First time user/ post in a forum... Any insight or help is much appreciated...
I recently bought an 02 MDX Touring with Navigation... I knew going into the deal that the navi system was spotty but thought that an update or other fix would solve the issue...
I have done my fair share of research online, on this forum and other Acura related forums and concluded with the following:
1) Every indication for a "cost effective" way of repairing the navi unit pointed to sending the unit directly to Alpine for a $358 fix (I noted the price increase posted by other folks in the forums)... I had previously spoken to Alpine and they assured me that the unit could be replaced with no problems... It turns out, there are NO PARTS AVAILABLE to repair my old unit BUT they do have a brand new replacement unit available for just $100 more of the repair fee (suspicious???)
2) While I recognize that the easier solution is to go with the brand new replacement unit, I was not planning on the $458 price tag... I understand that this is MUCH better than going to the dealer and getting a brand new unit for something like $2500... but it is still a tough pill to swallow... So this lead me to continue looking online/eBay for a cheaper solution... And behold I found a used $300 unit available for my 02 vehicle, but I now have reservations as to whether this is the best solution....
When getting a used replacement, it is not simply just a "plug and play" deal... there are the codes to deal with.... I know that I need:
a) Donor vehicle VIN - provided by replacement unit seller
b) Serial Number - Awaiting response from seller if available
In the event that the Serial Number is not available, I doubt that I will be able to retrieve any code for the Navi and the replacement unit will be useless...
Does anyone know if dealers are able to provide codes if no Serial Number is available? If so, do dealers charge for this information? Any idea on how much?....
If going with the replacement unit option ends up being equal or more $$$ because of additional dealer retrieval code fees... then Im thinking I will save myself the headache and just pay the $458
Thoughts anyone?... All information is much appreciated....
I recently bought an 02 MDX Touring with Navigation... I knew going into the deal that the navi system was spotty but thought that an update or other fix would solve the issue...
I have done my fair share of research online, on this forum and other Acura related forums and concluded with the following:
1) Every indication for a "cost effective" way of repairing the navi unit pointed to sending the unit directly to Alpine for a $358 fix (I noted the price increase posted by other folks in the forums)... I had previously spoken to Alpine and they assured me that the unit could be replaced with no problems... It turns out, there are NO PARTS AVAILABLE to repair my old unit BUT they do have a brand new replacement unit available for just $100 more of the repair fee (suspicious???)
2) While I recognize that the easier solution is to go with the brand new replacement unit, I was not planning on the $458 price tag... I understand that this is MUCH better than going to the dealer and getting a brand new unit for something like $2500... but it is still a tough pill to swallow... So this lead me to continue looking online/eBay for a cheaper solution... And behold I found a used $300 unit available for my 02 vehicle, but I now have reservations as to whether this is the best solution....
When getting a used replacement, it is not simply just a "plug and play" deal... there are the codes to deal with.... I know that I need:
a) Donor vehicle VIN - provided by replacement unit seller
b) Serial Number - Awaiting response from seller if available
In the event that the Serial Number is not available, I doubt that I will be able to retrieve any code for the Navi and the replacement unit will be useless...
Does anyone know if dealers are able to provide codes if no Serial Number is available? If so, do dealers charge for this information? Any idea on how much?....
If going with the replacement unit option ends up being equal or more $$$ because of additional dealer retrieval code fees... then Im thinking I will save myself the headache and just pay the $458
Thoughts anyone?... All information is much appreciated....