Looking for help on buying a in dash GPS

[llte]

I am looking at buying a Pioneer NEX 6.2" Touchscreen In-Dash Navigation Receiver With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (AVICW6400NEX). I have never owned on of these and also want a backup camera. I have a 2015 Jeep Patriot. Has anyone owned one of these, even if it not this paticular model or brand?

[Reclaimedepb]

The only experience I have with this is equipment that was already installed at time of purchase.

Are you going through a dealership to install? If not, it is extremely important that you have a professional who has vast experience installing such products. There is much that could go wrong, aesthetically and electrically. You want that receiver to look like it belongs there, not like someone hack-sawed a hole in the dash to put it in. Same with all the wiring. Especially since you want a back-up camera, there could be many meters of wiring that need to be installed properly and inconspicuously. Door panels, carpeting, and/or headliners need to be taken out and replaced. A 2015 vehicle is still new enough that you should want the interior to look like it did when you first bought it (I am assuming you desire that).

Sorry I don't have much to say about the specific product you are looking at, and ignore me if my long-winded comment is just obvious information to you.

[LongTimeLu]

Did you g00gle >AVICW6400NEX installation manual<?

Here's the first link:

http://pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Car/AVIC-W8400NEX_InstallationManual051718.pdf

It'll tell you if it'll fit in your Jeep and how much wiring you'll have to do.
You'll probably need the manual for your Jeep too ...

[zzyeahok]

lite,

Originally Posted by llte

I am looking at buying a Pioneer NEX 6.2" Touchscreen In-Dash Navigation Receiver With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (AVICW6400NEX). I have never owned on of these and also want a backup camera. I have a 2015 Jeep Patriot. Has anyone owned one of these, even if it not this paticular model or brand?

A question. Why just stick with an in dash GPS? Have you thought about a hand held model? I prefer those as you can take them out of a vehicle and use them on a hiking trail or similar place. They're much more useful.

But they may be more expensive depending. How accurate do you want the thing to be? Most GPS's you buy today are only good to +/- 50 ft. or so. You can buy handhelds which will get down to 10 ft. or 3 ft. but the cost goes up the greater accuracy you want. Really, 10 ft. accuracy will be fine for most anyone.

Can't really recommend a brand other than to say Garmin is generally pretty good and Tomtom can be (but they can also make junk). I'm not even sure if the type I used to use are around any longer.

Did find an article you should read. It pretty well explains the differences in GPS:

http://itstillworks.com/difference-...ers-17869.html

Good luck.

[Reclaimedepb]

Not to turn this into a pile on discouraging you from your purchase, but from everything I hear, keeping phones and hand-held devices up-to-date is quite a bit easier than with in-dash models. I do believe all the reviews I have seen were basing that on original manufacturer installs, so your mileage may vary. The dealers like to sell those features and then get you hooked on a subscription service.

[zzyeahok]

gtzaskar,

Originally Posted by gtzaskar

Not to turn this into a pile on discouraging you from your purchase, but from everything I hear, keeping phones and hand-held devices up-to-date is quite a bit easier than with in-dash models. I do believe all the reviews I have seen were basing that on original manufacturer installs, so your mileage may vary. The dealers like to sell those features and then get you hooked on a subscription service.

Very true! Part of the real power of GPS devices are the maps behind them. Those maps are usually proprietary and do change over time; especially in urban areas. So, since roads and intersections change, the software has to be periodically updated.

I used to travel a lot and eventually started using on dash devices (in dash were not yet available. At first, I rarely updated the software (which was a mistake). I can't tell you how many times I'd be driving in some unfamiliar town only to get to some intersection to find it closed. So now you're driving past and the GPS is telling you its finding another route.

So, if you do a lot of driving in unfamiliar areas, it is worth while updating. At least thats what I found.

As I remember, my TomTom device was pretty bad about this. I then had a Garmin which was better. Finally wound up with a DeLorme hand held. Really liked it. Especially if you get off the beaten path. You could even put lake charts on it for fishing. Can't do that with an in or on dash.

[aliensexfiend]

have you tried using the waze app on your handheld device? it is updated frequently, even includes users' postings in real time about potholes, accidents, police up ahead... really handy, but stuck on a small screen (like my phone) - that is its only shortcoming imo.

[OddBa11]

Aftermarket hardware generally gets better support and updates. In dash update issues typically are in regards to factory installed hardware. GM, for example, has released a single update, last year I believe (for $200), for my 2013 model. But it would be something to inquire about for sure.

Pioneer is one of the more popular aftermarket options. If you want fitment suggestions as well as a list of everything you would need (ie: radio, wiring harness, interface kit, antenna, etc.) goto a site such as Crutchfield (highly recommended for info, purchase, and support after purchase).

Personally, I would never buy another in dash model, factory or aftermarket. Garmin would be my choice. I currently have two, both get updates twice a year...free.