ends. my only complaint is the GPS takes so long to find the antennas. im gonna try updating the software. if that doesnt work, im going to take it back and see if they can fool around with it.

it seems to always think it's night time and maybe thats why it has a problem locating the satellites. otherwise, SD Card, CD player, hands free BT, IPOD, USB, DVD, all good!

[Ozil]

I only paid $250 for it last year :chuckle

[mazda72]

How is the sound compared to the stock and how is the AM/FM reception? I heard these Chinese units are not that great when it comes to radio reception...

[Lactose]

Dang its $600 for the Gen2? I'd rather dish that out on an AppRadio2 and jailbreak that. Nothing will beat playing angry birds in my car, even though its pretty pointless.

[GSXi]

Dang its $600 for the Gen2? I'd rather dish that out on an AppRadio2 and jailbreak that. Nothing will beat playing angry birds in my car, even though its pretty pointless.

website says it's on special so $349-$399 installed.....

[yjkallo]

Steering wheel controls? What about the on board computer/driver info Centre?

I see it supports back up camera, how well does that work?

[Honva]

Does the GPS support proximity alert? i.e. loading up traffic light and speed trap point of interest?
Thanks.

[-ToM-]

i was literally lookin at this today. does the dash screen wit the time and temp still work wit the unit ? and does it have rca inputs in the back for an amp ?

[dambay]

i was literally lookin at this today. does the dash screen wit the time and temp still work wit the unit ? and does it have rca inputs in the back for an amp ?

Literally? You sure it wasn't figuratively? You better not be lying to us man.

[-ToM-]

Literally? You sure it wasn't figuratively? You better not be lying to us man.

oh man i wouldnt, was staring at the website on the deal

[bman5600]

i have one in my car and love it. everyone assumes its stock since its such a clean look

[leungalv]

How does this compare to the Caska unit?

[Pokaroo Kris]

Ok, so let's sum up all the questions for this unit as an F.A.Q.

1. Does the LCD display above the deck still function?
2. Are there RCA outputs or a subwoofer connection?
3. Do the steering wheel controls still function properly as advertised?
4. Does the aux in and power outlet in the armrest still function?
5. Since it is a single CD/DVD unit, does it support an external CD/DVD changer?
6. Are maps preloaded for the GPS system or is that a separate purchase?

Sorry for all the questions. I've seen a number of OEM look Nav systems out there, and as everyone knows, it's all about the research you put behind your purchase. Also sorry if I missed any other questions.

[-ToM-]

Yes! would love to have all these questions answered.


Ok, so let's sum up all the questions for this unit as an F.A.Q.

1. Does the LCD display above the deck still function?
2. Are there RCA outputs or a subwoofer connection?
3. Do the steering wheel controls still function properly as advertised?
4. Does the aux in and power outlet in the armrest still function?
5. Since it is a single CD/DVD unit, does it support an external CD/DVD changer?
6. Are maps preloaded for the GPS system or is that a separate purchase?

Sorry for all the questions. I've seen a number of OEM look Nav systems out there, and as everyone knows, it's all about the research you put behind your purchase. Also sorry if I missed any other questions.

[yjkallo]

Awaiting updates....

[bman5600]

aux armrest doesn't work unfortunately, maps are on a little sd card. i dont have steering wheel controls so i dunno

[bman5600]

lcd above the deck still functions aswell

[Ozil]

Ok, so let's sum up all the questions for this unit as an F.A.Q.

1. Does the LCD display above the deck still function?
2. Are there RCA outputs or a subwoofer connection?
3. Do the steering wheel controls still function properly as advertised?
4. Does the aux in and power outlet in the armrest still function?
5. Since it is a single CD/DVD unit, does it support an external CD/DVD changer?
6. Are maps preloaded for the GPS system or is that a separate purchase?

Sorry for all the questions. I've seen a number of OEM look Nav systems out there, and as everyone knows, it's all about the research you put behind your purchase. Also sorry if I missed any other questions.

1. yes
2. no idea
3. yes
4. i use the aux to charge my phone
5. no idea
6. you will get the maps on a SD card

[Pokaroo Kris]

1. yes
2. no idea
3. yes
4. i use the aux to charge my phone
5. no idea
6. you will get the maps on a SD card

Now when you say yes to answer #1, do you mean yes to the whole LCD display, or partial? I only ask because some of the other OEM units out there don't show everything (e.g. what function is being used, or the temp gauge). Also can you clarify what you mean that you use the AUX to charge your phone? Or did you mean the power outlet?

Also if anyone can answer #2 and #5, that would be great.

[Ozil]

Now when you say yes to answer #1, do you mean yes to the whole LCD display, or partial? I only ask because some of the other OEM units out there don't show everything (e.g. what function is being used, or the temp gauge). Also can you clarify what you mean that you use the AUX to charge your phone? Or did you mean the power outlet?

Also if anyone can answer #2 and #5, that would be great.

Yeah, I meant the power outlet, my bad, but the OP said the aux worked fine for him.
As for the LCD screen, you will still be able to see which function is being used, If you have radio on, it will say like FM 98.5 on the LCD screen and if you press the navigation button, it will say NAVI on the LCD screen. You will also be able to see the temp, time, heating/cooling settings, etc

[Potterotter3]

Would this fit in 2gen ?

[brucewayne]

ttt

[Impressive]

ttt
?

[brucewayne]

i was looking at kijiji and 2 ads caught my eye.

cartoy.ca (downsview) are priced at 399 + 150 install for a total of 549

and is exotto.ca located at 138 oakdale road, which is somewhat in the same area. a collision center and they want 349 + 120 install for 469.

they seem to be selling the same unit. anyone know about exotto?

[mazda72]

why dont you just go through eonon or qualir? many members have purchased these for less than the above.

[Lambocious]

Just got my system installed, took 30 minutes with a call ahead... system works GREAT, Arron (sp) was great, very help gave me a quick tutorial etc... he;s located @ Downsview Auto (they sell a lot of MZ3, this is not an endorsment for them)

they also have units for other cars as well www.cartoy.ca

[oxide]

sounds promising, it would be great to know about the sub connection on the back, checking the similar models on the net it does show it though...
is this the Eonon model?

[Pokaroo Kris]

Yeah, I meant the power outlet, my bad, but the OP said the aux worked fine for him.
As for the LCD screen, you will still be able to see which function is being used, If you have radio on, it will say like FM 98.5 on the LCD screen and if you press the navigation button, it will say NAVI on the LCD screen. You will also be able to see the temp, time, heating/cooling settings, etc

Thanks Mr. GT. I LOVE THIS FORUM!!!:chuckle

[Pokaroo Kris]

sounds promising, it would be great to know about the sub connection on the back, checking the similar models on the net it does show it though...
is this the Eonon model?

+1 about the sub connection

[leecheefoto]

Sorry if my review was too blunt but I walked in the store to try the demo unit of the car toy navi.

It's really slow, in all areas. Gps took really long to load and if it's that slow I'd have to pull over and let the map load and pressing the keyboard took pretty long as well.

My iPhone 4 I had was way faster and didn't have to load maps every time!

Anyway it was also a bit laggy switching screens, as well as choosing music.

I don't have really good patience when it comes to technology gadgets loading, and for $300+tax+installation I'd rather save the money and buy something better. Maybe if this was years ago I'd think about it but it's not selling me.

[srxnick]

I just ordered the Eonon D5102, looks like the same unit as from cartoys. You can buy off their website directly, and the install is simple.

[mrjun18]

Hi. I actually just got my mazda3 last week and the previous owner had this head unit installed in it. I don't know if its just mine but its totally messed.

Honestly it looks good, but once I turn it on, its a different story. It works for the most part, but at times it resets, freezes, scrolling down a list of songs is a pain and a few others things. I'm actually going to take it out and install an Pioneer unit, that is one sale now for $299 (has everything and more, except nav, but its okay because I have Google maps on my Samsung Galaxy S3 which I mount on the dash and is always updated). Oh, and this unit has a 7" screen compared to the one I'm getting which is 5.8", but i don't mind at all.

Here is the Pioneer unit by the way:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_42781_Pioneer-AVH-P2400BT.html

and here is the current price at Futureshop:
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/pioneer-pioneer-bluetooth-usb-dvd-video-deck-with-5-8-touchscreen-ipod-control-aux-input-avh-p2400bt-avh-p2400bt/10195758.aspx

Just letting you guys know my experience with this unit, but again... maybe its just the one I got that may be acting this way or something else.

[coquette]

Im just going to share my awful experience with buying an indash system from Cartoy.ca

I bought a car with an indash system, it was sucky and most features didn't work. I searched high and low for a certain one to replace it, found it on their website, drove an hour to the store to see it in person (since when I called the guy said there was one displayed in a mazda3 dash in the store). Yup, still the same one as on the website, the one I have been hunting down for a while.

So I gladly placed a downpayment on it. Was told it would take 2 weeks. Took more like 4. Whatever...no big deal. Picked it up, got a neighbour to install it...AND WTF!!!! Pissed. Nothing remotely close the what they advertise on their website (and the instore model). Ugly. Boring. So simplified and cheap looking. I called and complained that they sold me something that I didn't agree to buy. They wouldn't do anything about it...said NO REFUNDS! Its common sense that taking someones money, ordering the product they see in the store, and then giving them a different shitty product and forcing them to keep it is 100% wrong. "well we only guarantee the GPS and Bluetooth..and blawh blawh blawh to work" - I specifically made sure the day I ordered it that it would be the one on display and on their website.

So 450 dollars later, with an ugly ass dash system, it freezes, glitches, you name it. Having driven back to the store a couple times, the so called 'manager' wont do a damn thing. These posts that I see where they say "oh they answered my phone calls right away"...no. They always took my number down, and said they would call back, and never did, forcing me to always drive an hour there to sort things out. Upon one visit, he said to buy an SD card and transfer the navigation data....so I did (reluctantly spending more money on the ugly cheap looking system). Still not working right. Third time I waste gas driving there, he switches and gives me a new one. Still freezes. I record a video of it and email it to them, to better explain what I am talking about, he watches it and wont return my phone calls, or my emails now.

In my opinion, this is the worst experience I have ever had at a store. I am disgusted by their customer service, and in my opinion, they are just ripping people off and couldn't care less. I would never recommend this place. Ever.

[coquette]

Bottomline: Have fun blowing money on a product that ends up not being the product you wanted, only to be stuck with it, and have an employee/manager dodge your attempts at resolving the issue. In my case, they took my money and ran.

[asyed]

I think we should all know by now not to buy ANYTHING from Downsview auto EVER!

Their customer service is horrible and they shouldnt be even selling stuff anymore.



also to coquette: I have a similar system and have a few issues with it which are:

- gps reciever isnt detected about 10% of the time ( used to be 50% but it changed after i swapped a new battery in)

- system lags like crazy when running gps software with music in the background and also using bluetooth ( kinda expected that since the unit is very cheap quality)
- have had it freeze a few times on me which was fixed by turning of the unit... waiting a few seconds... and turning it back on


I think the cartoys one is running on outdated firmware ( unlike mine). At this point I would threaten to do legal action if you dont get a refund. Its one thing to sell faulty hardware.... its another to sell faulty hardware and not accept refunds.

[MickiWasHere]

Got my in-dash unit for my 2012 mazda3 at Downsview Auto. Luckily I don't have the same issues as the others. I hate the fact that when i turn it on, it says "Navigation System" and most of the steering wheel mounted buttons doesn't work. But other than that, no more complaints.