Hi Alan-

I purchased a 2003 ES-300 with the Nav system. Initially, I did not want
this as an option and even looked into having a specially ordered vehicle
(requiring a 4 month delay). I decided to go ahead with the Nav system and
am very happy that I did. The benefits exceed the costs. It takes the
stress out of driving to new destinations. It indicates the "ETA",
estimated time of arrival, allowing me to more efficiently plan my trips.
I have even found "short-cuts" with the nav system that save time and gas.
I don't think that it is really necessary to update the DVD, unless the
streets in your area have significantly changed. I still have the original
DVD.

Now that I have it, I would not want to drive without one. It makes sense
to include this as an option in a vehicle in the class of a Lexus. I don't
think that you will regret it.

Good luck!

Carl

"AlanW" <alanw252 (AT) cox (DOT) net> wrote

Actually, I agree that the Lexus navigation system is pretty good except
for - and that is a huge except - the inability to use it fully while
driving. I find that extremely annoying. There is an after market product
that changes that behavior for some models but it is not available for my
model (GS 370) so I am stuck with it. It is ludicrous that a passenger
cannot use all aspects of the navigation system without having to stop the
car on a highway.

I wrote to Lexus about it in their evaluation form after purchasing the car
but never heard back from them.

Jeff

GIga wrote:

On Wed, 4 Apr 2007 08:44:29 -0400, "Jeff" <Willliam (AT) naol (DOT) com> graced
this newsgroup with:

though we're adults, some of us have this incredible urge to blame
everyone else for our own stupidity.

Sooo...now you and I are paying the price.

My 2006 LS430 nav system is a big mystery. It does give me
destinations for stores, for example, but does not tell me where they
are. I put in where I want to go - had to pull over and stop, of
course - and then it started directing me back out of town and back
450 miles away! So I just don't bother using it when I know I will
blow a bunch of time on it - I ask the parking valet where something
is instead, and use my maps. Or I use my phone. Showing the milage to
your destination sounds like a nice option to have, but mine doesn't
seem to have it. And I did have the stealership show me how to erase
things on it, and it is a lot more than hitting return three times.
You have to change screens and back in and out - real mess and takes a
lot of time. Not a winner by far, and certainly not worth the money if
you have to pay extra for it, but lots of people have lots of time to
play with that sort of hostile system. I got it because I had to take
it to get the pre-crash safety system that tightens belts and readies
brakes that is basic on a lot of cars.

GMs On-Star is the best way to go. No need to program anything and no need
to do anything but tell the operator where you want to go and listen to the
directions. Much safer....Most adults are not intellectually equipped to
handle this built in electronic wonder.
"tech" <fatbastard_9 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

Many of the Toyota nav systems have an override code to allow for entering
new addresses etc while the car is moving. You can search on the net to
find needed sequence. The override instructions for my Highlander are as
follows. I have been told that this works on some Lexus models

"To Override : Push the menu button, push the volume icon in the middle the
screen, push the volume icon in the top left corner of the screen, push the
bottom left corner (with no icon), push the volume icon in the top left
corner of the screen (again), push the botton left corner (with no icon)
(again). At this point a new menu appears. Some cool stuff here like the GPS
satellite data. I would not mess with stuff though, because you might screw
up your car. One of the buttons says "override" push and hold this button
for 5 seconds, then release. The button will stay blue. Then push the back
button."


"GIga" <a@b.com> wrote

I've heard that some other makes (like Honda) do not have the limited access
of the Toyota navigation systems.

Unfortunately there is no sequence known to work on my 1997 Lexus GS 350
navigation. If someone knows of one please let me know.

Jeff

Mitchell D. Trockman wrote:

I bought a Garmin C-330 at Wal-Mart for $300 and it works beautifully, and
is portable.
Unfortunately, it has a Windshield mounting bracket which must be used for
charging the battery. However, I have a carpet on the dash, so attached
Velcro to the bottom of the unit and also on the steering column. Now I can
set it in several places. And it can be changed by the passenger while
driving.
But, my car is a 2000 Avalon.

"Jeff" <Willliam (AT) naol (DOT) com> wrote

On Sat, 14 Apr 2007 07:39:58 -0400, "Graybeard"
<graybeard32 (AT) cfl (DOT) rr.com> graced this newsgroup with:

<snip>.... However, I have a carpet on the dash, so attached

I can't imagine a Lexus with carpet on the dash. Yeesh.

In my 2003 Lexus ES300, the Garmin C-330 with windshield mounting bracket is
mounted in the ashtray. I put a square wood stick .5" by .5" by 1.5" wrapped
in a non-slip material on each side of the ashtray insert and stuck the
windshield mount into it, fitting perfect, powered from the centre console
outlet. The GPS has full movement up/down/sideways as necessary. This setup
solved the problem for me and best of all keeps the unit out of sight and no
marks on the windshield.
When parking the car, just remove the ashtray insert with the GPS in it and
store it into the centre console with the wire attached. This setup worked
well for us during our recent 4,500 mile trip.

"Graybeard" <graybeard32 (AT) cfl (DOT) rr.com> wrote