Using a TomTom in a v8 Vantage

[tonycordon]

I am, I hope, nearing the end of my search for a V8V. However I'm unsure of the quality of the standard fit navigation, I read and hear many criticisms of the "Volvo" kit.
So my question, the V8 has a heated screen like my Jaguar XF, I have struggled to find a site for my Tom-tom where it can receive a signal. Is this the case in a Vantage? If so is there a spot, like beside the mirror, that will allow good reception?

[steveway]

I have a V12V 2010 plate and it has the Volvo satnav, it does take some getting use to but its fine and its better than having something stuck to the screen. just updated the maps as well which was pretty simple

[Gday2]

I have a 2009 Vantage V8 with the Volvo Satnav. It works well and gets me to my destinations without problems, yes it needed some time to get used to it but that's the same with the one in my Jaguar respectivly my wifes Discovery, there is a learning curve with every Satnav.
I do not need a 17 inch 4k screen in my Aston, the Satnav does it's job, period. I enjoy every drive with the V8V, mostly the Satnav is off anyhow.
But of course that is just my opinion, different people different priorities.
Sorry for ranting, but there are worse systems in other cars and better/easier/flasher/...... and all that. Have a testdrive check the Satnav, if you do not like it you have two choices:
1. lots of companies are happy to take your hard earned money to modify/replace the system to your liking.
2. Do not buy the car, but never ever put any suction cup Satnav on the windscreen of an Aston Martin! His would be a deadly sin.

Edited by Gday2 on Wednesday 21st June 07:29

[Cold]

I stick my TomTom sucker to the quarterlight in the driver's door. I've added a USB charging point out of sight under the dash to supply power.

[Manx V8V]

Just like you I saw all the comments, and when I picked up my 2006 Vantage I therefore expected the sat nav to be about as useful as a snooze button on a smoke alarm.

Admittedly I only used it briefly to head for the ferry home, I knew the route but wanted to see if it actually worked and if it really was as bad as I'd heard, and I haven't needed it since as its hard to get lost on the Isle of Man!! but I must admit it seems on a par with any other unit I've used, in fact I reckon it's better than my Jaguar XF unit.

Mine has most likely been updated by the previous owner as it stayed true to some of the recent road changes that I am aware of as I travelled through known areas, whereas my Jag unit is a few years out of date and would show me going through fields etc.

I honestly don't think it's that bad at all, but will know more when I've done a decent UK road trip.

[David W.]

I got the TomTom ait vent prong adaptor which works well, shame I have to plug 12v lead in in trinket box as lid needs to be open which catches arm when gear changing, 911 has more convienent socket in passenger footwell, of course!

[Grumpydev]

Never really had any major issues with the inbuilt satnav in my 2007, using the latest discs it seems ok.

That said, given all the stories about it, I am a bit paranoid using it on long journeys into the unknown, so I have an AirFrame in the car that I can use my phone with, and that's never had an issue getting a GPS lock, so a standalone unit should be fine I'd imagine.

[fvert]

Never used the built in navigator in my 2006 V8V and my Tomtom is not covered with dust: I installed a bluetooh system and I am exclusively using my smartphone. I have everything: spotify, tomtom, waze, google map, (camsat), laptimer.... I would never go back using a standalone GPS
FYI I installed a plug n play GROM system. CD is disable but now I have bluetooth streaming and USB.

[fvert]

And the funny thing is that I live and Switzerland and the Aston GPS CD does not include France, therefore everytime I was crossing the border to go to France (twice a month) I was entering an unknown teritory

[ace of the base]

I put an updated disc in my V8 and it took me right to the front gate of my gite in Le Mans.
A bit fiddly to enter destinations but works fine after that.

[ChilliWhizz]

I manually pop up the satnav screen and just sit my Tomtom in front of it

[samastonlongley]

fvert said:

Never used the built in navigator in my 2006 V8V and my Tomtom is not covered with dust: I installed a bluetooh system and I am exclusively using my smartphone. I have everything: spotify, tomtom, waze, google map, (camsat), laptimer.... I would never go back using a standalone GPS
FYI I installed a plug n play GROM system. CD is disable but now I have bluetooth streaming and USB.

You seem to rate the GROM system! Which one did you get as it doesn't seem to list Aston martin on their website also how hard was it to install?

Thanks
Sam

[fvert]

I bought exactly this:

Grom Audio MST4 integration kit Volvo 2002-06 XC90
Accessories
Bluetooth Dongle - £33.33, Apple Lightning USB Cable - £8.33, Android Micro USB Cable - £4.16

[embdenb]

The problem with the Nav system is not that it's inaccurate. The problem is the size of the screen, and more importantly, the screens resolution. My advise, get it updated, learn to program it and live with it. It will get you where you want to go, and you will look a lot better getting there without something unattractive stuck to your windshield.

[mikees]

fvert said:

I bought exactly this:

Grom Audio MST4 integration kit Volvo 2002-06 XC90
Accessories
Bluetooth Dongle - £33.33, Apple Lightning USB Cable - £8.33, Android Micro USB Cable - £4.16

How hard to install? Fancy doing mine for some serious beer money? :-)

Just saw you are in Switzerland bugger.