I’m homing in on the purchase of a new C7 GS 2LT. Most of the inventory cars seem to have the rather expensive factory Nav/PDR so I my be stuck with it no matter what my preference is.

My question is this, is it worth the money? I will not be tracking the car so the PDR is of no value to me. I expect to keep the car 6+ years so resale is not a big issue. So how does the Nav compare to just using Apple CarPlay? Full disclosure, I’ve not yet had an opportunity use CarPlay. An integrated Nav is nice but of the several OEM units that I’ve used only the Tesla Nav was really easy to use and capable of consistently finding the correct destination using only voice commands so my expectations for the C7 OEM Nav are pretty low.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate any feedback.

 

PDR is worth it just for Valet Mode. I didn't want Nav, but since it was bundled I had to take it. Turns out l love the directions on the HUD.

 

Nav via the HUD is a plus to be sure.

 

I use the PDR instead of a dash cam. Since I tend to be a "spirited" driver, I make sure that it is set up to just record video and audio. I use the overlays when I autocross. Best of both worlds for me.

 

I added the nav system post purchase, based on my positive experience with "Sally", the voice system in my '11 Mustang GT.
The GM voice control system is frustratingly stupid, and far more ignorant than the Ford Sync system.
Apple CarPlay works about 90% of the time, but occasionally refuses to connect. Navigation using Siri or Google Maps or Waze are more useful but I prefer a full time map on the center display. Also Apple Play requires connection via USB every time you get into the car, so I accept the brain dead nav system's incompetence for its ease of use.
Would I add it again? Probably, as I plan to have the car for a long time, and the basic convenience of the full time map display is worth the cost amortized over several years.
The PDR is useful for other than track use, and I would have preferred having it... am looking at aftermarket solutions.
Happy buying!

 

Nav is nice, but you have to keep it updated. As of right now, my main way to go home from my current house is driving through a field for the nav. I would get it for PDR. Let it run when driving and if you get in an accident from the front you will have some sort of proof. But as for nav, use your phone; free updates.

 

I like the full time map display for normal driving as it is helpful in finding the on and off ramps.

 

There are two camps. One has it that "Nav is terrible!" Period. End of Story. Their alternative is Waze or Google Maps as presented through your cell phone. This entails hooking your cell phone to your car via a USB port, if for no other reason except power. You can then either use those Nav systems directly on your cell phone. OR you can use apple Car Play or Android Auto to move the display right to the Nav screen itself. You DO NOT get either HUD display or speedo display with this option. Note that Waze on Android Auto is not quite the same as Waze by itself. Some of the stuff does not flow through to Android Auto. This approach creates an additional on-screen button where you choose Android Auto, then choose your Nav option.

The second camp maintains that the GM Nav system, though perhaps not perfect, is good enough for most purposes with the advantage of integrated displays. The on-board system relies on paid updates to keep current, though those "updates" IMO are of little value. The additional tasks of cords from your cell phone to the car, and the fact that your cell phone is using data and tends to heat up are seen as negatives. For those with unlimited data plans, that should not be a factor.

Now for the truth; It is largely a moot point because most Vettes have Nav installed anyway. When I was looking in 2017 I found no cars that did not have Nav installed, either as part of the "LT" option packages or as a stand-alone option. Basically any car with a 2LT and up has it. So you are going to spend lots of extra time trying to find a car that otherwise suits you and does not have Nav. It may not be worth it.

 

I'm a little confused by what you state...I have a 2017 2LT and I have to use my iPhone, plugged in via USB in order to use Apple Car Play to get the Maps. If what you say is true, and my 2LT has NAV installed, how would I go about getting it to work? Is it just a download of the APP or is it more involved?

 

Not accurate. It's an option with 2LT as well (not sure about 3LT however)

 

3LT and 3LZ have the NAV/PDR as standard equipment.

 

I have the factory Nav system in my ‘14 and it seems to do a good job of getting me to the destinations. I think my stand alone Garmin does a better job overall but the factory unit does OK.

 

I did not say ALL 2LTs have it, just that when I was looking I found no cars that did not have that option. IIRC the 3LT is the option that always includes Nav. The 2LTs can have Nav as an option, and in my experience, it was a rare one that did not.

 

I agree, my factory Nav has always gotten me exactly where I need to go. The HUD display is great. It’s not perfect but it’s always there and ready to go.

 

Had Nav in my 2015 Z51. In 40,000 miles up and down the east coast, never had an issue on local or highway roads. Now have it in my 2019 GS. Never had an issue. Much prefer an integrated system rather than my phone and a cord draped over the console.

 

Agreed. A Garmin GPS is better than both the GM and BMW navigation systems. It is frustrating a $150 unit easily beats an expensive built-in system.

 

I agree , I dont want to have to deal with any cords or cheap vent clips ..., maybe in my old Expedition but not in my Corvette

Dave

 

I personally prefer using Waze through CarPlay so don’t use the NAV. However the PDR is actually a pretty cool feature. It can be used as a dash cam as well. I’ve caught some fun video when least expected.

 

Factory NAV system is good - PDR is great!!! I record every single trip I take. It will prove priceless if I ever get cut off or in an accident that is not my fault as everything is recorded.

 

When you're buying a $60K car? Damn right it is. You wanna putz around with your cell phone tiny screen nav driving a car you paid $60K+ for!? Be my guest.

I love my C7's NAV. I wouldn't have bought a new C7 without it !!



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