Pioneer DD Nav

[Big Tap]

I'm considering upgrading to one of there units for the Nav and Ipod functions, but there so many of them out there, I don't even know what to get. The AVIC -Z3 looks nice, but I'm a little concerned about the touch screen eventually going out and it's a bit pricey. The F series one's look nice as well, but I'm still not sure what is what when it comes to all of those.

I basically would like to have Nav, Ipod function and the hands-free bluetooth capability. I don't think I'll need the hard drive capabilies since I have an Ipod, but if someone has a compelling argument, I'm all ears. I'm not really locked into Pioneer's but they seem to give you the most bang for your buck.

Thoughts...recomendations?

 

[HMFDZ28]

Its a to each is own deal.... I have the Pioneer AV-4000dvd I believe is the P/n and love it... All the function but Hate navs and well can got it $350 brand new

 

[JKmotorsports]

I wouldn't suggest the new AVIC F series. Touch screen response sucks and some of the features aren't that great. The Z3 is a much better unit. As for the touchscreen becoming inoperable, I haven't seen one go out yet and I've been in the car audio biz way before touchscreen was even invented.
If you don't go with the Z3, Eclipse makes a nice unit. Kenwood is okay also.

 

[SFBerto415]

I agree...I recommend the Pioneer Z1/Z2/Z3. These look the same from the outside and only big difference is the updated maps w/ a bigger HDD. I think you can find the Z1 and Z2 for around $600-$800.

 

[Big Tap]

Is there any disadvantage to buying a Z1 or Z2 and upgrading it to make it a Z3? Seems like you can buy the hardware on Ebay for under $100 to turn one into a Z3. It's definitely cheaper to do it that way.

 

[SFBerto415]

No disadvantage that I can think of...might want to ask JK...

 

[UWMlax15]

I really like the Avic-900BT. I like how it's got more of a factory look with all the same features as the Z-series. Eventually if/when I upgrade to an '05ish Denali, that's what I would do. Plus it's $1100 compared to $1800. If you don't need a DVD player in your dash, then the Avic-700 is only $850.

 

[SFBerto415]

True...The Pioneer 700 has a bit more of a factory look. I actually like the Ipod interface on the 700 than on the Z1-3...
Here is a link I found if anyone is shopping for a AVIC 700. It is listed for under $500.00
http://www.dealercostcaraudio.com/avic-f700bt.aspx?gclid=CIDg_5Wd6poCFRMUagodDhUxBQ
(I am NOT associated w/ this site)

 

[MikeTheApeman]

I wouldn't suggest the new AVIC F series. Touch screen response sucks and some of the features aren't that great. The Z3 is a much better unit.

Funny, the only thing I praise my F700 for is the touchscreen works like a charm. I have heard people complain about theirs though, I tell them wait until your phone connects before you start touching things. It's like a PC (literally - running WindowsCE under the gui), and you have to let stuff load up first. Features are okay, voice command is a joke though. If I had to do it over again though, I'd would have gotten just a plain DVD player for the dash and picked up a new TomTom unit instead.

 

[JKmotorsports]

Funny, the only thing I praise my F700 for is the touchscreen works like a charm. I have heard people complain about theirs though, I tell them wait until your phone connects before you start touching things. It's like a PC (literally - running WindowsCE under the gui), and you have to let stuff load up first. Features are okay, voice command is a joke though. If I had to do it over again though, I'd would have gotten just a plain DVD player for the dash and picked up a new TomTom unit instead.

Yea, it's a hit and miss. About half the F-series I install have crappy touchscreen response and the bootup is too long even with the latest 2.0 update. I bought one for my CTS when they first came out, before I realized all the problems. Even w/o the built-in map software, I like the D3 in my truck better than the f-series.