Avic Z1-seeking thoughts and help-Should I buy?

[Coolstrategist]

Although I have solid Home Theater video and sound system experience I am relatively new to Car Video and Nav. So any help is appreciated.

I have an opportunity to buy a used, mint Avic Z1 from a show car for $1200. It includes the ipod interface and the Sirius Satellite Radio Box as well (with the service already paid up for another year+). It was purchased in February from Brandsmart and still is under warranty.

I have a 2003 4x4 Ford Excursion V10 (Optima Yellow Top Battery) with factory radio and factory overhead rear dvd entertainment system.

I am looking for basic navigation, ipod, sirius, dvd, and cd functionality. But I also want a reliable, user friendly top notch or close unit. I would also like to be able to activate the dvd when the car is not in "park" for my passengers only.

I did a bit of research and feel I need a double din unit and have also looked at the Avic D3. It appears it makes sense to have a hard drive so that the nav and dvd can work at the same time (Z1).

Give me any thoughts you have regarding if I should jump on this offer or D3 vs Z1...and any questions I should be asking the seller.

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[Coolstrategist]

Does anyone have a point of view? Any input is appreciated before I drop $1200!

 

[Coolstrategist]

I joined this club looking for a bit of assistance. Definitely not as informative as the AVS Forum for sure beyond using the search function.

 

[djeazie 10+ year member]

I have a D3 and I love it. The DVD nav is fine. I never use CDs anymore since I have XM and Ipod so the Nav disk being in all the time is no problem. If you are using the nav and want to watch a movie you can take the disk out and watch the move and your current route will work off of memory within the unit. You just cant change your route without the disk. Im not sure what the bypass is like for the D1 but I bypassed mine and it was very easy. For the money I think the D3 was a good buy I paid 750.00 shipped on ebay brand new. Its the best headunit I have ever owned. I had a 7800 cd player before and I actually like the 3 band eq better than the 16 band the 7800 had. I just coundnt get that h/u eq'd correctly. The D3 is a nice unit I think you should give it a try, and youll save some money and get a new unit vs. a used older model. These of coarse are my experiences and opinions but I hope the help you. Either way having a nav system rocks!

 

[Coolstrategist]

Thanks for the input. That helps a lot. I was also wondering how good a deal my Z1 offer is given that it is only a few months old and comes with a warranty. In addition it has the Ipod interface and the Sirius box with active service for a year.

The guy is local and the Z1 will literally come out of his car and installed in mine the same day by the same installer.

Is $1200 a great deal or so so? Any questions I should be asking?

 

[djeazie 10+ year member]

I really am not to familiar with the Z1 prices. I would hit up ebay and see what used ones are going for. With it being local you wont have to worry about shipping or feedback and stuff like that so thats a plus.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

I have the Z1 in my Tacoma....Its nice deck if yours was made before July 06 all you have to do is flash your headlights in startup mode to bypass the video....

 

[Coolstrategist]

What do you think of the price given what it comes with?

 

[djeazie 10+ year member]

I would say thats pretty good. Is it cosmetically clean? If so I would say buy it.