Nav v. Aftermarket system
 

I'm trying to decide whether I want to pay the 1600-1800 for nissans nav package or spend it on an aftermarket system. I like the look and functionality of the nav, but think that the aftermarket systems some of you are installing look and work great too. Any suggestions on which way to go?

i would get the aftermarket screen, you could put it in the cubby hole in the dash. :P

^ has anyone successfully done that yet. Read a lot of talk before but no pictures.

I am looking for the answer to this as well...

Can't speak for aftermarket systems but the Z's factory nav ranks the highest out of all the factory nav I've used, including BMW and Benz. Lexus comes close though.

the factory looks way better..plus you dont have a douchy looking cubby in the center of your dash...but i got the ater market nav pioneer nav installed and love it...the only thing that would suck about putting a after market nav like pioneer in the cubby is that you would have non functional base stereo under it...you could go with an after market nav that does nothing besides nav

I'm not sure why there is so much interest in a cubby replaced aftermarket unit. As Roque said, you'll still have the factory stereo beneath it. If you think the cubby looks dumb, imagine having a nav above a factory stereo!

As for the factory vs aftermarket decision, I'd say this:

If you plan to keep the car FOREVER, I'd go aftermarket and replace the factory stereo. This way your car won't be dated, and you can easily upgrade your aftermarket nav every 3, 5, 7, whatever years as you choose.

If you want the slickest, most integrated, trouble free, streamlined installation, get the factory nav. No aftermarket navigation system will be 'perfect' and there will be some compromises. For example, my PAC steering button harness can only do a handful of assignments for those buttons. I've given up on activating and cancelling voice dialing through the steering wheel. Also, there is a delay in the button presses that was never there in the factory unit.

On the flip side, if you want some special features not offered by or not capable of by the factory unit then aftermarket is the only way to go. For example, watching DVDs while driving, inputting GPS destinations while driving, Pandora control (Pioneer), etc etc. Those are your prime reasons for aftermarket systems.

I went aftermarket and replaced my Bose stereo beneath the cubby. I still have the cubby for my sunglasses and the aftermarket HU looks great below the cubby. I'll take the tradeoffs with the steering controls in return for being able to use every feature even while driving.

I actually didn't mean to say replacing the cubby with an aftermarket system. What I meant was to replace the non-nav stereo with an aftermarket system and leave the 'douchy':) cubby alone. I don't really mind the cubby and agree with spearfish on several of those issues. I am curious if anybody has solved the steering button issues. I think that I've made up my mind to go aftermarket because I think that for the same amount of money, I can get an amazing aftermarket system, the panel to replace the original stereo, and some better speakers. Now I just have to decide which one. Thanks all.

I would put the Nav up top and replace the lower stereo and make it into a storage bin.

I agree with the aftermarket parts. I've had my eyes set on a $2600 setup for almost a year now. Haven't gotten it becuz I was more worried about performance parts first. I wish I could find the invoice to the parts I ordered but I do know that its a touch-screen Kenwood dvd/cd/bluetooth/stereo/nav with back up camera and all new speakers throughout. Daymn...now I'm getting excited again haha..I need some money :(

BUT yea...factory navi looks probably the cleanest but aftermarket has better bang for the buck!

Aftermarket all day.

I think there is a after market part that will let you keep using the steering wheel controls. though iv'e heard its about a 150.00!

Or just $40...

Amazon.com: PAC SWI-JACK Steering Wheel Control Interface For Alpine JVC Kenwood Clarion Blaupunkt: Automotive

The pac is the slower way to keep your controls while the 150 way is the faster response.