PDR/Navi - how necessary?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
PDR/Navi - how necessary?
Considering an upgrade to a GS. Virtually 100% of dealer stock has this option.
I dont have it in my 2016 base and don't miss it. But would a GS be diminished without it?
I wont track it and use my cell phone/ Google map app for nav.
My thought is to pass on it.
Interested in forum members opinions and logic for or against.
I dont have it in my 2016 base and don't miss it. But would a GS be diminished without it?
I wont track it and use my cell phone/ Google map app for nav.
My thought is to pass on it.
Interested in forum members opinions and logic for or against.
Last edited by mtaxman; Apr 11, 2017 at 07:33 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 1,106
I have PDR/nav in my 2016 Z06 and I ordered it this way. I would miss it if I didn't have it but I would still love the car. The built in nav system is convenient and nicely integrated but I would miss the PDR more. Yes you can add your own camera but the integration with vehicle data through the Cosworth Toolbox software is nice even if you don't track the car. I don't use the Nav or PDR system all of the time but they do get used and I am glad to have them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,345
Likes: 442
From: Jupiter FL
The NAV is way below what your phone can do, the PDR is pretty cool stuff but truth is if you're not tracking your car and using the cosworth toolbox to review your track sessions the PDR is really just an underused toy. A $30 dash cam will work better for most people.
Last edited by cheapthrills; Apr 11, 2017 at 09:23 AM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 347
There's no definite answer to this question as it is a matter of personal preference.
Personally here's how I made the decision on my GS that is on order. I really wanted a PDR but don't use navigation much and when I do I will be using Android Auto. So for me it was a $1795 option to get a PDR. I couldn't justify that expense since I will track the car rarely.
If I do end up tracking the car more there are aftermarket PDR solutions.
Personally here's how I made the decision on my GS that is on order. I really wanted a PDR but don't use navigation much and when I do I will be using Android Auto. So for me it was a $1795 option to get a PDR. I couldn't justify that expense since I will track the car rarely.
If I do end up tracking the car more there are aftermarket PDR solutions.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
The NAV is way below what your phone can do, the PDR is pretty cool stuff but truth is if you're not tracking your car and using the cosworth toolbox to review your track sessions the PDR is really just an underused toy. A $30 dash cam will work better for most people.
Last edited by Larry/car; Apr 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5,363
Likes: 4,108
From: New England
My car came with NAV/PDR and I have not used NAV once. I have used the PDR multiple times and will be tracking the car occasionally.
Based on your response I would not pay buy it unless you find a car that has it that checks all the boxes and is a good price.
Based on your response I would not pay buy it unless you find a car that has it that checks all the boxes and is a good price.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 694
If I was going to upgrade to a GS and virtually 100% of dealer stock had PDR and NAV, I would go for it. There is great pricing on dealer stock now. I would not take the chance and make a factory order of a car that may or may not have the same discounts and have to wait for it to be built. I like to walk up to a bunch of cars look at them and pick what I like, drive it home and call it done!!
That's just me.
That's just me.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 54
From: Westminster Colorado
There's no definite answer to this question as it is a matter of personal preference.
Personally here's how I made the decision on my GS that is on order. I really wanted a PDR but don't use navigation much and when I do I will be using Android Auto. So for me it was a $1795 option to get a PDR. I couldn't justify that expense since I will track the car rarely.
If I do end up tracking the car more there are aftermarket PDR solutions.
Personally here's how I made the decision on my GS that is on order. I really wanted a PDR but don't use navigation much and when I do I will be using Android Auto. So for me it was a $1795 option to get a PDR. I couldn't justify that expense since I will track the car rarely.
If I do end up tracking the car more there are aftermarket PDR solutions.
ColoradoGS - Did you end up buying your GS local, or used one of the big 3? Nice to see another CO user on here.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 347
I also opted to order my z06 skipping the Nav/PDR but started kicking myself for not getting the PDR. After many hours of research, I'm doing the Garmin 4k Cam with OBD2 bluetooth setup if I'm feeling videoing my journeys..
ColoradoGS - Did you end up buying your GS local, or used one of the big 3? Nice to see another CO user on here.
ColoradoGS - Did you end up buying your GS local, or used one of the big 3? Nice to see another CO user on here.
I too have had moments of regret not ordering the PDR. I can feel better now that the 2018 PDR has more features and I can get those with a 3rd party solution. I've looked at Garmin and at that Waylens Horizon PDR. I'm hoping for something that is wireless but not sure if that is feasible or not. I wouldnt even mind phone controlled since I'll be using my phone for Android Auto. (A 3rd party PDR controlled via Android Auto would rock but I don't think that is something AA allows yet?)
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 98
Likes: 28
Would not purchase without, but we travel and use the Nav. Having a camera is a feature that would be quite nice to have. My problem would be to find a way to justify the GS and not buy a Z06 stripper. Lots of options, perspectives, and choices. Ain't it all wonderful? Pat
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 147
Likes: 45
The factory Nav is not fantastic, HOWEVER, it has saved my *** in my truck when leaving a destination that does not have cell coverage. If you are just backtracking, anyone with a sense or direction can figure it out, but I was not going back the same way I came. Factory Nav really helped, as I was about 10 miles from any cell coverage.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 435
Likes: 347
The factory Nav is not fantastic, HOWEVER, it has saved my *** in my truck when leaving a destination that does not have cell coverage. If you are just backtracking, anyone with a sense or direction can figure it out, but I was not going back the same way I came. Factory Nav really helped, as I was about 10 miles from any cell coverage.
The factory nav/pdr combination had two major pluses. One, nav is available if you unexpectedly lose cell coverage. Two, the pdr is more integrated via the touch screen.
Android Auto / third party pdr has better navigation, PDR solutions have more features (4K resolution, more options, etc), and you can download google maps for navigation in no cell areas but you have to plan ahead.
Given that comparison is the factory nav/pdr worth $1795? I decided no but I understand how people could go the other way. Dealers, ofc, almost always order the nav as it makes them more money on every sale.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 209
Likes: 51
From: Phoenix, Arizona
My iPhone 7 must be inferior. The factory OEM navigation system is light years ahead of the phone system. Apple Car Play helps but signal loss is a problem. The OEM unit uses GPS signals and has never failed. I usually drive with the navigation page displayed. As for the PDR, I have only played with it and determined that the system works, not used it for anything of value. Maybe some day I will have something to record?
Racer
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 361
Likes: 116
From: Kentucky
If I had ordered my new Vette, I would not have added the Nav/PDR, but since I the one I purchased was dealer stock on the lot and had the Nav/PDR it just came in the deal.
Now that I have it I like it. Nav works well and now that I have some time with it I can program it without a thought. The PDR is off the hook. I am still learning it but with all that it does again I am very happy.
So...it is really your decision but I would sure put it on a Grand Sport that was built to tracked.
VH
Now that I have it I like it. Nav works well and now that I have some time with it I can program it without a thought. The PDR is off the hook. I am still learning it but with all that it does again I am very happy.
So...it is really your decision but I would sure put it on a Grand Sport that was built to tracked.
VH
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 384
From: Williamsburg VA
Thanks for all the feedback...No plan to track the car more than once or twice...the darn track day "Physical Damage" insurance is a deterrent for me....
The discounted cost of the option can be viewed two ways - simply about 11% off OR Free with the customer loyalty rebate.
I'm trying to get an order in for exactly what I want and my final decision is to pass on it.
The discounted cost of the option can be viewed two ways - simply about 11% off OR Free with the customer loyalty rebate.
I'm trying to get an order in for exactly what I want and my final decision is to pass on it.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,743
Likes: 218
From: Arizona AZ
I passed on it as well on my order. MY GPS in my phone is fine and I don't even plan to track my car. I would rather go abuse the driving schools cars.........the money I saved can pay for a day of Bondurant or Spring Mountain.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
Considering an upgrade to a GS. Virtually 100% of dealer stock has this option.
I dont have it in my 2016 base and don't miss it. But would a GS be diminished without it?
I wont track it and use my cell phone/ Google map app for nav.
My thought is to pass on it.
Interested in forum members opinions and logic for or against.
I dont have it in my 2016 base and don't miss it. But would a GS be diminished without it?
I wont track it and use my cell phone/ Google map app for nav.
My thought is to pass on it.
Interested in forum members opinions and logic for or against.
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 182
From: South Dennis MA
My iPhone 7 must be inferior. The factory OEM navigation system is light years ahead of the phone system. Apple Car Play helps but signal loss is a problem. The OEM unit uses GPS signals and has never failed. I usually drive with the navigation page displayed. As for the PDR, I have only played with it and determined that the system works, not used it for anything of value. Maybe some day I will have something to record?