Best built-in Nav/GPS system in the market?
 

I've got the base GT 2012 model, and I wish I had waited long enough for the GTS model.

I'm looking for a new aftermarket system with a GPS, along with the stock OEM features (bluetooth, microphone, AUX, USB etc..)

What are some good compatible models I should be looking at?
Should I look for an aftermarket system or shop around for the OEM GTS system instead?

Also, would I have to mod the car in any way or is it as simple as a plug&play installation?



Thanks in advance.

I have heard that the newest CA-FI one is awesome. It runs an android operating system which means you can download waze or whatever. I don't have it but I want it. Hope that helps.

Wow, that's definitely an impressive looking unit! However, it seems a little bit excessive to me with all its features that I won't even use.

Maybe I wasn't very specific with what I wanted. I'm looking for something that looks nice but at the same time simple to navigate from one feature to the next.
Just doing a little bit of shopping online, they seem to range from about $299-$750+ on ebay (some of them even look identical but a priced differently for some reason). On local websites, some of those units range from $1000-$1799.

Are those high end units really worth the money you pay for them? I suppose the only extra feature I want from what I have is the GPS. I don't have a reverse camera nor do I need one. I wouldn't want a headunit that also takes ages to boot up.

$700 is pretty mid-range/high end of mid-range as far as double-DIN head units go. If you want the best head unit with GPS, go look at the Pioneer AVIC-8000NEX. $1700 MSRP, ~$950 on Amazon. I wouldn't give anything with a resistive touch screen the time of day, much less my money.

$1700 is over my budget at the moment. By "best" head unit, what improvements are you referring to? Aside from extra features (most which I won't even use), how different is a $700 unit from a $1700 unit? Better GPS reception?

I'd honestly be happy with the OEM GTS headunit, but since I'm getting something aftermarket anyway I just thought it would be nice to try something different.

On the pioneer brand it's the resistive vs capacitive touch screen. Capacitive is like a cell phone, resistive is more like an airport touch screen terminal. I rather like the resistive still. If you buy the 4000 nex or 5600bhs or a few other base models you can upgrade it with a GPS add on. What's nice is it looks like pioneer is using the same format between years so going that route if you want to you can upgrade again in a few years.

Any particular reasons why you dont want to use a smartphone and get a mount?

After owning multiple built in nav systems I can attest I am much happier using my smartphone and saving the $$$$.

I'm probably going to get the 4000NEX and use CarPlay and my iPhone for navigation. I'm also considering the new AppRadio 4, the screen's a bit smaller than the 4000NEX (6.2" vs 7") but it's capacitive as opposed to resistive. And it comes with a GPS antenna, so I assume it will boost your phone's GPS signal when plugged in through USB? I don't believe the AppRadio has built-in navigation.

I hate the resistive touchscreen on the built-in BRZ nav, but I like the one my Pioneer AVH has. It's much more accurate than the BRZ, so I may give the Pioneer 4000NEX a shot.

The main advantage to in-car navigation is that, depending on where you live, cell reception can be unreliable. Here in Texas there are huge areas with little to no reception so phone-based navigation is difficult.

Get a used OEM unit w/ GPS antennae for $350.

Yea, very good and simple solution.

I agree that the actual navigation of the OEM unit is pretty good, but for me the screen is just terrible. The Pioneer unit in my other vehicle has the same type of screen (resistive) and I'd say it's 95% accurate, where I touch it once and it does what I want. The OEM BRZ screen is maybe 50% accurate; I find myself having to touch multiple times in order to get it to recognize the input.

Also if you install an OEM unit I suggest setting it up with a bypass (I think it's possible...) so the nav will work while moving. It's a royal PITA to not be able to change your route on the fly.

Oh ok. What type of phone nav you use?

I use Nokia Here nav on my phone which lets me download all of the maps to my phone so no data connection is required.

I have a pioneer AVH-x8500 with an add on GPS module u250. It works pretty well but part of me misses the older gps systems that does not require a 30 sec - 1 min long boot up. If you can afford it the pioneer avic-8000nex does seem like an attractive option. The 4000nex is pretty cool too with CarPlay when they get it to work. I don't know why they don't give us a highend unit with more physical buttons/volume knob, higher quality screen like a retina display (slightly smaller screen) and built in GPS. I would pay more to get that.

Right, this is pretty decent -- it was also my previous system (AVH-x4500bt) -- now i am using the AVIC-8000 Nex.

FYI, I do have the u250 for sale -- as far as a headunit, find one compatible and I can sell you that u250 (shameless advertisement =P)

under 500 bucks and you'll have a decent head unit with navi =) (my navi is selling for about 250 or so).

That's what I'm fearful about. What's the bootup like for the OEM unit?

If I really can't find what I'm looking for, then I'll probably just go for the OEM unit to avoid any further complications.

Just thought I might keep an open mind since I'd be happy to fork out an extra couple of hundred for a more luxurious looking headunit. Although long bootups is the biggest put off for me.

Apart from the OEM headunit, what's something similar (or better) I could get around the $600 mark?
I do prefer volume knobs over volume buttons, but it's no big deal.

Side question anyone know if the Subaru brz 2014 stereo with navigation module fit the 2013 FRS?

I have an AVH-x5600BHS. It's good, boots up just fine, stock form has minor XM issue that firmware fixes. Supports navi addons, but I don't have module so cannot comment on it.

Someone recommended the PARROT ASTEROID SMART headunit, which also features the Android OS on it but is a lot cheaper. Thoughts on that?

The CaFi Dashlinq 4 seems a lot better than that one, and the CaFi fits into our cars with no ugly spacer kits.

I am using kenwood Dnx571hd. It has built in Garmin navigation and works great for me. It is easy to bypass the e-brake signal and all the stuff you prefer OEM usb, aux and even the OEM microphone (though you need a 5v regulator to do that for the amplified mic).

I'm rather interested in this http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/product...0DAB/page.html

http://www.pioneer.eu/files/AVIC-F60...suals/hero.jpg

I beleive its the first aftermarket head unit to incorporate Apple play and also supports Android. Check out the features link for an idea of how crazy it is.

Careful though, you will then likely want to rip out all those average speakers and upgrade them. Car audio, much like any other car mods, can be one hell of a deep rabbit hole.

That Pioneer unit looks similar to the AVIC/AVH NEX units here in the US. I just purchased the AVH-4000NEX for the BRZ. Though it's the lowest model, that's only because it doesn't include built-in GPS, other than that it's feature-equivalent to the AVIC-7000NEX and even includes a removable faceplate, which none of the other units do. I purchased all the required adapters through Metra, as I've had good luck with them before in Toyota vehicles, and the BRZ radio mounting and wiring is the same as Toyota's. The only think I haven't figured out is how to retain the stock mic and aux port (though I'll have the stock USB port).

retsehc, can you point to more detailed information on retaining the stock mic?

Use this, 1/2 problem solved really clean, easy, and reliable
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L2SF64E/"]Amazon.com: USB/ 3.5mm Waterproof Cable with Cover: Computers & Accessories[/ame]

I didn't bother with the OEM mic, it is a stereo mic IIRC which is a problem.

Interesting, I may have to check that out. I purchased the Metra TOYUSB cable which is supposed to have the proprietary plug on one end and USB on the other so you can retain the factory USB port. Haven't pulled the dash apart yet to ensure it'll work. If it won't I may go that route.

Pioneer headunit with Apple CarPlay in a Subaru BRZ video review.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/iph...ystem-3507818/