Sat nav or no sat nav?

[Stiggy]

I'm deciding the final spec for my 30th edition gti - final hurdle is whether to have sat nav or not.  Are there any advantages of paying approx. 1800 for the sat nav, over a portable one for a few hundred? Thank you.

[rohit]

To state the obvious, integration. A Tomtom is much more user friendly, portable, and has the ability to download the speed camera database.

Sat nav is one of the better options in regards depreciation, but you will still be waving good bye to at least £1k come re sale.

Sat nav is essential in a £40k car, but not in a £20k car.

Tomtom all the way 

[waddler]

Agree stick with a TomTom or you'll just be throwing the cash away.

[wantmygti]

Haven't those with VW sat nav criticised it in other threads? I ws under the impression it's not very good esp considering the cost.

[Cass]

I specced it because I like a few toys in my car and I could afford it. I agree however, that the factory unit has limited functions (eg only partial post code search, the software disc isn't fully up to date (version 3) and the graphics are a bit flat/one dimentional. That said, I like the display in the dash and the audio system works well with the iPod option. Some portable units are the dogs with much better 3D graphics and speed camera alerts, however they are easily spotted by thieves and you need to also remove the fixing mounts every time you leave the car, as these may well put you car at risk from the criminal element.

Cass   

[Phil mcavity]

tom tom increases the likelyhood of your car getting broken into, even if youve removed the device from view, police still report car break-ins where theyve hunted the glove box etc etc. that would then put up your insurance premiums. where as the sat nav is paired to your cars ecu, wont fit in most offer cars nor sell well at a Car boot, keeps your car investment higher the other gti models without. think 1st mate, tom tom is better, portable but is it worth the risk

[The Doc]

Buy the car without it and fit it your self for around £750 

Its not the bset navi out there but it is accurate and gives the dash a much needed lift over the standard set 

[Stiggy]

Thanks for the good advice guys - much appreciated.  I have been worried about the risk of getting a portable sat nav with respect to theft.  On the other hand, VW sat nav is pricey and looks like i can get a portable one that's much cheaper and does a better job.  I think i will skip getting sat nav for now, especially if i have the choice of purchasing and fitting a VW one after i get the car.  Where can i look for the vw sat nav unit after getting the car, Doc?

While on the subject, has anyone heard of a collaboration between VW, Google and nVidia for the next gen of sat navs?

Thanks again for the help 

[Paul-GTI]

Are there any double din head units that can do navigation?

A seven incher would be nice (..as the Mrs says )

[illyun]

Hi Doc, I was seriously considering buying the sat nav unit - after discounting the possibility of me being competent to fit it and the aerial... but your comment got me thinking again - and saving £1k in the process which will buy me a carbon bonnet    How easy is it to fit as one seller on ebay said that the units are very sensitive and can be easily damaged if installed by an incompetent - like me    Ansd how easy is it to fit the aerial? Finally, how come these units are being sold so cheap on ebay - is there a catch?  Thanks in advance Doc