Car Finance / How to Test Drive a Navigation System
Inexpensive portable navigation systems and even cheaper smartphone nav applications are making the pricey in-dash systems offered by automakers less attractive to many consumers. But some people prefer in-dash systems because of their larger screens and because they offer more features. Plus, you never have to worry about forgetting an in-dash system at home. Finally, prices for in-dash systems are starting to drop.
Before you pay for an in-dash navigation system for your next car, you'll want to ask the questions you see below to make sure it has the features and capability that you want. If you require more detailed information, check out our story about In-Dash Navigation Basics. And once you're at a dealer, use our Navigation Tech Checklist to make sure that the system meets your needs. Finally, "How To Tech Test-Drive — Without Dealer Interference," gives tips about the way to avoid any hassles you might get from a dealership while you're testing technology in a vehicle.
Screen and Interface
Is the screen large enough for easy viewing? Is it easy to see even in bright sunlight?
Does the system use a touchscreen, knobs and buttons, or some combination of these?
Is the interface easy and intuitive to use? How quickly does it respond to inputs?
Does the system have voice activation? If so, how well does it work to input a navigation destination or find other information you need?
Mapping Software and Graphics
Where does the mapping software reside: DVD, hard disk or SD card?
What's the process for purchasing updated mapping software and how much does the software cost?
How realistic and detailed are the map graphics?
Does the map offer a 3-D view?
Does the map offer an aerial bird's-eye perspective? If so, is the angle adjustable?
Does the system have color-coded maps to show details such as parks, shopping malls and water features such as lakes and rivers?
Destination and Point of Interest Input
How many ways does the system allow you to input a destination: by address, intersection, point of interest (POI), phone number, point on the map or other?
• Car Loans
• Car Loans Online
• Car Loan Tips
• Car Finance
Inexpensive portable navigation systems and even cheaper smartphone nav applications are making the pricey in-dash systems offered by automakers less attractive to many consumers. But some people prefer in-dash systems because of their larger screens and because they offer more features. Plus, you never have to worry about forgetting an in-dash system at home. Finally, prices for in-dash systems are starting to drop.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows two compatible devices to communicate. In the car, it lets you operate a mobile phone "hands-free," meaning you don't have to hold the device while making or taking a call or performing such functions as accessing the phone's address book. (Of course, you have to use your hands to operate certain Bluetooth features via the vehicle's controls.)
Automotive sound systems are more complex now that portable media players, hard-disk drives and smartphones are along for the ride. But the basic radio/speaker setup hasn't drastically changed, even though more speakers and more amplifier power have been added over the years.
• Auto Refinance
File engine/modules/searchcloud.php not found.
Bad Credit Car Loans
Bad Credit Auto Loan Financing | Good and Bad Credit Car Loans
Sales of Ford vehicles increased 13.3 percent in June compared to the same month last year, and the gain was largely spurred by a strong showing by the carmaker’s Super Duty pickup trucks.
Responsible consumers tend to have all their affairs in order – a steady income, plenty of savings and perhaps even an investment or two on the side. While these things are all positive, they ultimately won't get you approved for an auto loan – for that, you need credit.
Used Car Loans
Used Car Loans - Car Loans - New & Used Auto Loan Financing
Getting the Best Rates on Your Car Loan
Identifying Your Target Cars & Arranging Financing
There are certain people who seem to have X-ray vision, who can look at a business and see things that are invisible to other people. I bring this up because I have a friend who spotted something about used cars that I have never heard addressed by anyone else.
Car loan news and advice
Car Loan Articles - Car Loan Tips, News & Advice
→ Car Loan News, Information and Education