RNS-510 knockoff?

[vwj81]

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-To...A35BU6MLVRU6I2

States it is OEM "fit", and model number is specific to "SimpleSoft". I'm not sure if it is worth the risk... Anyone else seen these before?

[DavidPaul]

http://www.amazon.com/Replacement-To...A35BU6MLVRU6I2

States it is OEM "fit", and model number is specific to "SimpleSoft". I'm not sure if it is worth the risk... Anyone else seen these before?

There are no product reviews of this nav unit anywhere on the web, however, if it is what it says it is, that's a heck of a deal.

What is the return policy through Amazon? It it is good, it might be worthwhile to check it out.

[milan187]

There are at least 5-10 knock offs of RNS-510. They all connect through the factory harness and are plug and play. I've had 1 in my rabbit and my friend bought one which was different brand but also a knock off.

They both had way too many issues before 3 months was up. He's just crapped out.
Mine was draining the battery and I need my car to start next morning so i got rid off it.

Better to save your money for RNS-510 or at least RNS-315 (which I have) and honestly works better than RNS-510 for the things it does. It has nav and a smaller screen but no Video support and few other things.

[vwj81]

Yeah, I think I'll hold on to my money for now. Too many chances for this to go south, so I'll wait.

Honestly, I'd be happy with the RCD-510 since I have the base radio. Where can they be sourced? Or is it a matter of getting a used one from someone that has upgraded?

[DavidPaul]

Yeah, I think I'll hold on to my money for now. Too many chances for this to go south, so I'll wait.

Honestly, I'd be happy with the RCD-510 since I have the base radio. Where can they be sourced? Or is it a matter of getting a used one from someone that has upgraded?

There are a few RCD 510s around but they usually go for a premium.

Check ebay once in a while as well as putting feelers out here.

[falcindor]

These are 449 on ebay. However the menu looks ridiculous on some of these. This menu looks decent. The ANS-510 is a stock looking knockoff for about $200 more.

[VdubTX]

Think purchasing from Amazon would be relatively safe. They have a good return policy.

[vwj81]

Think purchasing from Amazon would be relatively safe. They have a good return policy.

I went through the policy and since it is only fulfilled by them (meaning amazon has the items in their warehouse) but are not the actual seller, the returns would go through simplesoft, and not amazon. I don't feel comfortable with that, so I'll let someone else give it a go.


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[DavidPaul]

I went through the policy and since it is only fulfilled by them (meaning amazon has the items in their warehouse) but are not the actual seller, the returns would go through simplesoft, and not amazon. I don't feel comfortable with that, so I'll let someone else give it a go.


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I read just the opposite. Because Amazon is the fulfiller, any returns would go directly to them and they would instigate the refund.

Here is a quote from the Amazon page regarding Simplesoft LLC.

"SimpleSoft LLC is a US company, who is one of the top manufacturers in vehicle-specific multimedia GPS navigation system industry. We are committed to providing the products and services of the highest level of performance while maintaining its quality and affordability."

I have read some reviews regarding customer experience with Simplesoft. All have given the company a perfect 5.0 and those who have required service via telephone, have been 100% satisfied with Simplesoft's speed and accuracy in answering their questions.

[vwj81]

Thanks for the update. I went back through it and I must have misread the first time.

[DavidPaul]

Thanks for the update. I went back through it and I must have misread the first time.

No problem, it happens to me more and more often as I get older.

My only concern regarding the Simplesoft product is, where the map updates come from.

The RNS510 uses Navteq for its updates.

More research is necessary, but so far, the Simplesoft unit is looking good. Let's face it, the VW, OEM unit is WAY over priced.

I have the RNS510 in my Eos which I purchased for $1,000 dollars. It was a great deal and the unit works flawlessly, but I believe these should still be far less than that.

Remember, all vehicle manufacturers make more profit from OEM options than they do on the basic vehicle, as far as percentage is concerned.

[dcbc]

I went back and forth on purchasing a knock off before finally deciding that I wanted the real deal. You lose the voice dialing, ability to have sat radio, and supposedly the FM reception is not very good. The ANS510 is probably a better bet, but by the time all is said and done, you're close to $800 and could have a used RNS510 for not much more.

I have an RCD510 in the classifieds if you're interested, but whichever way you go, if you want full functionality, go for the genuine article.

My $.02. YMMV

[vwj81]

I was looking to activate the Sirius for my radio, but I don't see anything under the passenger seat, so I'm guess I don't have satellite even though it is showing on my base radio and appears to have presets, so I'm not sure what I'm missing. I also would like Bluetooth, but I apparently don't have that feature either. What OEM options do I have to get both satellite and Bluetooth? What head unit, modules, or cables will I need?


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[VdubTX]

I was looking to activate the Sirius for my radio, but I don't see anything under the passenger seat, so I'm guess I don't have satellite even though it is showing on my base radio and appears to have presets, so I'm not sure what I'm missing. I also would like Bluetooth, but I apparently don't have that feature either. What OEM options do I have to get both satellite and Bluetooth? What head unit, modules, or cables will I need?


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Satellite unit in trunk on right side wall. Bluetooth is what is under the seat.