icefrog_

Hey everyone,

It seems to me that the price of approximately $1500 for the nav system is just ludicrous. Hence the question, can you justify this purchase or would you rather just use nav on your mobile phone?

Marine Blue

I personally have never experienced a car based navigation system that works better than Waze in functionality or interface. Best part is that the phone based systems are updated for free and far more frequently than car based systems so they're more accurate.

Car Nav IMHO is a waste of money and just adds complexity to the car....something else to go wrong. Find a good ventilation based phone holder and a charging cord and use the phone when needed.

YMMV

Milehigh981

Save your money, use the phone.
I passed on it and do not regret it.

illini_Fan

I'm in the middle of the same decision. Are you guys talking about the
Navigation Module for Porsche Communication Management (PCM)?

And without PCM you can't get Porsche Connect or Porsche Connect plus, right?

Thus if you skip PCM and use your phone, it won't be integrated with the dash display correct?

thanks

icefrog_

I personally have an android phone and have no intention of switching to an apple(which is all Porsche connect has support for as far as I understand). Thus the plan is to use the phone independently from the car's interface anyway.

digitalrurouni

I always get the Nav because 1500 dollars is not much to be honest. And some times I run out of juice on the phone so I can at least have something to fall back to.

981spyder

if your getting a new car and have an iPhone just get the car play option ;-), I do not think 4000 for factory nav was worth it. but now with the new price structure 1500 doesn't sound bad.

illini_Fan

My understanding from the Porsche Configuration site is that Car Play is part of Connect Plus ($1,300) and that Connect Plus is available only with PCM with Navigation ($1,730).

So, if I am understanding the configuration site correctly, getting Apple Car Play is a $3,000 option. I'd be very interested to see if Car Play only was an option, but I'm not seeing that. Am I missing something?

thanks

MagicRat

I like to have the nav just to see where I am, but I use Google maps on a phone mount for actual navigating as Porsche navigation is dire.

tstafford

Phone based nav is far better IMHO.

ClintonM3

Here are my thoughts, build in navi is more convenient, no cords to worry about, suction cups, craddles, power issues, data usage or coverage issues. I for one hates anything loose in the cabin during spirited driving.

But I agree that most smart phone apps have far better user interface, traffic info, and more up to date features, plus integration with other apps for parking, restaurants, apple watch etc. Phones and apps are easily upgrade- able too. I hate it when build in navi looks outdated. A 2012 BMW idrive or PCM look ancient to me.

My guess is that Apple Carplay will be standard feature in most hi-line cars by 2019 model year. http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/available-models/

ninjabones

Porsche has done a nice job integrating the newer nav systems (I like the display on the right instrument dial that you can toggle to if needed). however, cell phone nav will always be better in some ways (voice recognition, integration with your contacts, waze traffic and po-po updates, etc). I have nav in my cayenne but not in the cayman. I adapt to both. Even money, I'd prefer the built-in nav, but agree that as a stand-alone upgrade, definitely not worth $1,500. Also, iof you go the cell phone route, check out the rennline cell phone mount. a bit pricey, but really nice design, robust, and sits perfectly between the display screen and the air vent. What I like best is being able to quickly rotate the phone back and forth from portrait orientation to landscape (for instance, if you want to watch a chris harris video on youtube... of course when not actively driving)

JCtx

To me it's a no-brainer to get nav on a Porsche. Not only because I HATE anything tacked-on inside the cabin, but because most buyers look for it as well, therefore it might hurt you on resale even more than that. You also get better resolution screen, BT, and even USB, if I remember correctly. USB is an absolute must-have for me as well. I learned the hard way to buy my fun cars the way I want to, or don't buy them at all. Lost way more than that for skimping on options based on 'value' offered, so bought this car loaded to the gills. If you really don't want any of the PCM features, then skip it. If even one, you'd almost for sure get your money back at resale.

bassie81

For me it is a no brainer, the other way around.

Expected lifetime of a P car (>20yrs) is incompatible with the expected lifetime of a factory navi (5-7 yrs). Plus the Porsche systems lack in sound quality and detail.

Better have a simple radio, swap it out for a aftermarket unit with apple car play, upgrade speakers, install a rear view camera whil you're at it and use your phone for connectivity, music, navigation etc.

Costs are similar, performance exceeds the factory system by far. No units tacked on your dash, power supply to your phone....if the unit is out of date simply replace it with a newer one. If you decide to sell the car, install the radio for factory look and feel.

Kevin Rohrer

I have a 2009 Boxster S w/ Nav and never use it, due to its awkwardness. I use a Garmin instead.

Oddly enough, I just bought a Subaru Outback w/ Nav and it puts the Garmin to shame. Porsche should fire their Nav person and license Subaru's.