997.1 without sat nav, options to replace?

[The AJP Griff]

Hi all, I'm looking at a 997.1 and the car is all the spec and condition I want with the exception that it doesn't have a sat nav. How easy is it to replace this with original Porsche parts and what would they cost in good used condition? I've also read that its worthwhile replacing with something aftermarket that will do the job better with more modern maps, touch screen etc. what are the options and cost here? Can anybody point me in the right direction please as I'm no techie when it comes to the latest in car entertainment. I don't need the latest hi tech tricked up all singing and dancing etc etc, just a good sat nav that looks a nice tidy, almost factory install would be my priority if installing a non Porsche set up.

[The AJP Griff]

forgot to add that I wondered if the aftermarket 'double din' units are the same size as the Porsche unit? I wondered if they will fit nicely or leave gaps in the surrounding trim? If anyone has fitted anything else and has pics I would be very grateful

[LanceRS]

Pretty sure the after market units can be fitted and a decent job made of it. I have yet to find anyone with anything good to say about any factory fit Nav from any manufacturer. People I know with brand new, premium brand cars, have ticked the box when ordered and still ended up using a Tom Tom because the are that much better.
It's also worth bearing in mind that any modern Tech is very quickly out of date.

[LukeS]

Looked at the same thing when I brought mine and was going to retro fit an original porsche unit.
Was advised sat Nav on iPhone was still better than original unit so didn't bother and haven't regretted it.

Would rather have had one fitted when it comes to selling to bring my low spec car up a notch but the car is about so much more than than a nav. If you have an iPhone or equivalent I wouldn't worry about spending the money.

[The AJP Griff]

Thanks for replying gents. I'm useless with tech stuff I'm afraid. Last time I fitted a 'stereo' in a car was 20+ years ago and it was a doddle then. Somehow I think replacing the pcm sat nav unit wont be so easy! I need a sat nav as the car will be bought for touring so its essential really and just wondered what my options and costs were likely to be really.

[Por911T]

I've had three gen 1 997's and my latest one ( bought last month ) doesn't have PCM where the first two did . The gen1 PCM is old, outdated and antiquated . An aftermarket modern TomTom is a far better bet.

[LanceRS]

Any decent audio place should be able to quote. I would guess the price of the head unit and an hour or so of their time. The fitting should not be too difficult, there seem to be a number of adapters available for the wiring on modern cars so that side of it should be simple. The problems seem to come if you have the controls on the steering wheel, some aftermarket units won't work with them.

[Adam B]

Por911T said:

I've had three gen 1 997's and my latest one ( bought last month ) doesn't have PCM where the first two did . The gen1 PCM is old, outdated and antiquated . An aftermarket modern TomTom is a far better bet.

Alternatively I bought a 997.1 turbo 9 months ago and have found PCM perfectly adequate as 80% of the time I know where I am going and for the other 20% it lead me to the place just fine. Full postcode input would be handy I admit.

On the plus side I didn't need a machine stuck to my windscreen and cables all over the place

Edited by Adam B on Sunday 18th January 23:00

[James44]

If the rest of the car is what you are after then I wouldn't let this get in the way. Options:

- fit PCM2.1 - though hardly worth it and probably thick end of £1k
- fit double DIN aftermarket kit - probably thick end of £1k
- buy a cheap tomtom and leave in glovebox for when you really need it - £75 and best option IMO

HTH
J

[The AJP Griff]

I appreciate how cheap and handy a tom tom is, but in such a lovely car it seems nice to use the space provided for a smart and tidy built in unit rather than have the messy tom tom, particularly when I will use it a fair bit really. The two good things going for the tom tom are the price and the sighting of it in a much easier and safer to use location I guess.

[Markanoid76]

I've wondered the same but also what the general view of aftermarket replacements are at the point of resell. But in the interim (i.e. day to day) I'm sure an after market unit would be infinitely better/easier to use.

http://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/index.php?option=...

Check out the link for a view on what a more modern unit looks like in place.

[LukeS]

Hmm does look nice I could be tempted but price looks a bit steep when you look at other premium ice systems and a Nav on your phone!