Sat Nav/Phone: Volvo satnav: worth using?

[teambarron]

We bought our 2004 XC90 a month or two ago, and although it is fitted with the DVD-based satnav system, it dodn't come with any discs (bought from an independent non-Volvo dealer so I guess the seller didn't sell it with any...). Hence we have no idea if the Volvo system is any good.

We already have a TomTom XL, although I prefer the idea of using what is already built-in rather than extra hardware...but which system do more experienced folks prefer? Is it worth spending £150+ on the Volvo DVDs to enable us to have a second satnav? Or is it so second-rate (e.g. clunky interface etc) that we're better off sticking with the TomTom and buying a second one rather than using Volvo's? Other thing I wonder is how long is it before you need to buy another set of maps at the same price - it seems an expensive way to update maps compared with a TomTom?

Thanks!

Ian

[wolfie308]

Hi

I tried using mine [MY2003] and it was clunky..It then broke [laser I think] and have never bothered to repair it. Aston used it in DB9 and got hammered for using such a clunky bit of kit. Stick with TT is my recommendation

[JimG]

I have Volvo SatNav on my V70. Can be handy, but I wouldn't be bothered about having it again. Would prefer a TomTom or similar.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by teambarron

We bought our 2004 XC90 a month or two ago, and although it is fitted with the DVD-based satnav system, it dodn't come with any discs (bought from an independent non-Volvo dealer so I guess the seller didn't sell it with any...). Hence we have no idea if the Volvo system is any good.

We already have a TomTom XL, although I prefer the idea of using what is already built-in rather than extra hardware...but which system do more experienced folks prefer? Is it worth spending £150+ on the Volvo DVDs to enable us to have a second satnav? Or is it so second-rate (e.g. clunky interface etc) that we're better off sticking with the TomTom and buying a second one rather than using Volvo's? Other thing I wonder is how long is it before you need to buy another set of maps at the same price - it seems an expensive way to update maps compared with a TomTom?

Thanks!

Ian

If you could get some discs at a reasonable price second hand go for it , The big screen is a bonus after tiny 4" screens you have a problem reading and have to take on and off every time you use them ..
The older volvo system isnt as technical as the portable Garmins etc but does the job . I still say you cant beat a £5 AA map though ...

[sumomeister]

If you know what you're doing, you might be able to find a DVD image on the web, purely to evaluate the system of course.

If you chose to do this, you would need to find the file Volvo_dvd_EU_1600_a
and burn it to a DVD+R Double Layer disc.

[madnurse]

Tom Tom on the iPhone all the way for me (my partner has a TT XL Europe one), my car did come with disks but they are from 2005 and very rarely get used. Plus TT does camera's, map updates, traffic and a whole host of other handy features.

[262coupe]

Personally, I really like the Volvo system. Ok it's not exactly flashy graphics but several times it has saved me getting stuck in big traffic jams and it's red-line system to denote V slow traffic seems incredibly accurate (literally down to 10 yards on the A406 the other day!). Also, the easy of use, no power lead required, dont need to hide it when you get out the car etc etc.

[cosworthy2000]

The earlier system which did not include the ability to set destination by postcode was a reasonable unit, I liked the one fitted in my 55 plate XC90, got me out of trouble a few times..
The updated version includes postcode search and works very well, got me out of trouble in a works XC90 a few months back. In 'easy' mode it is straightforward, not tried 'advanced'.

I wonder, if you have an 04 plate with the satnav, will putting in new, say 2010 discs, give the features of the newer system?

[teambarron]

Thanks guys.

I assume that a set of new discs will contain the "new" features like postcode search but you know what assume makes out of u and me ;-).

After the touchscreens of the TomTom and iOPhone etc, how is the Volvo interface?

[cosworthy2000]

I find the Volvo system easy to use, and the steering wheel mounted controls are at your fingertips, as opposed to remote as per TomTom etc. Having never used anything else other than a TomTom (cheapest version), they all get you to where you want to go. Would be nice to have different voices available on the Volvo system though...