Want an in dash GPS system, do I really need to spend over a thousand dollars?

[shortylickens]

I have a 2003 chevy S-10. Been looking at Crutchfield and they only show me two systems that will work, both of which require some modification to the dash.

A Dual XDVDN8190 (which I've never even heard of) for $599 bucks and they dont even have it in stock.
Or a Pioneer AVIC-N5 for 1500 bucks, which of course is in stock.

Do I really have to spend that kind of money?
All I need is:
GPS navigation that works easily, ideally with voice commands (not essential).
MP3 playback and a card slot.
Slightly higher than factory quality audio.

I dont care about movies or 5.1 sound or XM radio. I dont need it to Bluetooth sync with my phone. I dont need it to rip all my music to an internal hard drive. It damn sure doesn't need an iPod hookup.
I really dont know why I cant find what I want for around 500 bucks. I'd think with the economy being what it is they would want to offload those piles of audio systems laying around in warehouses.
I am not keen on getting a Durabrand player from Walmart.
I have a Costco membership. Would they have what I need for a more reasonable price?

 

[angry hampster]

Take your pick:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...=Built-in%20Navigation

 

[sjwaste]

Pioneer AVIC F700BT.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-...&qid=1240683310&sr=8-1

Has an optional ipod input, its a $40 cable, which you said you don't want. Has bluetooth built in. I have one, and its a little slow to boot up, but otherwise very awesome.

 

[shortylickens]

All that stuff is nice but is there a way to tell if its compatible with an S-10 and a minimal amount of modifying?
On Crutchfield and at the local audio shop its been stated I need a conversion kit of some sort.

 

[SSSnail]

Why? Just use a portable one and there are many ways you can play MP3 players through your stock radio. There are probably auxiliary inputs for you vehicle if you search hard enough, if not go the FM transmitter route. Use the left overs (which should be quite a chunk) and upgrade your speakers, you'll get A LOT more enjoyment out of them, trust me.

 

[CrackRabbit]

As much as I hate recommending Tiger Direct, get a Refubed Garmin Nuvi 260 from there only $100 and has everything you could want from a GPS.

 

[zoiks]

Kenwood DNX7100 but it'll cost you.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: sjwaste
Pioneer AVIC F700BT.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-...&qid=1240683310&sr=8-1

Has an optional ipod input, its a $40 cable, which you said you don't want. Has bluetooth built in. I have one, and its a little slow to boot up, but otherwise very awesome.

Ooh. SD slot, too.

Hmmmmm.

 

[shortylickens]

I ordered the 900BT from a local place, but just realized they charged me way too much for it.
Will cancel the order on Monday and go through Newegg.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: sjwaste
Pioneer AVIC F700BT.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-...&qid=1240683310&sr=8-1

Has an optional ipod input, its a $40 cable, which you said you don't want. Has bluetooth built in. I have one, and its a little slow to boot up, but otherwise very awesome.

Ooh. SD slot, too.

Hmmmmm.

Do you have the same double-din stack as the Supra of your year? If so, it will mount with the factory brackets and sit in the factory surround. I'd highly recommend it

Let me know if you want to see a pic of the install. It actually looks rather appropriate, despite the car being almost 20 years old.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I ordered the 900BT from a local place, but just realized they charged me way too much for it.
Will cancel the order on Monday and go through Newegg.

The 900BT adds DVD and traffic through the MSN Direct service, as well as 4V preouts (I think). If you don't need that stuff, I'd suggest going for the 700, as it's easier to install, depending on your radio harness.

That or if you're in the 900BT range, consider the Pioneer Elite F90BT. It's the same spec as the 900 in most respects, but comes with an ipod cable and is almost the same price.

The 900 requires that you hook up to your ECU speed sensor for best performance. The 700 has no such wiring, so it's slightly easier to install.

You will need an appropriate wiring harness adapter(s) for your car, at the very least. If you don't have ISO brackets in the car, you'll also need an installation kit. Pioneer makes one:

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-...-P4200MP/dp/B000FE7Q5I

It predates the F-series, but it DOES work with it. I used it in our other car, a B5.5 Passat.

Google S-10 and the model you choose to see who's installed, and using what. Common sites would be S10 car forums. Also check www.avic411.com, which is dedicated to the Avic series. You'll find info on mods and installs.

Feel free to ask if you have non-vehicle specific questions, or specific to the MK3 Supra and B5.5 Passat.