Sat nav options...advice please!

[1JEB]

(Before i start, I know this has been done at length before but with no pictures... )

It seems I'm not alone in wanting to get a 996 with PCM, only to fall in love with an example without it!

As i see it, the options are:
1. Retro-fit PCM
2. Put in a Becker single DIN unit
3. Get a Tom Tom etc
4. Put in a custom install (screen etc)
5. Buy a map

- From previous threads, retro fitting is impossible/too expensive - cheaper to find another car with it in.
(If you could find a unit from a salvage yard/breakers could it be fitted???)
- The single DIN units come highly recommended and easy but don't have big colour screen.
- Tom toms are perfect unless you don't want extras stuck on to your dash.
- Custom installs never *quite* look right IMHO...what do you guys think?
www.prestigeaudio.co.uk/auto/ruf-porsche-gt3-auto-1-23-43.html

To further complicate things, it seems post 03 cars have a MOST system and so any extra equipment needs an optical input/output.

At the moment i have the following standard setup in my 04 Anniverary 996 (top to bottom):
Air con controls
CD player
CD storage
Cubby box for change etc

I'm thinking of replacing the CD storage with a flip out screen for SatNav/TV/DVD.
I assume this would have to be an "optical" unit to fit in with the rest of the system?

Has anyone done this and/or got any pics?

Any other bright ideas gratefully received....

Many thanks,
James

[porsche4life]

I have a tomtom which is based on a pda, i simply move it from car to car, on the times i need sat nav (getting to oulton, spa etc)

its not even fully plumbed in but more than does what i need

[polarexpress]

Get a TomTom.

[nevetas]

Garmin Nuvi 350, prefer it to the tom tom, lovely package.

[LeeME3]

I've just picked up a Becker Traffic Pro (see my thread about which ones fit pre/post MOST cars) which, as you say, lacks a large colour screen but does look OEM and is (allegedly) easy to fit.

It's being fitted within the next few days (getting my local specialist to do it as the Road Angel is going in at the same time and I don't fancy hacking the wiring loom to get the speed pulse input - plus it'll avoid any stray wires on the dash for the Road Angel).

I'll let you know what I reckon after a few days use and the cost (the unit cost me less than £200 - good old ebay!).

[damianc4s]

Have a look at the Kenwood Double Din units, replaces the headunit, aircon controls can be moved down to the other usual position.

[hughjayteens]

Thanks for your email - reply on it's way!

Cheers

Chris

P.S - That install was done 3 years ago and it is a little 'dated' now I guess!

[MELV]

Tomtom Go -BTW, there is a sep Satnav forum on PH -all your questions could be answered there.........

[mikeg996]

I've got a TomTom Go 700, and previous had a ONE. They're both very good, being able to download the speed camera database is great. I don't know whether you can do that for things like the Becker Traffic Pro. The downsides are that you have to put it in, take it out, put it in, take it out. So I generally only use it when I'm actually "going" somewhere. Satnav's one of those things that isn't useful particularly often, but when it is it's SOOOO useful...

[1JEB]

Thanks for the help guys.

People seem to love the TomToms! I just really fancied the OEM look.

MELV, was 50/50 whether to post on SatNav forum....specifically wanted to know about 996 custom installs/solutions so posted here - sorry!

I guess my problem is that I just want something that looks good and am not really too bothered about how it works.

The interior of the 996 looks a bit dated IMHO...especially without PCM

Perhaps the best thing to do, would be to get a TomTom and spend the money on a full aluminium kit....!