In Dash Navigation + Bluetooth + Reverse Cam

[ashgarg]

Hey all,

So I'm pretty much a car noob but browse these forums now and then for good tips.. Got my windshield replaced and winter tires thanks to you guys!

I have a stock Mazda 3 2010 GX, the most basic model. I'm now interested in getting an In-Dash Navigation system with Bluetooth (connected to car speaker system) and a reverse camera installed. Any suggestions on:

a) Is this even feasible to do after market?
b) Where would I buy a system like this in Toronto or online? Any particular model recommendations?
c) Any recommendations on places in Toronto to install this? For a car noob like me, do you think it's worth a shot to try doing on my own?
d) What is a reasonable price on buying the system + installing it?


Sorry for the dumb questions!

Thanks,
Ashwin

[dambay]

My recommendation would be to PM Dave2010GT. Super helpful, and should be able to get you a good price on everything.

[Genpu_Mz3]

A. Yes any car audio shop or experienced person will be able to do this for you
B. Look up local car audio shops, theres lots of good sponsors on here. i would recommend kenwood. they use garmin navigation (which is #1 in navigation and parrot bluetooth which is also #1 in bluetooth) they are also very easy to use and install.
C. look in the sponsors section, you can do it yourself im sure people on here wont mind helping (including myself) the only hard part is running the reverse camera wire under the car.
D. cost $300 - $1200 depending on the model (some of them are voice activated) and install depends on the shop but about 1hr30min install time.

[mazda72]

I have the QL-MZD 216 and its works great. Do a search on it, a lot of people say good things about it.

http://www.autodvdgps.com/20102012-mazda-3-dvd-gps-player-with-8-inch-digital-touch-screen-monitor-bluetooth-ipod-p-3174.html

[mazdabetty]

Reverse cams on small cars are for people who can't drive.... don't even bother with that if it's going to cost you extra :S

[sube]

Reverse cams on small cars are for people who can't drive.... don't even bother with that if it's going to cost you extra :S

I totally disagree with this comment, the camera is not only an assist in backing up. I had an incident in a parking lot last week wherein my reverse camera quite possibly saved a little kid from injury or worse. The kid got away from the woman he was with and ran right past the back of my car, since the kid was small and below the level of the back window I didn't pick him up, but my wife seen him in the in dash screen, had she not I would definitely have hit the kid.

Pat.

[asyed]

I totally disagree with this comment, the camera is not only an assist in backing up. I had an incident in a parking lot last week wherein my reverse camera quite possibly saved a little kid from injury or worse. The kid got away from the woman he was with and ran right past the back of my car, since the kid was small and below the level of the back window I didn't pick him up, but my wife seen him in the in dash screen, had she not I would definitely have hit the kid.

Pat.

THIS



also it allows for more precision when backing into your garage because there have been numerous times where there was something in my garage that i did not see in my rear window and it resulted in a light tap ( i back up very slowly because of this)

[peterm15]

I personally was never taught how to pull into a parking spot. Only how back into them. It's safer to back in and pull out then vise versa.

As for kids running behind a car. I subscribe to the Darwin theory. Natural selection. Lol. ( just kidding BTW. wouldn't want to see any child get hit)

I do agree though. It's a waste of money on a small car like the 3. Although if I had the money to spend, I'd get one. It's a cool little gadget.

[sube]

I do agree though. It's a waste of money on a small car like the 3. Although if I had the money to spend, I'd get one. It's a cool little gadget.

Small car, big car, makes no difference, if a child or an animal is below the sight line of your rear window then you can't see them period! A rear view camera will all but eliminate the possibility that human or animal will get hurt or worse.

Pat.

[mazdabetty]

As for kids running behind a car. I subscribe to the Darwin theory. Natural selection.

bahhahah :chuckle

When I'm backing up I'm looking left and right behind me. Not just in my rear view mirror, and not just out the back window. My side mirrors are angled down more than most people's are so I'm able to see the lines in parking spots, and, any animals or small children who might happen to run behind me.

Where are you looking when you have a backup camera? Down at your dash.

People who have rear view back up cameras tend to not look out their windows or mirrors and put all their trust into the camera, which by the way, only has one view straight back. If a car is flying around the corner in your left blind spot, or a kid speeding on their bike down the sidewalk, and doesn't bother stopping for you, your precious camera isn't going to save you.

Maybe my comment about them being for people who can't drive was a bit harsh, and I agree in a larger vehicle this might be useful, but I'm weary about driver assist technology as it gives people a false sense of confidence. It's like people with snow tires who think they are invincible against ice. It's just creating a new generation of drivers who rely solely on their car to do all the work for them. Driving is becoming a lost art.

Just my :.02 :)

[sube]

bahhahah :chuckle

When I'm backing up I'm looking left and right behind me. Not just in my rear view mirror, and not just out the back window. My side mirrors are angled down more than most people's are so I'm able to see the lines in parking spots, and, any animals or small children who might happen to run behind me.

Where are you looking when you have a backup camera? Down at your dash.

People who have rear view back up cameras tend to not look out their windows or mirrors and put all their trust into the camera, which by the way, only has one view straight back. If a car is flying around the corner in your left blind spot, or a kid speeding on their bike down the sidewalk, and doesn't bother stopping for you, your precious camera isn't going to save you.

Maybe my comment about them being for people who can't drive was a bit harsh, and I agree in a larger vehicle this might be useful, but I'm weary about driver assist technology as it gives people a false sense of confidence. It's like people with snow tires who think they are invincible against ice. It's just creating a new generation of drivers who rely solely on their car to do all the work for them. Driving is becoming a lost art.

Just my :.02 :)
I don't rely solely on the camera, BTW my camera is a wide angle camera which covers well beyond the width of the car.
Regarding your comments, in the instances you describe, nothing will save you there. Like I posted already even after checking mirrors and behind me in just one instance a kid was behind my car. Without the camera I would have hit him.
Now I am not a fan of all the technology like blind spot monitoring but as regards the camera, well I consider myself a pretty good driver, but I don't think having something that I feel makes the car safer in no way reflects negatively on my skills or ability to drive.
I get the feeling your attitude is much like (real men don't eat quiche), in that I am so good I don't need no stinkin camera.
I really hope you never have a near miss like I did where you will be thankful that you had a camera.
I know you won't agree so why don't we agree to disagree.

Pat.

[peterm15]

The only thing that matters is if you want it. Get it. All you have to do is make sure the HU you get has a connection for it and you should be game.

A backup camera is not something I find useful for me. So I wouldn't be able to suggest a HU or type of camera you should get.

[asyed]

I find staring at one screen while backing up very "unnatural"....( My uncle's civic has one and I only use it so in situations where tight maneurving is required in which the rear view camera allows me to get within cm of an object without hitting it) When I reverse , I usaully dont even use my rear view mirror and look straight back /around the car by actually turning my neck(probably just me).

But hey, if a rear view camera floats your boat....buy one...deffinately a nice thing to have....

Personally I am considering on wiring up some kind of dashcam system to the aux port since thats more useful these days :chuckle

[Genpu_Mz3]

well, this got off hand, the OP wasn't asking if he/she should buy a reverse camera. he/she just wanted to know where he/she could buy one and get it installed.

If it makes you feel more comfortable with a reverse camera, get it installed, don't let other people discourage you from what you want.

[rawbz]

I'm all for reverse cams if you can afford it.. theres two options you could go though, ebay for all the hardware, theres some good aftermarket kits that drop into the generation before (dunno about the 2010 but I'm sure it exists) and wire it up yourself or with someone who's done it before

or you bring it to an experienced shop like audioheaven and get them to do it all for you. but hardware and labour costs will run you a lot more but then you get a clean install, less chance of issues and usually some sort of warranty on the work

[leungalv]

The Eonon units also have what you're looking for. Very similar to the Qualir units ... cheaper in price though

http://www.eonon.com/Car-GPS/Specific-Car-GPS/D5115Z.html

Should read the threads on here regarding this unit though, don't know if they've worked out all the bugs