[bobcruise1]

Took a test drive and loved it.. now trying to configure an order. I have an Infinity FX35 which will be a trade, and always thought the backup camera would be very useful in that car- rear view is difficult.
Can I justify spending an additional $2k on the navigation package. Not sure that I would use the nav very much, but think that the backup camera might be useful. Any comments from Enclave owners?
Do the backup sensors help you enough so that the backup camera is purely nice to have, and not a necessity?
Looking for input.

 

[kenclave]

I haven't driven anything with the camera. Maybe someone else can give you more info about the camera. I think it would be hard to break the habit of looking over my shoulder to back up,and looking at the screen instead. My husband drove a Hummer for a day with the camera. It was snowy and he said the picture was awful because of the snow/wetness -- so he couldn't really judge how effective it was.

I do have the sensors in the Enclave. It is the first time I have ever had them. They are nice -- especially in parking situations. Although I have had two people tell me that their sensor (in other vehicles) didn't warn them in time. Sounds like they were backing up to quickly -- so I blame operator error. But I keep that in mind when I back up and rely on the sensors.

The back window of the Enclave, I feel, is high and a little small. So the camera may give you an extra view of things lower, which could be a help.

 

[krm]

I currently have an Acura MDX which I plan on trading in for the Enclave. I have the navigation system w/ the back-up camera on my MDX, and it's amazing how you can become dependent on it. I love the navigation system....even if I know where I am going, it's great having a map up, and sometimes I'll punch in an address to keep track of how many miles left to go, etc.

As far as the rear camera, although it is sometimes hard to see when rainy or snowy, I tend to use it primarily when backing into parking spaces (which I do a lot). It's so helpful for that.

Question: Does the navigation system on the Enclave incude the backup camera, or is it necessary to get the Safety or Convenience package for that (I'm not sure which)?

 

[Tony007]

Yes, in Entertainment pkg #3 when you get the Nav you get the back up camera.

 

[weegie]

I currently drive a 2005 Yukon XL (which I find too bulky when parking or backing up and which uses too much gas for my conscience, hence the search for something more manageable and fuel efficient). My Yukon came with a navigation system and XM Radio, neither of which I was seeking when I bought the car. I have come to love both and would not buy a car without them now. I have a good sense of direction and don't often drive to unfamiliar places, but I use the navigation frequently to plot the quickest route and to estimate travel time. The one feature that I paid extra for in my Yukon and would not buy again is the DVD player. I had a VCR in my old minivan and liked it a lot, but DVD system's screen is too large and blocks my rear view mirror, and my kids now have those individual DVD players which are much less expensive and allow everyone to watch his own show. The built-in system may be better for smaller children; mine are now 15, 12 and 9. :

 

[ItsaBuick?]

The camera is nice, day or night. I have both the sensors and the camera. Let me drive some more before I tell you which I prefer more. Only have 100 miles under my belt.

 

[rocketman]

I've driven GM vehicles with the camera, and as far as I'm concerned, that's the only way to go. I also bought a portable nav, and swore the next vehicle I buy will have it. The Enclave rear camera is mounted under the license plate lights bracket, and that's good because it's somewhat out of the elements i.e., rain, etc. Some of you might think you don't want certain items, but if you plan on keeping the vehicle, there will probably be times when the camera, nav, backup warning, heated seats,and various other devices will come in handy. If you aren't going anywhere, I think you'll be fine. For those of you from DC area, I swore I would not go back without Nav. That's why I bought the portable.

 

[jackiemd]

DVD player question

I'm interested in the DVD player option in the Enclave and if anyone who has test driven one noticed if it blocks the rear view mirror. I forgot to check on this when I did my test drive. My 6 year old son is already telling his friends that his mom's new car will have a DVD player and I hate to disappoint him but I need to see out the back window. We have the portable DVD player and have used that but I worry about the safety of that flying around in an accident.

 

[jcflorida]

I have seen discussion that some people are reporting that it partially blocks the view. It does not seem to bother others. I imagine that it depends on how tall the driver is, height of the front seat, and mirror adjustment. Definitely check it out for yourself to see if it is in your way.

There is another option to consider. There is a dealer installed option of a dual head restraint DVD system. This system has 7 inch screens in each head restraint. Cost is not known yet. It is not clear if it integrates into the in-dash system and can be controlled from there and played throught the vehicle's speakers, or whether it is a completely independent system (it comes wireless headphones).

 

[ItsaBuick?]

It definately blocks my view significantly. :'( I probably only see 1/3 of the original area. The head rest of the 3rd seat blocks quite a bit of the remaining area as well. I'll try to get a picture in the next few days to help explain....

I'm 6 ft so I'll ask my Wife what she thinks to give you all a perspective as she is 5'1". But I can't expect the height difference helping too much.

 

[rocketman]

It also blocks my view but that's one of the reason I'm getting the backup camera.

 

[linuxtwit]

Re: DVD player question

I'm interested in the DVD player option in the Enclave and if anyone who has test driven one noticed if it blocks the rear view mirror.

To be honest, I don't think I've seen any rear dvd system, factory installed or aftermarket, that didn't at least partially
block the rear view mirror. Considering where the mirror and these dvd systems get mounted, I don't see any way to
avoid it without going to some dinky little screen that would be useless anyways. You are just going to have to see
if it blocks your view too much or not, as what is too much obstruction for one person may be ok for someone else.

 

[coopermine]

Does the backup camera work when you are not in reverse? meaning could that be used while moving forward instead of the rear view mirror?

 

[mss42]

Does the backup camera work when you are not in reverse? meaning could that be used while moving forward instead of the rear view mirror?

"BACK-UP" ??? OR DO U MEAN ARE THERE SENSORS ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.

 

[coopermine]

hmmm you brought an interesting point. So I guess it only works in Reverse gear.

 

[mss42]

hmmm you brought an interesting point. So I guess it only works in Reverse gear.

I WOULD THINK SO BUT THE SENSORS ON THE FRONT WOULD BE NICE NOT TO COME UP ON THE CAMERA JUST THE SENSORS THEMSELVES.

 

[rocketman]

The back-up camera only works in reverse.

 

[linuxtwit]

The back-up camera only works in reverse.

Hence the term back up camera, not rear view camera. ;D

 

[ItsaBuick?]

This is an attempt to get a shot thru the mirror at about eye level with the DVD down

 

[mss42]

This is an attempt to get a shot thru the mirror at about eye level with the DVD down

ahhhhhh yes, the back up camera is most def needed.