Question about purchasing a new TrailBlazer

[barbiegp]

Hello I joined this forum today because I am getting ready to purchase a 2005 Chevy TrailBlazer EXT LT 4x4, with a v8 fully loaded.

I am going through to see what kind of options they have. One option is the Integrated Navigation Radio. Well what I have read about this option it seems very cool. I am not direction oriented. So to me this sounds like something I want to add.

Well I was told by one Chevy dealer that you have to buy a DVD/CD to upgrade the navigation system, like with roads and landmarks. The DVD/CD comes out every year. Well how much is this CD? I have been given a verity of prices from $100 to $600.

Also does anyone have this option in their TrailBlazer? Do you like? Is it worth $1,500 for the Integrated Navigation Radio option? To me it sounds like it, but I don’t know about having to buy a new CD at $600.

Thanks for any information you can give me.


~~~Nicole~~~

[balboasdelight]

Originally Posted by barbiegp

Hello I joined this forum today... Is it worth $1,500 for the Integrated Navigation Radio option? To me it sounds like it, but I don’t know about having to buy a new CD at $600.

First, welcome to the forum! This is a great source of info, and full of helpful folks.

If you DON'T have OnStar... you can buy a Pioneer AVIC-N2 for < $1500 on eBay. This is a replacement for the factory radio that includes AM, FM, XM (if you subscribe), CD, MP3, and optionally iPod, camera, and TV tuner inputs. A 6.5 in., motorized, touch-screen folds out of the unit and up at a viewing angle for the GPS navigation (and other video functions). It comes with East and West USA nav CDs -- presumably these are upgradable (don't know at what cost). Crutchfield.com has an excellent write-up on the unit and its features (as usual). You might want to print out the nav features and compare them to the OEM option.

For quality audio, most experts recommend replacing the stock factory radio anyway (and then the speakers). It is a fairly simple operation, and if you are not comfortable doing it, you can have a local custom shop or your dealer do the installation. As an added bonus, unless you buy a special adaptor ($80), you lose those annoying chimes that nag you about having the door open or an unfastened seatbelt!

I realize I'm not answering your question about the factory nav unit, but this is another option you might want to consider. Still another option is a personal GPS unit. Modern units have color touch-screens and all the auto-routing and points-of-interest databases of automotive units, but allow you to use it in different vehicles (or on your bicycle, boat, etc).

IMHO, OEM vehicle options are way overpriced. Unless it's something integral to the motor or chassis, I always look at aftermarket options as an alternative. They are often the same price or less, and almost always offer greater value.

In any event, good choice on the TB!

.

[parts_guy]

Call 1-888-NAV MAPS (1-888-628-6277)

They should be able to tell you how much they are and whether you are elibilble for a free upgrade.