Saw this while shopping for a New 8, the Mazda dealer had just installed one in a Mazda 3. This thing looks pretty cool. Its a DVD NAV system that replaces the rear view mirror with a new one that contains a monitor on one side. The monitor displays the Navigation info rather than having a bulky screen. And since you cannot place a factory NAV system easily into the 8 or 3, or ANY Mazda (who though THIS bright idea up?), this may be an alternative. It also has voice commands (through the stereo), DVD capability, and a back-up cam that installs in the bumper an automatically switches on when you put the car in reverse. It is controlled by a small wireless remote you can mount anywhere you like, and you can take it out of its holster. The dealer quoted a price of $1995 installed, 5 bucks less than the factory system.

http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/s...ductId=&brand=

Be sure to follow the 4 links on the page to see the whole system.

 

you guna do it?

 

Call me an idiot, I can find the link to the prices for the mirror monitor on the web page...

 

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/LCMR5RP.html
http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/NPC5400.html

 

Don't know if I am going to do it, I still haven't decided to purchase the 8. The nice thing about having the monitor in the mirror is that is doesn't obscure you view, and is in your peripheral vision. Its a nice option for those who want a built in nav and couldn't get it from the factory, and can't install a dah-mount aftermarket. As far as the prices on the website, those are the retail, and you must piece the system together. The price I showed earlier was installed with all the bells and whistles.

 

I'm using tomtom + velcro right now--I wish those cats hurry up with making that retractable dashtop unit.