[drumslinger]

I'm getting tantalizingly close to pulling the trigger on a Crosstour. I wanted the whole shebang: EX-L w/Nav, but the so far the only ones available in the color I want (opal sage) have no Nav. So, I've been trying to rationalize whether or not I really need to spend $2200 extra for a Nav system, when I have a portable one that'll do the job. If that were the only consideration, it'd be a no-brainer.

The fly in the ointment, however, is the backup camera. I've never had one and, while the one in the car I test-drove looked pretty cool, I'm not so sure it's a must-have item.

Can anyone who has the camera share their thoughts and experiences? Do you use it a lot? Would you ever buy another car without it? Or is it just a toy that has limited real function? I've been driving for 40+ years and can parallel park pretty well, so I don't see the need for a camera to help me, but maybe I'm missing something. What?

I'd appreciate any input you can provide.

 

[chefmark]

I use the camera every time I back up, I still do turn around but I would say 90% of my Back up is seen through the Nav Screen. It has great resolution and even in the dark it pretty clear. As far as the Nav system goes it pretty nice but if your like me, I don't need no stinkin Nav

If you can afford the Nav system and camera I would say get it it worth it and the camera is a big help in backing up. Have you tried a search for the color you want. I had to do that and found one 3 hours away from house.

 

[drumslinger]

Have you tried a search for the color you want. I had to do that and found one 3 hours away from house.

Thanks for the comments. I tried searching by going to the main Honda site, clicking on Locate a Dealer, then going to each of the dealer's websites and searching their inventory. It's a bit tedious, though. Is there another way?

 

[chefmark]

Thanks for the comments. I tried searching by going to the main Honda site, clicking on Locate a Dealer, then going to each of the dealer's websites and searching their inventory. It's a bit tedious, though. Is there another way?

Have your tried Cars.com or a similar site.

 

[Xaque]

Thanks for the comments. I tried searching by going to the main Honda site, clicking on Locate a Dealer, then going to each of the dealer's websites and searching their inventory. It's a bit tedious, though. Is there another way?

I also use the back up camera all the time.

(plus I like the screen for the interface with the radio, etc).

As far as color and features you want.... when I found the dealer I wanted to do business with, I negotiated with them. They didn't have the exact car I wanted, so they tracked one down.

(They will actually buy it from another dealer, then resell it to you.)

Just because it's not on the lot, doesn't mean they can't sell you it.

 

[CCT]

I'm getting tantalizingly close to pulling the trigger on a Crosstour. I wanted the whole shebang: EX-L w/Nav, but the so far the only ones available in the color I want (opal sage) have no Nav. So, I've been trying to rationalize whether or not I really need to spend $2200 extra for a Nav system, when I have a portable one that'll do the job. If that were the only consideration, it'd be a no-brainer.

The fly in the ointment, however, is the backup camera. I've never had one and, while the one in the car I test-drove looked pretty cool, I'm not so sure it's a must-have item.

Can anyone who has the camera share their thoughts and experiences? Do you use it a lot? Would you ever buy another car without it? Or is it just a toy that has limited real function? I've been driving for 40+ years and can parallel park pretty well, so I don't see the need for a camera to help me, but maybe I'm missing something. What?

I'd appreciate any input you can provide.

Don't make the same mistake I did. Get the camera. You'll appreciate it and be very glad you did. So will anyone else who drives the car.

I've had Navi/Backup cams on many cars and have it now on my Lexus, but didn't bother with this one to save $2k.
Bad move!
Like Chefmark says: If you have the green, spend it.

G/L with your purchase. The 'bean' is a treat to own, but it is a little blind out back.

C.

 

[JRRRR]

I use my back up camera ever time, but as others said, I also turn around to look as well, because the camera doesn't show you who is coming and not in the field of view yet. But the picture is great day and night.

As for the NAV, this is the first car I have ever had with one. I like having an OEM NAV, but this patricular one has many weaknesses when compared to my portable GARMIN. None-the-less I still use it very often, even thoe I know where I'm going. The additional features that come with it make up for the weaknesses. One major issue is that the data files are only updated once every 5-years, and when updated is very expensive.

Good luck
Richard

 

[CC816]

I don't have the back up camera and I don't have any issues. I don't find the rear visibility to be a problem either. My wife has no issues with rear visibility either when she drives my car

 

[RyansQuick6]

I love our backup cam, it's helped me squeeze into tighter spots that I might normally avoid due to the angles I'd have to hit in order to fit right.

 

[Kathryn]

We decided not to get the Nav/Camera system and remain very happy with that decision, now two months in. I find this vehicle easier to parallel park than our '93 Pathfinder and we haven't had any concerns about backing in or out, day or night (and no reported casualties... ). The portable Garmin GPS we purchased recently has been great in-town, but most helpful in out-of-town situations with a rental vehicle; it would have been an extra cost for us had we gone with the factory-installed GPS in the CT.

 

[Army Dad]

I use my back up camera ever time, but as others said, I also turn around to look as well, because the camera doesn't show you who is coming and not in the field of view yet. But the picture is great day and night.

As for the NAV, this is the first car I have ever had with one. I like having an OEM NAV, but this patricular one has many weaknesses when compared to my portable GARMIN. None-the-less I still use it very often, even thoe I know where I'm going. The additional features that come with it make up for the weaknesses. One major issue is that the data files are only updated once every 5-years, and when updated is very expensive.

Good luck
Richard

Ditto, works as advertised and think I would have remorse without it.

 

[frisco kid]

Agreed AD...have found the rear camera worth the price of admission as well...

 

[DOOM]

would it be cost effective to have it added on after the vehicle purchase? i prefer using my iphone for navigation as the maps are constantly updated and the honda interface is quite lacking. it's a shame that navi and backup cam are bundled because spending $2k for the use of one and not the other does seem very high.

 

[Limbery]

One more vote here for the camera....I can parallel park in very tight spots and the camera is what I primarily use every time I back up....great wide-angle view and the guide lines help too.

 

[RyansQuick6]

You can get the camera without getting the navigation, but not vise versa

 

[2011HCT]

You can get the camera without getting the navigation, but not vise versa

IIRC, I thought there was an option to have the backup camera that displayed in the rearview mirror.

 

[pgarci01]

I learned how to park without it pretty quickly but I'd get the Nav model because of all the cool tech features.

 

[RyansQuick6]

IIRC, I thought there was an option to have the backup camera that displayed in the rearview mirror.

Yep, that's only if you don't have Nav though

 

[2011HCT]

Yep, that's only if you don't have Nav though

Agreed. I thought the OP's question was whether or not to get the camera. If he opts for NAV he will have it anyway.