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The Garmin units are so much better in regards to ease of use, features, etc. The only issue I've come across on some cars is proper placement so it doesn't cause glare at night. A fully integrated unit is nicer looking of course, but nav unit vs. nav unit, the garmin is better and tenth of the price.

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I concur. The factory nav system will probably run you somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500-$2500. A good garmin can be had for $200-800. You can use the garmin in any of your cars, and even take it with you if you ever travel and need to rent a car. You can also download updates from the internet where the DVD update from Toyota will probably cost you as much as you paid for the garmin new.

The factory systems look great, but the garmin is just a better, more versatile system.

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I hope it's not too late. But the 2008 Toyota Avalon Nav system is definitely the worst Nav system on the market. I just bought one 2 weeks ago. I'm still trying to get Toyota to do a free upgrade. The problem is the entire climate controls, audio, Nav, and voice recognition are built into the same system. The Maps are out of date, voice recognition is very poor. And unless you pay for the XM Module directly (about 600 upgrade price), Satelite Ready doesn't mean XM radio is included. Also if you opt to pay for the XM, it only displays the first 10 characters of the artist and song title. Most CD's won't display cd title or track names unless it's encoded properly in the format they read.

If you get the 2008 Avalon and Nav system, DEMAND they subtract the entire cost of the Nav system from the price. It is NOT worth a single penny. The car is great! It's an entirely comfortable drive. Nice pickup, smooth, and a dream to drive. My only gripe is the Technology for a 2008 vehicle that is aproximately 4-5 years behind (in my estimate, and I've been in tech for over 20 years) .

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I'd stick with the Garmin. It's not as convenient or as "clean" as having it in your dash, but the units work very well and can be updated easily. To me, I'd rather spend $500 for a top of the line Garmin vs. $2000 for a factory nav system

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I know this is way late for your question but, anyone else considering a Toyota with factory nav, I'd recommend NOT. I have a 2005 Avalon w/nav and it's a pain in the rear to use, not at all user friendly and the upgrades are rediculously expensive. I have a Garmin in another vehicle and there is no comparison in ease of use. I havn't done it yet but probably will turn the factory unit off and use the Garmin, it's so much better and easier to use plus it has bluetooth for handsfree cell phone use.

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