Nav + Remote Start Question

[reelss]

Hi All,

I just got myself a 2005 SE Black Solara and I am excited to be a part of this community. I am planning to get the following and need your help:

1) Remote Start: I am looking to get the python responder systems from circuit city and have them install it for me. The vehicle came with an existing security system so i am not sure how the remote start will integrate with that. Any past experience, recommendations appreciated.

2) Nav system: My other goal is to get a nav system for the ride. My initial plan is to get an aftermarket 07 toyota nav system from www.oemvalue.com. I want to preserve the solara look and that apparently also comes with a 4 disc MP3 changer, voice commands, and bluetooth. Are these all integratable with my existing system which doesn't have JBL? Is this possible to do...would you guys recommend it? If not, what are my alternatives?

Thanks!
reelss.

[MCOjerry]

There are a few posts on here about remote starts, if you search, you'll find them.

There are also a ton of posts about Nav and audio, take a look through the Gen2 audio/nav section.

I am not sure that I have seen anyone here get an OEM nav unit, unless they bought it with the car...mostly you'll find posts about aftermarket. There are a few good audio guys around, one that comes to mine is Theprodigy79. Look for some of his posts...and he has a gen 2.

[mluu510]

hi. if you're going to install a navi, don't go with toyota oem units. it's inferrior to aftermarket unit and most likely cost more. i know you want to keep everything looking stock but there is no point becuase the oem units are 2 din black boxes that looks pretty much like any aftermarket unit. i think the aftermket unit looks better, btw.

my suggestions for an after market unit is the pioneer avic-z1. it has EVERYTHING, literally. even a built in harddrive to store all your music. it cost less than $2,000 at many stores which is cheaper than a 07 oem toyota navi unit.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v ... 81,00.html

the 07 toyota oem navi unit should integrate with all your functions, according to the website's information, even if you don't have the JBL speakers.

http://www.oemvalue.com/install07.htm#solara

[reelss]

Thanks mluu510 for the extremely helpful information.

I scouted with remote starts today and am leaning towards the python 881xp.

I also like the avic z1. Does anyone here have it installed? any other comparable nav systems that i should look into before i make the plunge?

Thanks for the help guys.

[mluu510]

just search for "pioneer" in the Gen 2 Audio/Video/Navigation forum. this is what i found:

http://www.solaraguy.org/viewtopic.php? ... ht=pioneer

personally, i don't like the black dash kit for the their navi. i rather stick with our silver color.

[reelss]

yup...i saw that. I agree, I would want a silver too to match with the rest of the unit. Any suggestions on how and from where to get the silver dash?

I am leaning towards getting the avic z1. There have been mixed reviews for it on cnet.com but i don't think there's any other ones out there that compare with this.