Is the satnav option worthwhile?

**doubtfull** · 08-05-2013, 02:54 PM

Hi,

I'm looking to get a 90TSI Comfortline with DSG and the driver assist package.

I'd like to have the integrated satnav, but the $950 option price seems very steep especially given the price of standalone units.

Can anyone give feedback on the built-in unit?
Is it significantly better than a high end stand alone system?

Regards,
Jonathan

**team_v** · 08-05-2013, 02:58 PM

The built in unit is beneficial as it gives a readout in the MFD and you don't have to worry about someone breaking in and stealing it or leaving suction rings on your windscreen (which can in itself, lead to break-ins).

I can't say for certain or the newer golf but the RNS510 does not inlcude live traffic updates or up to date maps so in the end a standalone unit will be more functional but not as aesthetic or integrated.

**ziggyboy** · 08-05-2013, 04:30 PM

Hi team_v, I believe that the RNS510 cannot process Australian traffic updates (SUNA) unless there was a very recent update I am not aware of. The newer Golfs may have them though...

Also, I don't think anyone steals GPS units anymore as they are so cheap.

**Guest001** · 08-05-2013, 05:38 PM

Unless the maps have significantly improved over V6 I would save your money and buy a portable unit.

Far, far better and map updates every 3 months against VW once a year with 2 year old maps.

No proper text to speech Says "turn here" instead of "turn into Smith st" If next turn is more than about 30k away it says " Stay on this road for a very long time" How wonderful is that.

No ability to select fastest or shortest route No traffic as said No speed shown on screen so you cant compare how fast your speedo is (usually 7kph at 100kph)

Lack of named streets in V6 has been complained about in map mode.

Need I go on.

Only $950 Lucky you Mine was $3500 with RVC in 2011 Absolute waste of money.

**wai** · 08-05-2013, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Hillbilly

Only $950 Lucky you Mine was $3500 with RVC in 2011 Absolute waste of money.

I was going to say that.

When I bought my Caddy Maxi Life in 2011, it was $4,500 for the RNS-510 to replace the RCD-310. Then on top of that, it was a further $450 for the Bluetooth (the one that stuck out of the dash). I turned it down.

I now have an ANS-610 for just over $600. I figured I could replace it 8 times over and would still have a few dollars to spare.

By the way, the $4,500 did NOT include the RVC. That was almost an additional $1,000.

**Guest001** · 08-05-2013, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by wai

I was going to say that.

When I bought my Caddy Maxi Life in 2011, it was $4,500 for the RNS-510 to replace the RCD-310. Then on top of that, it was a further $450 for the Bluetooth (the one that stuck out of the dash). I turned it down.

I now have an ANS-610 for just over $600. I figured I could replace it 8 times over and would still have a few dollars to spare.

By the way, the $4,500 did NOT include the RVC. That was almost an additional $1,000.

I tell a lie Mine was $3600 with Park assist 2 and RVC

Have used Park assist ONCE in 2 years. Car was specced up Wife bought it for my birthday or I would have got a lesser model ROFL

Wonder what I will get this year May take a trip to the Audi dealers LOL

**cktsi** · 10-05-2013, 07:11 AM

i would say if you are not going to buy OEM at least install a genuine after market down the track.

Thats said i paid 950 for an aftermarket rns510 so i would personally pay. Relatively speaking VW have shapened the pencil.

Plus side
- your car tracks your position underground. Big boon in unfamiliar underground car parks. Very cool feature in tunnels
- If satellite is lost signal is picked up v quickly.
- Way larger screen

Negatives.
- Hmmm.. One portable unit i use zooms in on the next turn then zooms out automatically. Dont know if this is a negative but rns miyht not have some of the finer functions that portable units have

I vote get the integrated nav

**pologti18t** · 10-05-2013, 02:01 PM

The way it probably should be done can be seen in new Holden models. The ICE has a touch screen that uses an App/WiFi/Bluetooth to communicate to your smartphone for navigation. Navigation is displayed on the bigger screen but most of the grunt is provided by your smartphone.

**team_v** · 10-05-2013, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by pologti18t

The way it probably should be done can be seen in new Holden models. The ICE has a touch screen that uses an App/WiFi/Bluetooth to communicate to your smartphone for navigation. Navigation is displayed on the bigger screen but most of the grunt is provided by your smartphone.

The problem is that if you drive on a long-ish trip you have to have the phone on bluetooth and utilising mobile data which impacts battery life and plan costs.

**pologti18t** · 10-05-2013, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by team_v

The problem is that if you drive on a long-ish trip you have to have the phone on bluetooth and utilising mobile data which impacts battery life and plan costs.

1. You have an in car charger for your phone or it powers itself via connection to ICE via USB port.
2. You preload the maps at home if required for a long trip.
3. Most plans nowadays have at least 1GB included.

Also, what do you do when you need to get to out of the way locations such as my trip to Carnarvon Gorge (no 3g network capabilities but the RNS510 worked fine)

Preload at home.. Do you really think sat nav units (OEM or Tom Tom) are really what is required when travelling outback?