During earlier days, only expensive cars used to have various navigation systems however, nowadays even any economic model of car also include many navigation systems incorporated.
If you are interested to install an aftermarket navigation system then following are few navigations systems and their pros and cons.
Factory navigation systems
Following are few pros and cons:
Pros:
- Integration
It will offer better appeal by virtue of factory installed system and more integrated.
- Better GPS signal
Being satellite based it will get signal even in remote locations too.
- Warranty coverage
Being factory installed it will get full warranty cover too.
- Theft resistant
Thief will find it hard to remove factory installed navigation system.
- Resale value
Factory installed system will always attract more resale value.
Cons:
- Cost
Only expensive versions will be available in factory installed system.
- Updates
To get updates for older model will cost you a lot.
- Use limitations
There will be few restrictions which can be frustrating.
Smartphone navigation systems
Following are few pros and cons:
Pros:
- Traffic data
You will always get shortest route based on traffic data.
- Current maps
You will always get up-to-date maps of every locations.
- Convenience
It will be much easier to handle and provide inputs.
- Integrated smartphone options
Get best of both worlds with large screen and convenience of smart phones.
Cons:
- Distractions
It will provide distractions unless you buy proper mounting.
- Spottier reception
Reception will mostly depend on cell signal.
- Battery drain
Quite likely that your battery may drain out soon
Portable navigation systems
Following are few pros and cons:
Pros:
- Price
It will be cheaper than factory installed system.
- Cheaper updating
In longer run updates are cheaper.
- Good reception
Since it is satellite based hence reception will be better.
Cons:
- Mounting
Mounting will not be as tidy as factory installed system.
- Limited warranty
You will get only 1-year warranty.
In-Dash Navigation Systems
Following are few pros and cons:
Pros:
- More features
There will plenty of latest features incorporated.
- Better screen
As compared to various older vehicles the screen of the navigation system will be much better.
- Customizable
These navigation systems can easily be customized as per your need.
Cons:
- Price
Price of such system can be as high as factory-based system.
- Theft prone
It is much easier for the thieves to remove them.
- Not fully integrated
It is not as integrated as a factory installed system.
