I would suggest that you search threads on the NAVIGATION in this forum. You will see that the Navigation is highly regarded ..particularly its integration with the AUDIO, temoerature control and Rear Entertainment System.

Regards

Kandiah

 

I've used Garmin GPS products and they can't compare to a built in Nav system. The screen size alone makes it worth it, not to mention the built in DVD that holds all of the data you could possibly need. Also it's super sharp and the voice recongnition is simply amazing! Its like being on Star Trek. Its true that you can get a bigger screen for the rear DVD system and that part may be over priced but the tight integration with the whole system is hard to beat. I mean you control every aspect of the DVD from the front seat.

I only wich that the screen was bigger. But hey its bigger than the Sienna's.

 

If price is your sole concern, then yes. Buy aftermarket. Then you can tailor the features down to the pricepoint you're willing to go with.

However, I wouldn't necessarily call $3500 for the factory DVD/Navi package as "a ripoff". That extra $2300 gets you an integrated system that functions with the audio/hvac/and res controls, you also get the XM Radio, the Rear Camera, and larger screens than you will with portable devices. You also get additional functionality (voice command, integration of restaurant review data) in the navigation that isn't commonly found in portable gps systems.

You also get a component DVD system that has the player unit separate from the dropdown screen, which both allows you as the parent to operate the DVD without having to reach back, and also creates a slimmer profile that doesn't block the rearview mirror when the screen is deployed. You can get a modular aftermarket system, but they'll cost more than the $699 you're looking at.

And you get those things with a factory (or extended HondaCare) warranty, rather than the 1-year or 90-day warranty you might get with aftermarket.

But price is price, and if you're getting hosed by the dealers in your area, get a non-nav unit or shop out of town. Especially since you don't have a trade-in to deal with it might be worth your while to get a dealer in the Midwest or East Coast to ship you a van for much less than MSRP.

--> Andy

 

EX-L? Why not EX or LX?

Get an LX or EX. Then get after market leather seats, navi, and RES -- You can save even more money that way. Some of our senior members have either bought '05 LX or planning to do so in the future.

Also, EX(cloth) and LX are available pretty darn close to invoice prices too...

Please note that I am only offering (an)other choice(s) since you brought up the cost factor... I am very happy with our Touring R/N, and did not mind the extra $$ I ended up having to pay...

 

at the time i am also thinking about the re-sell value of the odyseey...and thinking about the future...may 5 to 10 yrs....when i tarde in the touring model...much a dealer would be willing to pay for.and accoring to my friend who work for blue book...i would get the same money as ex-l without dvd/nav....so why the extra for it...

 

Are you buying this car to use or as a very very poor investment?

Here is what you get, the use of an awesome NAV and DVD system for 5 years!

Look, it really looks like you are trying to convince yourself that its OK to get an EX or LX. That's fine, do what fits you best. If its to much for you to part with, and admitedly 40 large is a lot for a minivan, then by all means go for the one you're comfortable with. But don't come here and say its a wast of money.

 

I find it highly unlikely that a base Touring and a base EX-L will sell for *exactly* the same money in 5-10 years. It *is* likely that the difference won't be the same $3k it is on the new sticker. But that's what depreciation does. The difference in 5-10 years may only be $500 or $1000. Easily within the "error margin" of what you'll get based on negotiating with a specific dealer. So from that standpoint, you *could* consider them the same, but only if you're assuming a poor deal with the Touring and a good deal with the EX-L.

You are paying for enjoying the added features during the time you own it. Same with any other car.

Only you can decide if those extra features are worth the money to you.

--> Andy

 

I HAD NOT PLANNED TO BUY A NEW CARS (0DY)SOMETIME UNTIL 2008 OR 2009...LAST WEEKNED CHANGED IT ALL..AS MY CAR GOT HIT BY OTHER CAR ( WHICH WAS STOLEN) AND TOTALLED MY 2000 ODY FROM THE BACK AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY INSURANCE COMPNAY TO GIVE THE CHECK FOR MY CAR AS IT IS TOTALLED...AND MY PURCHASE OF THE NEW ODY WOULD DEPEND ON THE AMOUNT OF CHECK I GET FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY...AND I EXPECTING AROUND $15-17k FOR OLD CAR...AND IF I DEICDE TO BUY A ODY...I WOULD MOST PROBABLY GO WITH EX-L WITH LEATHER...AS IT WOULD BE CHAEPER FOR ME RIGHT NOW...AS I AM PROCESS IN BUYING A NEW HOUSE..SO I WOULD NEED ALL THE MONEY FOR THAT AND I CANNOT SPEND $36k FOR A MINI-VAN...AND THE EX-L WOULD COST BE $32K OUT THE DOOR WITH JUST AROUND $16K OUT OF MY POCKET EXPENSE....SO IT WOULD A CHEAPER ALT FOR ME...FIRST I HAD PLANNED TO WITH EX-L WITH NAV/DVD AND I VISTED ONE OF MY LOCAL DEALERS AND TOLD THEM MY OFFER FOR $31k FOR THE ODY WITH NAV/DVD...IF THEY ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING A ODY TO ME FOR THAT PRICE..THEN I WOULD BUY IT...IF NOT..I WOULD JUST GO WITH EX-L...
BEACUSE I HAVE TO FACTOR IN A LOT OF THINGS IN IT...WHEN DEICIDING WHAT TO BUY...AND BUY A NEW ODY WAS NOT MY LIST UNTIL THE ACCIDENT HAPPEND..SO RIGHT NOW IR JUST WAIT AND SEE SIUTATION..AND I WOULD KEEP YOU INFORM..AND MOST PROBABLY I WOULD BUY A NEW CAR AROUND DEC 11 OF NEXT WEEK...

 

and i would call this a rip-off for those would bought the gps/dvd with odyssey installed..as the honda is asking too much for it...

This was your original post. What part is a ripp off?

Go get your EX-L and be done with it.

 

Go with the cheaper vehicle and put the money into your house. Doesn't make sense at all to put more money into a depreciating asset (the vehicle). My guess is that in 5-10 years (likely sooner) NAV/RES will probably be standard features on minivans. Of course, then again, new cars never seem to get cheaper over time.

 

OUCH!!!

Please No Caps!!

And we all buy what we want and can afford. 10 years from now it is surely a poor investment. If you do not need a van go for a Hybrid Accord. Go with what the needs of your family are. Not what the odyclub members want. Some have made modifications on their Touring, which I cannot understand but I have a great time reading and wondering how talented they are. Me: I do not even try to put on the splash guards myself!!

Happy Home building and Happy Van Buying.

 

If price is a concern, then get the factory NAVI/DVD.

If quality is a concern, then get the factory NAVI/DVD.

If resale value is a concern, then get the factory NAVI/DVD.

Notice a trend here?


I can sell aftermarket NAVI and DVD systems and make more commission on them than selling a factory equipped model, but the difference is unbelievable. I try to AVOID selling the aftermarket stuff because of the potential for problems later. I want happy customers and the only way to keep them happy to is to help them make the better choice in the long run. Plus, the factory stuff is under the Honda warranty and you don't have some hack tearing apart your car and the wiring to install the stuff.

The Honda/Acura NAVI system is one of the best units on the market of any manufacturer. (Even better than the Germans!)