Is The Navigation Necessary on an S550?

[JonnyMustang]

I got the nav and think it is well worth it. Being a Convertible being able to see the weather radar is really nice, as is the gas price checker. I don't know for sure but I don't think it comes with those options without the nav option. I also just think it looks so much better to have the built in GPS, but that is a vanity thing. I hate the look of having cords running to a GPS unit on my dash like I have to do in my altima

I believe that service is an additional charge because it uses Sirius. I have a nav and it said I needed to upgrade to Sirius for weather, traffic, and gas prices.

Sponsored

 

[Jeeden]

Maybe they've fixed it in an update or other models, but the nav in my 2013 Flex won't let me put addresses in unless I'm in Park. I can only scroll through a list of favorites or view POI. It's a pain and I end up using my phone anyway. I kinda get the safety reason behind it, but it should be able to detect weight in the passenger seat and unlock that feature so a passenger can input an address while driving.

The lock out won't let you put in an address while moving through the type interface. You can do it through the voice command, but everything else is locked out for safety/liability. Most integrated NAVs from OEMs have this because of liability.

 

[Five Oh Brian]

You prefer factory nav over google maps? Easier to use? You're kidding me right? :headbonk:

Yes, that's my opinion - just as you're entitled to have your own opinion.

 

[GoBlues38]

I have it on mine. My 2013 SHO had it. My wife's 2014 Explorer Sport has it.

At this point, it has become so natural for me, I couldn't imagine a car without it.

Since I am a man, I rarely need "directions". But the maybe 1x a month I do, it's nice. Also, when doing road trips, the ETA is nice. Also, when stuck in traffic, it is nice to pull up the map and look for shortcuts. Finally, when you get low on gas, the map will show you the near by gas stations. that has saved me a few times.

 

[wildsailor]

Not needed. I just use maps app.

How do you keep your phone from shutting off?

My main GPS map system until recently (still use it in the motorhome) is my 8" Dell Venue 8 Pro with MS Streets and Trips on it. I can do all the routing and investigating nearby stuff in my easy chair and then just move it to the vehicle. My phone based GPS is okay but when it shuts off it has to be restarted when I need it.

 

[fionic]

How do you keep your phone from shutting off?

My main GPS map system until recently (still use it in the motorhome) is my 8" Dell Venue 8 Pro with MS Streets and Trips on it. I can do all the routing and investigating nearby stuff in my easy chair and then just move it to the vehicle. My phone based GPS is okay but when it shuts off it has to be restarted when I need it.

why is your phone randomly shutting off?

 

[Jeeden]

If your phone is showing the actual nav map of google maps or other, it should stay "awake" for as long as you show it.

If you go back to a home screen on your phone or something and a NAV app is still running then the phone will sleep/lock based on your normal phone settings.


If you are on the map view in an app and your phone is still sleeping, maybe you have some power saving setting that is overriding it. You definitely have to have your phone plugged into a charge when using NAV as all the comms for GPS, the maps from the cell network, and the display being on all the time eat the battery, but having it plugged in is no different than having a gps plugged in.

 

[drabon74]

I ordered my car without nav. Phone nav works much better.

 

[MrPotato]

The more I'm hearing is that aftermarket solutions will be better. I've seen quite a push in many aftermarket companies to make products that integrate seamlessly into cars these days. The mustang has some challenges but I think aftermarket will be the way to go. I did NOT opt for the Navi as it didn't come stock with my base model V6. I have since discovered a great mount and google nexus 7 HD tablet with WAZE which stomps all over the OEM unit. Throw in Torque and the bluetooth ODBII reader and you have a formiddable GPS/Music/Performance headunit. What you DON'T have is seamless integration.

Pics/video of your setup and the function?

 

[Thompyt]

However, from a usefulness point of view there is an Escort radar detector built into a navigation unit for less than $500.

Please clarify, I have an interest in this. Details, link?

 

[CheeseHead]

I got navigation purely for the convenience factor of having it built into the car. Like it was said earlier I also like it for road trips as far as the ETA and miles to destination display. Years ago when Navigation was an option that cost over $1000 I might have declined it but now a days when it's an $800 option I can justify it. I also prefer the screen interface for settings, climate control, etc.

I was also under the impression that you couldn't get Sirius in the car without having the navigation option (or maybe that was the premium package?) so that sealed the deal for me.

 

[Tony Alonso]

I was also under the impression that you couldn't get Sirius in the car without having the navigation option (or maybe that was the premium package?) so that sealed the deal for me.

I have Sirius but no navigation in the Premium trim.

To the OP, it's nice to have the integration, but I don't use navigation that much so I opted to NOT have it. I use the phone in a pinch. If I did become a more active navigation user, I would get a Garmin unit.

 

[drbrian722]

To the OP; no it's not necessary. 3rd party GPS units are better/faster/cheaper and navigation apps like Waze are better pretty much all around. However, I ordered the nav because I wanted something integrated and I wanted to complete the MFT screen. If you're an iPhone user, there is a MFT training app in the app store that will give you the UI of the MFT (all this is meaningless if you get a '16 with Sync3). Select Mustang and toggle navigation back and forth to see how the quadrant changes. Then decide for yourself if it's a waste of money or something useful.

 

[Boff]

I would never get an 8" screen without nav. It'd be like having a backyard with a diving board, deck, ladder, and slide but no pool.

The convenience factor is huge...let's say you quickly need to pull up a map if you are lost or need to take a detour: one touch on the screen and you're good. With a phone, it's like wake up the phone, enter the passcode, launch the app, etc. All the while ensuring no cop sees you fiddling with your phone.

In addition, I take a lot of roadtrips to the USA and if I used my phone for nav I'd pay more in roaming charges than I would in gas.

All in all a no-brainer, especially for the relatively piddly $800 upcharge.

 

[JonnyMustang]

The lock out won't let you put in an address while moving through the type interface. You can do it through the voice command, but everything else is locked out for safety/liability. Most integrated NAVs from OEMs have this because of liability.

The voice command feature doesn't work well with my Texas accent.

Sponsored