[Kronen]

This weekend, the wife and I are going to buy a MINI Cooper (red with white bonnet stripes). We can't wait but still haven't decided on whether to get the Navigation system or not. Of course they never have one on the lot equipped with it at the dealership, so we can't even gi ve it a road test. It is expensive - $1700 - so I want to make sure it is worth it. We are planning on making some trips along the East Coast - and possible a cross-country venture - in the next five or so years while we have our MINI. How does the DVD system work? Is it costly to get the various DVDs? Is it hard to read the speedometer with it next to the tach (does the steering wheel get in the way)? Any and all advice is appreciated. We can't wait for our MINI, but don't want to spend $1700 if we'll end up regretting it. Thanks in advance!

[Windshadow]

The owners manual for the nav system is here and it May help with your questions
http://www.motoringfile.com/files/MI...ion_manual.pdf
For me the Nav system was my "must have option" but since I do not get my MINI till next week I have only the dealer demo to go by... I found it much better than tha last system I used extensively in a friends 1999 Jag and not quite as good as the unit in another friends 03 Lexus. some do not like the square peg in a round hole its location requires but it did not bother me and I liked having the spedo in front of me with the rev counter I am 6'3" and had no problems with instrument sight lines there is only one DVD for all ofthe US and Canada you will get the newest with your MINI and I think one or 2 updated DVDs come out each year... and you can buy (someone told me the first update DVD is free) the new ones from either your MINI dealer or any BMW dealer as they are basically the same unit in the US (I think in europe the MINI does not get a Traffic & road works updating feature that the BMW version has but I am not sure about that

Quote: Originally Posted by Kronen

This weekend, the wife and I are going to buy a MINI Cooper (red with white bonnet stripes). We can't wait but still haven't decided on whether to get the Navigation system or not. Of course they never have one on the lot equipped with it at the dealership, so we can't even gi ve it a road test. It is expensive - $1700 - so I want to make sure it is worth it. We are planning on making some trips along the East Coast - and possible a cross-country venture - in the next five or so years while we have our MINI. How does the DVD system work? Is it costly to get the various DVDs? Is it hard to read the speedometer with it next to the tach (does the steering wheel get in the way)? Any and all advice is appreciated. We can't wait for our MINI, but don't want to spend $1700 if we'll end up regretting it. Thanks in advance!

[buz]

I love the Nav system. It is far more useful than I had expected and quite accurate with location. Plenty of options for directions: fastest route, shortest route, toll roads, highways . . . It has proven to be an excellent tool for exploring the unknown since you always know where you are and can always get home. Taking the right turn instead of the left has led to many discoveries and twisty roads; it adds another dimension to motoring.

[StevePSB]

I love the nav. It's a really nice addition, includes a fully functional computer and is absolutely invaluable when you're going to places you don't know. No more looking at maps whilst trying to drive at the same time!

Some 'toys' the novelty value wears off, but I don't think I'll ever stop loving Nav. I won't be having another car without it, put it that way!

[S Warren]

Sorry. Have to disagree about the SatNav on this one (mind you that's what makes us all different, right?)

Firstly, I feel the MINI has to have the Speedometer in the centre. That's just pure MINI.

Secondly the SatNav is a mega expensive optional extra. You can get a Pocket PC/Palm Pilot and install Tom Tom for a fraction of the price, which can easily be mounted to the dash somewhere. Plus you can take it with you to your next car. Even in a few years if you want to upgrade to a better more powerful Pocket PC, your'e still making a huge saving. Also with the new technology it is now possible to watch programmes/films on them.

(Just a thought, and I know it's not important, but I think SatNav in cars will look really old fashioned in 20 years time. Much like when you see a black and white TV in a 1970's Rolls Royce. Technology/Style moves so quickly and some car interiors from just 10 years ago which were state of the art when they first came out, now look really tacky).

S

[dmholmes]

Personally I love mine and would definitely get it again in the next car I buy. The aftermarket ones are good too, and the case being made for being able to switch vehicles is a valid one. I prefer the integrated units myself. After getting the NAV on the Mini the one big regret my wife and I have is not ordering it on her Acura. The salesman actually talked her out of it, go figure.