Mr's Hawks Dexter

[Sharkie]

Pioneer list them at $3k, but then places like Ryda:

Ryda GPS Navigation - Pioneer GPS Navigation

list them for $1,900 (+ the camera + install)

It is important to note that the OEM RNS510 and OEM BLuetooth can be had for $1400 combined off Ebay. Both are easy (and thus free) to self-install.

Camera for less than $100 but installation will cost you.

RNS510 is actually quite a good GPS unit IMO. All up I think OEM for the same price (or less) is the way to go.

Remember that Hawk fitted the Pioneer at a time when VW told everybody the RNS510 was not possible as a retrofit and you needed a specal version costing $4K. We have now proven this to be a lie. Have a look here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f136...ery-54477.html

[The_Hawk]

All very true, I was all set to get the factory option until I was told it wasn't available (in fact the dealer was told when they tried to order it that it wouldn't work in this car. period.)

I'm interested/surprised that the bluetooth + RNS comes in quite so cheap! Next time around maybe...

[Tornado T5]

Now for the no part. The navigation seems to take very screwy routes and doesn't seem to re-calculate on the fly so well. For example if it tells me NOT to take the M7 for some reason (even though I tell it Tolls are OK and take the fastest route) and I take the M7 anyway it keeps trying to get me off at every exit, even though it's a straight run to where I am going.
Maybe I'm just used to way that TomTom navigates, but the path it chooses doesn't always seem logical. Bottom line though, if you follow it, it gets you where you are going.

Thanks for the review. Can the GPS differeniate between "Main roads" and "Shortest route"? Sometimes a GPS will take all the backroads because it might me the shortest physical distance however due to traffic levels or in-accurate map databases things like one-way streets, dead ends etc might not be considered by the GPS and hence it doesn't choose to route you on the freeway/tollway. I once had a borrowed GPS suggest a right hand turn directly into the Burnley Tunnel (Citylink Tollway) from Punt Rd, which for those that don't know Melbourne actually passes under Punt Road and would have required the "Mole" from Thunderbird 2.

[MultiplexMan]

I used the factory GPS in a Mk5 Golf (MFD2) and it was woeful. The RNS510 is the first half decent OEM unit IMHO. It still is not that cheap an option for older T5 - pre 2006 CANBUS (?). I am pretty sure we need an interface of some sort...

I think the other factor not considered is the cost of updated maps. It is still hard to beat the Garmin specials - GPS at discount bundled with lifetime maps. Factor in a fast user interface and great reception without the need of an external antenna with a low buy price ~<$300.

This has always sold me on Garmin. I have a Nuvi that I use in both my vehicles, smaller units on my MTB and touring cycle and a hand held unit for work. I hear similar stories from Tom Tom users.

The OEM units are certainly getting better and the attraction of a one box solution is there. I still think alternatives, like Alpine, still offer better sound quality and user/iPod interfaces.

[MultiplexMan]

Is Dexter a Highline? I'm curious if the built in curtains are present on all Multivans now.

Does the MV have a leisure battery?