Hey guys, I got a new job and planning on getting a scion very soon. I am looking at nav systems but not really finding anything that fits. I am looking for:
-a good map system (meaning live traffic updates and such)
-xm/sirius ability (I don't want to be tied down to 1 especially now that the merger is going to happen)
-has to have a hard drive, i would like to put mp3s, map software, and possibly rip dvds into the hard drive but the dvd rips would be a bonus
-also would be nice to be able to switch out a hard drive for a bigger one if I would need it
-be able to fit and close the lid
-i would like a **** for volume instead of a button but again that is a bonus too and don't need it
-also I would like it to be instantly on and not wait around for it to start-up

I don't know if there are custom firmwares out there but if there are to make a system be able to do that I wouldn't mind.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

pioneer avic series

 

avic doesn't have a hard drive. go for an eclipse unit OR build a carputer

 

lol woops

 

avic z series do have a hard drive. i recommended an eclipse unit

 

i say get the car first. haha

 

Well lets just say I have a VERY good job and can get the car and unit at the same time and in less then a month =)

 

x2 carputer.

 

I am trying to look for a carputer that I can buy and just install like any other double din nav system but they are really hard to find.

 

How about Infill G4? Double din indash unit but expensive.

 

avic z2 or z3

either is really fast and has a hardrive

 

x2

 

To answer all your questions as well as recomendations.. I would suggest the Avic z2 or newer z3.. now for the questions answerd pertaining:

a good map system (meaning live traffic updates and such): Easy to use map system, Live traffic through XMNavTraffic.. need external XM Receiver w/ NavTraffic: part number# GEX-P10XMT( this does both XM radio and XM navtraffic

-xm/sirius ability (I don't want to be tied down to 1 especially now that the merger is going to happen): AFIK, XM satellite is the better of the 2, and also the Z2/Z3 are both Satelite Ready but only XM navTraffic compatible
-has to have a hard drive, i would like to put mp3s, map software, and possibly rip dvds into the hard drive but the dvd rips would be a bonus: Can Rip CD's to the HD, can't rip MP3's to HD, Map Software is built in, no known Ripping of DVD's to any HD based Radio, only if you have a carputer.
-also would be nice to be able to switch out a hard drive for a bigger one if I would need it: Z2 has a 30 gig HD.. 10gig is used for the Map Software, 20gig free for Ripping CD's.. Z3 has a 60gig i believe.. Same as the z2.. 10 gig used for software. Can upgrade to bigger drives, but that involves unlocking the hard drive and changing software and if not done correctly, can render the unit USELESS!!
-be able to fit and close the lid: Simple install... drill out the 4 dimples on the factory brackets to move the unit back further to be able to close the door all the way.. Not many install places will do that, might have to do it yourself.. very easy though.
-i would like a **** for volume instead of a button but again that is a bonus too and don't need it: Z2 and Z3 has a button for volume.. most 7 inch in-dashs will have buttons.. the new F-series Pioneers have ***** like the D3... if you want the ****.. you will have to settle for a smaller screen..
-also I would like it to be instantly on and not wait around for it to start-up: any HD based (and CD based) have a load up time.. you'll never find a unit that starts up immediatly. My Z2's load up time is around 10 secs, i never took a stop watch to it though, the radio does come on while start up is running for the HD, so its not a total silence.


HOPE that helps man.. also looks at Reviews at Crutchfield.com (very nice that you can do side by side comparisons) also check on Amazon.com. both sites offer greats reviews from customers that will definetly help with chosing an in-dash navigation.

 

x2 on the z3.... buuuuuuut is the harddrive really THAT important? i would dare say that the kenwood 7120 and the 8120 are much better units, and for the price they are the best out there.

the 8120 has the bluetooth built in, plus two acc remote outputs that can be used to drive anything else aftermarket in the car (like a linear actuator, or your garage door opener)

comes with garmin's premium navteq mapping software with poi's, dual zone voice navi, 3d mapping, and too many other things to list.

i haven't super uber played with the z series from pioneer, but haven't been impressed with their other navigation efforts.

ipod interface on the 8120 is bomber too!

 

i agree.. my girlfriend has the Kenwood 5120 nav unit.. some things are good.. the IPod interface is awesome, even plays IPod video from her Classic.. a couple negatives.. like fast forwarding.. can't fast forward or rewind in Ipod video or Ipod music... The Garmin nav is ok, easy controls and what not.

If i had the choice, i wouldn't trade my z2 for anything else, i love the big screen and all the features..

 

Can the z3 pause sirius radio and save music like the stiletto can?

Also I forgot to ask, is it easy to switch between navigation and the radio or iPod? Btw sounds like the switching hard drive idea isn't going to pan out from what I hear so I will probably just shell out some more cash to get the 160gb iPod.

 

Switching between radio/Ipod or another other function is easy... brings up a menu for whichever one you want to use, I don't believe you can pause sirius,, can't on XM, and no saving music from Satelite... Ipod interface is good, can't play Ipod Video though, i have the 160 gig and i use it the majority of the time for music.

 

pioneeer avic best all around in my opinion