Built In Or Aftermarket Satnav?

[MantaRay]

What are the pro's and con's of opting for the manufacturer's built in Satnav GPS systems versus aftermarket units? [apart from the obvious that the latter can be transferred from vehicle to vehicle].

[kjn2]

I think the main con would be the cost of updating a built in Satnav.some dealers charge well over £100 to update, the pro for a built in has to be that you dont have to keep it from thieves view every time you leave the car.

[mastercraft]

Upgradability?
My mate just bought a 3 year old VW, and the stereo in bluetooth mode fails to display track titles of music from his phone. It seems our mobiles are forever updating themselves with the newest technology, which built in systems don't do, therefore, fail to work properly after a short time.
If you can upgrade it...then why not go for it!?

[woofgang]

not just the update cost but the cost full stop. When i looked into inbuilt satmav with reversing cameras in my Rav4 a little over three years ago, it was more than 1000. I didn't like the reversing cams anyway and bought a top of the range garmin jobby for around 120.

[Old_Geezer]

Price may be a factor but as a %increase on the cost of a new car you probably won't miss it as you would a separate payment later. Never owned built in but always wish it was there ready rather than have to get one out of the boot and set it up.

[MantaRay]

So, the main weakness with the built in systems is the cost of updates then? Typical cost?

[bhg481]

advantages of built-in:
1) No trailing wires
2) you don't have to hide it every time you leave the car.
3) doesn't lose where you are when you go underground eg, car park, tunnel.

disadvantages
1) cost

Map updates for built-in can be costly (£200 for my 6-year old Volvo) but are free for life with new ones, so check for the vehicle you are interested in.
Software updates come with the map updates. I update mine every 3 or 4 years.
2) Routes can only be programmed in whilst you are in the car - with a free-standing one you can sit in your armchair and do it.

Bottom line - if you just go from A to B with few stops on the way, get a free-standing one. If you make frequent stops and leave the car eg, for photos or travel where there are lots of long tunnels then get a built-in one.

[theshedman]

Hi, apart from the cost of upgrading with built in ones some also do not have all the functions most expect. Some do not have the speed camera alerts amongst other things. With Ford built in you only get the speed camera alerts if you buy the most expensive version.

[Deskdiary]

Pros

Much neater, and classier looking, than having something stuck to your windscreen.
Built-In Sat Nav increases re-sale.

Cons

Updates.

So, for me, pros outweigh the cons - plus I've never felt the need to upgrade anyway.....we don't have a massive amount of new roads!

[MantaRay]

Thanks y'all, some really useful comments and advice.

[MantaRay]

Deskdiary...I appreciate we don't have many new roads to worry about, but aren't frequent updates important regarding changes of priorities at junctions, mini-roundabouts, one way systems, etc?

[RATTER15]

Also, with our TomTom aftermarket if you need to find your way around a pedestrianised area, you just simply take it with you, or you hire a car or go off with friends, just take it with you. We also have free updates for life, I think we paid about £130 18 months ago.

[hc4361]

I've had TomToms and Garvins and honestly the best satnav I've ever had is the one on my Android tablet. Speed camera alerts, free updates - everything I need.

No trailing wires as I've managed to 'build' the mount with charger in to my dashboard. Of course I remove it and take it with me, but I'd do that even if it weren't being used as a satnav