Navigation DVD Version Update

[benjamin]

I checked the version number of the DVD that came with my Nav. system and found that it's from 2001. I just bought the car a couple of weeks ago and the first time I tried to use it, it couldn't find the address I wanted. I later found out that it was because the street I wanted to go to didn't exist in 2001. Why would my 2003 car come with a DVD from 2001? I had to call both my dealer and GM to find any sort of answers. After playing phone tag with at least four different people, all I ended up with was a part number for what they tell me is the 2003 version (88972459 - in case anyone cares) and the option to buy if from my dealer for $500! What do I get for my $500? A new CD, that's it, a $500 CD!! Has anyone else tried to get an update for the Nav. System? Is there another place I can buy the DVD (not through the dealer) for a price that's even close to reasonable? I'm disgusted that GM would give out an old version with their new cars, then charge a ridiculous price to make the system current... Didn't I pay enough for the Nav. System to begin with?- Benjamin

[pmh013]

Wow, that's a rip off. I don't live in an area that's been mapped for that kind of technology, so I never even considered the DVD-Nav as an option. I guess it's like any other kind of software though (at least the kind I deal with), they get ya once when you sign up, and again every year if you want to keep up with the current versions.I wonder if there is some sort of "subscription" available for the DVD software/databases? That's the term that AutoDesk (the makers of AutoCAD & other design/drafting software) uses for keeping your software current. We pay a $1700 fee every year and every time a new release of our software comes out (3 times in the last year or so) we get it on CD.What's the name of the Nav software?

[KSNeptune]

I'd challenge the dealership. If I bought anything new, and found out it was a three-year-old model while there DID exist a truly NEW version, I'd claim FOUL. Demand either the 2003 DVD free, or tell them you want your money back, and will buy a Vibe with NAV when it actually comes shipped with the most current software at time at purchase.You DID pay for for it already, so they should provide it at no cost to you.I had one of the keyfobs break for my wife's 2002 altima. The dealership wanted $85 for a new one. I pointed out that the car was warranted for 3 years, and that the keyfob should have lasted at least that long. Any other part of the car that would have failed would be covered under that warranty, so why wouldn't the keyfob? They conceeded, and gave me the new one free.KSNeptune

[esjones]

The nav software and database disc come from Denso Corporation.

[esjones]

Pontiac told my dealer that every new Vibe with the nav system built after 11/1/2002 should get an updated disc at NO CHARGE. I'm waiting for mine to come in any day now.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote: Why would my 2003 car come with a DVD from 2001? I ended up with was a part number for what they tell me is the 2003 version (88972459 - in case anyone cares) Is there another place I can buy the DVD (not through the dealer) for a price that's even close to reasonable? I'm disgusted that GM would give out an old version with their new carsThe 2003 Pontiac Vibe entered production in January of 2002. Therefore map software from 2001 would be the newest available.The part number has been around since May of 2002, so I wouldn't trust it to be any newer then 2002. I would suggest you wait until the 2004s come out this month to see if their is a number change.As with any shared part, you could call a Toyota dealer and see what a nav system disc would cost there. You could also try emailing Delphi the maker of the Nav system for update sources.GM gave out the current version with their cars. You are just buying at the tail end of the model year.

[esjones]

quote:The 2003 Pontiac Vibe entered production in January of 2002. Therefore map software from 2001 would be the newest available.It is irrelevant when the car entered production. A newer disc was available (from Denso) in November, 2002 (confirmed by Toyota, because they had been supplying them to new Matrix owners), and my car was built in December, 2002. I don't want GM dumping their old database disc on me just because their supply line from Denso is slower than Toyota's. For GM to say that the 2001 disc was the latest "available" in 12/02 is misleading. A newer disc existed and was in the distribution channel, just not in their hands at the time. I'm satisfied to wait a reasonable time, but I expect a newer map disc.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:It is irrelevant when the car entered production. A newer disc was available (from Denso) in November, 2002 (confirmed by Toyota, because they had been supplying them to new Matrix owners)For GM to say that the 2001 disc was the latest "available" in 12/02 is misleading. It is totally relevant. It answers the original question.Maybe if GM had switch sources for the Nav system they way you say Toyota did, then they would also have newer info. A production contract signed in 2001 would have 2001 info. Toyota's switch in 2002 would allow the new supplier to use newer info.GM didn't say that, I did.The poster asked for explainations, I offered some. And just because he recently bought the car dosen't mean it was built after your 11/1/02 date.

[benjamin]

quote:Pontiac told my dealer that every new Vibe with the nav system built after 11/1/2002 should get an updated disc at NO CHARGE. I'm waiting for mine to come in any day now.Who at Pontiac told your dealer this? Do you have a name, number or department? I tried 1.800.762.2737 (customer care) and they were no help.

[frankenstein]

Did you or anyone ever get an updated DVD? If so, let me know. I am interested in getting an updated version.

[Vibe Rater]

quote: I tried 1.800.762.2737 (customer care) and they were no help.They NEVER are! They are there to tow the line and agree with everything the dealer says. Calling GM customer service is a total waste of time.'GM Customer Service' is an Oxymoron.Keep digging for a current version of your DVD software. I believe you are entitled to it. In the meantime look for a pirated copy of it. Outrageous, irrational, gouging prices are THE cause of all piracy. Download and burn without guilt.

[rtapril]

quote:I believe you are entitled to it. In the meantime look for a pirated copy of it. Outrageous, irrational, gouging prices are THE cause of all piracy. Download and burn without guilt.This attitude is so WRONG, bordering on immoral. Who are YOU to decide that anyone is ENTITLED to anything? And who are you to decide that someone's price for whatever THEY OWN is outrageous, irrational and gouging? I went through Pontiac and GM channels. It wasn't fast and I had to work at it, but I got my updated nav DVD at no charge. And at no time did I consider stealing (or "pirating"... same thing) one out of a misplaced sense of entitlement.Good luck.

[Vibe Rater]

quote:I believe you are entitled to it. In the meantime look for a pirated copy of it. Outrageous, irrational, gouging prices are THE cause of all piracy. Download and burn without guilt.This attitude is so WRONG, bordering on immoral. Who are YOU to decide that anyone is ENTITLED to anything? And who are you to decide that someone's price for whatever THEY OWN is outrageous, irrational and gouging? I went through Pontiac and GM channels. It wasn't fast and I had to work at it, but I got my updated nav DVD at no charge. And at no time did I consider stealing (or "pirating"... same thing) one out of a misplaced sense of entitlement.Good luck.Who am I to decide? I'm a customer.The only thing immoral and wrong is $500.00 for a DVD.THAT promotes piracy.Buddy buys a DVD Navigation system and is provided an obsolete DVD with it. That's wrong and immoral. GM 'Customer Service' then offers to sell him a current DVD for another $500.00. If it was me, I'd go right home and download it for free and burn it on a 25 cent CD-R and go back to the dealer and show it to him. All without any guilt.

[rtapril]

You guys are real pieces of work. Now everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I happen to agree with you that GM should not have been supplying an old disc when a newer one was available. I expressed this opinion maturely, calmly and rationally to the proper people at GM and they responded favorably. Now you think that $500 is too much for a new disc. OK. If you decide that milk and bread too expensive, do you steal them? Oh... you think that downloading and copying isn't really stealing. Then you probably see no reason not to counterfeit money if you possess the technology, because that's not really taking something away from someone else. Come on... you're a thief because you know you can get away with it.If I were a dealer and you showed me your copied disc, I would have you before a Federal judge before you could say "GPS." I doubt that your pissy little indignation would get you very far.Being a "customer" in no way makes you automatically right. Being a customer gives you the privilege of taking your custom elsewhere if you object to the goods, the price, the service or anything else. It does not give you a licence to steal nor to encourage others to steal.

[Mazass]

Well I have the old DVD disc too. I called GM first, they said to call the dealership because they should have provided me with a current disc. I talked to the manager( at the dealership) and he said it was GMs' fault. Apparently, no one is willing to take the blame. He just said he would call GM to see what he can do. On a side note he also didn't even know that the vibe offered a navagation system. How can anyone who works for a pontiac dealership not know about their product?( especially the new car sales manager)

[frankenstein]

While you all were having your little spat over piracy, no one answered my legitimate question. Has anyone got an updated DVD? And how did you go about getting one? Did you call the dealership, GM customer service, or what? And if it was the dealer how did you actually get them to send you a copy? Did you have to keep hounding them? And how long after you bought the car did you go back and ask them for it?Thanks!

[rtapril]

Frank -Success might begin with a call to Lynn Myers - (248) 857-5000

[frankenstein]

I must be stupid but, who is that?

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

I was looking through the parts listing for the Matrix that is linked from this site. Came across Toyota's Nav System parts info. They sell their Data Disc at $489.22.

[Vibe Rater]

quote:I must be stupid but, who is that?Isn't she a Country & Western singer?

[frankenstein]

Do you care to share the link? I can't seem to find it, I must be missing it.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:Do you care to share the link? I can't seem to find it, I must be missing it. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1232

[frankenstein]

Thanks. Still kinda pricey though

[frankenstein]

I did not yet. I was curious who it was before I called.

[frankenstein]

No luck on that number but I got another of someone and I left a voicemail. I will let you know.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:I must be stupid but, who is that?Lynn Myers is the Divisional Marketing General Manager of Pontiac-GMC. Resposable for the day to day operations on the division. She is a member of the staff and reports to John Middlebrook, General Motors Vice-President of Vehicle Brand Marketing and Corporate Advertising."5000" would seam more like a switchboard and less like the head of the divisions direct number.

[PieBoy]

About two months ago I purchased a dealer demo and the CD for the GPS and carousel for the CD changer were both missing. They both came about 3 weeks after picking up the car. I just checked my version, and it says that it is the 2001 edition of DENSO. I'm assuming that's not the newest version and that's a real pisser!On the other hand, I got a good deal on the car even with the GPS, and living in Canada, I was already aware that coverage would likely be sparce. That being said, I love the system. I'm in consulting, I visit clients in the Toronto area all the time and use it VERY often (I wouldn't say daily, but certainly several times a week). Maybe I'm nieve and easily impressed, but I'm amazed at how well it gives me directions. Even out of the city where coverage is less detailed, it gets me to every golf course I have ever asked it to take me to!When I'm not using the GPS, I'm blown away by the RDS radio! It totally rocks. I would like to know how much better the newer CD is? I doubt that every change to every road from January 1, 1002 - December 31, 2002 will be on that new CD. I doubt I'll ever buy an update to the CD at those prices, unless they make some major changes to the Canadian regions. The CD includes all of North America and is divided into 11 regions. 10 of those regions are USA, and all of Canada is the 11th! Let me tell ya, outside of the major cities, that's bad coverage!. A long winded message, but one last word....This CD is supposed to cover all of North America. It's been a while since I was in high school, but I recall Mexico being part of North America. Coverage sucks outside of major cities in Canada, but those poor Mexicans really got the shaft!

[rtapril]

Can't speak for Canadian coverage, but I think the updated disc is much improved for the US.More streets in newly-built neighborhoodsBetter POI database, now with updated area codes in the phone numbersMore POI dataMore geological data (small lakes, ponds, etc.)More indication (via shading) of special-use areas, e.g., golf courses, airports, hospitals, shopping centers, cemeteriesInterstate interchanges that weren't there on the old disc!There are still some flaws, but hey, any map becomes obsolete as soon as it is published.

[frankenstein]

Wow, maybe I will fork out the cash to buy it. I bought my VIbe before 11/2002. So, even if I get to talk to this other lady I am sure there is very little they could do but give me the part number. We'll see.

[frankenstein]

Well, I got through to a Linda something (kind of a hard last name). And she told me that there is not a newer disc and that she was just talking to the product manager of the Vibe and that the date on the DVD is a copyright date and has nothing to do with the data. Now, I don't know that I believe that. She continued to tell me that the 2004 will have the same disc as the 2003. Seems weird.

[frankenstein]

FYI, the lady that I was redirected to from Lynn's office was Linda Pesonen 313-667-4173. but, it got me no where

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:FYI, the lady that I was redirected to from Lynn's office was Linda Pesonen 313-667-4173. but, it got me no where Linda is the Vibe Marketing Manager. So if someone would know whats up, she should.

[NSimkins]

A little update on this...Spoke with Jeff Strausser today about the Nav System's DVD. Basically whatever disc you get when the vehicle is manufactured is what you will have to live with. You aren't entitled to any upgrades after that point unless you purchase an updated disc.Currently, he said the latest version of the DVD disc is part number 88973143 and is priced around $500. The disc is compiled and created Navistar. In short, they do extensive research and development when creating each DVD Nav disc, hence the reason for it's high price.Another way to put it is if you buy a new computer today with Windows XP installed, that is what you get. You wouldn't be entitled to a free upgrade, when released, you would be required to purchase that separately. That is essentially the case with the DVD's in the Nav system.For those that may have been able to work out getting a newer disc for free or at a discounted price, congratulations! That does not seem to be the norm for this system or GM, but good work on your behalf.

[NovaResource]

quote:Basically whatever disc you get when the vehicle is manufactured is what you will have to live with. You aren't entitled to any upgrades after that point unless you purchase an updated disc. Another way to put it is if you buy a new computer today with Windows XP installed, that is what you get. You wouldn't be entitled to a free upgrade, when released, you would be required to purchase that separately.That's logical. You wouldn't expect Pontiac to replace the gauges in all 2003 Vibes with the new 2004 gauges at no cost just because they are revised. If you want 2004 Vibe gauges, then buy a 2004 Vibe or buy the new gauges and install them. Pontiac isn't just going to give you one.

[ragingfish]

What Nick and Scott said makes sense. As much as it may suck, realistically, you aren't entitled to a new disc...Some people say "I wouldn't buy a computer built today with Windows 95."True. But Windows XP is an OS that is several years old -- so it is the same principle.

[frankenstein]

Yeah, good point. I just wish there were other alternatives. You know like being able to use another companies DVD in this system, like NavTech or something. The nice thing with a PC is that if you don't want to Windows you can install Linux or another OS, you aren't always totally limited to what they give you. NavTech has DVDs much cheaper than $500.I just don't want to dish out the $500 for minor changes (if even that). I could order one and it might even be the same version I have?