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Originally Posted by econoline
Hope I can ask a question here without hijacking the thread.
I'm planning to buy an '07 AWD FEH (my first new car), and trying to make a decision on the $2k nav system option. I don't feel the need for the GPS or upgraded audio, but I'm wondering if the "Hybrid Energy" functions would justify the cost. Or could I get most of that functionality with the much less costly ScanGauge? I'd like to try some of the hypermiler techniques mentioned in this forum and just wonder if the nav system is required for that.
Thanks for any advice.
Don
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I went with the NAV system option, after much encouragement from FEH owners in another forum (I wasn't yet a member of GreenHybrid.) I don't regret it. I didn't need the GPS since I have a high end portable GPS (Garmin Streetpilot 2720) that I use in the FEH and any other vehicle I drive; that said, I have used the built-in GPS and there's something cool about the audio commands coming through all the vehicle's speakers vs. the little power plug my Garmin uses. I preferred the mid-tier option for audio (which actually supports MP3 CD's, I believe, which the NAV system does not,) but I have since integrated my iPod Nano into my FEH (via a FRDW/PC-POD which plugs into the 6 disc CD changer under the passenger seat in FEH's w/the NAV option.)
All this didn't trump the fact that I wanted my hybrid to have all the hybrid bells and whistles, and that meant the NAV system with the energy management screens. I find it's especially useful when explaining/demonstrating the vehicle to others -- letting them observe the energy management screen really engages them in understanding the vehicle and how it operates. And the MPG display is rewarding and highly useful -- I would have to have a ScanGauge if I didn't have the NAV; I am too addicted to keeping track of my MPG in real-time and over segments, not just per tank. Since I already have the GPS installed having a Scan Gauge would mean one more gadget cluttering up my dash area, so I'm happy to have the info it provides (and more -- the battery State of Charge is very important to my driving) built-in.
Without the NAV, some of the MPG data is presented in the Message Center on your dash, so you won't be entirely without that information, btw.
Just my 2 cents.