Auto Insurance Auto Insurance    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Register   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Lexus Navigation System - Opinions Goto page 1, 2  Next          Auto Insurance Forum Index -> Lexus View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message AlanW Guest Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 1:18 am    Post subject: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor jdoe Guest Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 1:41 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions On Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:18:07 -0400, AlanW <alanw252@cox.net> wrote: Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan it's very expensive option that is needed by some and not by others, I have it and probably would not get a car without it again Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Ray O Guest Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:04 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions "AlanW" <alanw252@cox.net> wrote in message news:k580135qkr0tgcvc1rb9jv2ood5d67sqev@4ax.com... Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan A GPS navigation system is a very convenient option, especially when traveling on unfamiliar roads. A navigation system is useful even on trips that are less than 3,000 miles. There are aftermarket options that are less expensive to acquire and less expensive to update, but in my opinion, the displays on many are too small to easily read. I see many aftermarket systems that are stuck to the windshield, and it seems like they would be difficult to see in glare conditions, would obstruct the view out of the windshield, and would invite theft. The other advantage of a portable GPS unit is that you can use it in more than one vehicle, even rental cars. In auto magazine reviews, the Lexus navigation system is usually described as one of the easiest to use, and I agree. Visibility and clarity are good, the in-dash installation looks much more integrated than one stuck to the windshield, and satellite acquisition is much quicker than on my hand-held portable unit. On the negative side, you cannot input destinations while the vehicle is moving unless you purchase an aftermarket kit that bypasses the safety feature, the option is expensive, and update DVD's are expensive. -- Ray O (correct punctuation to reply) Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Max Guest Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:31 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions On Sun, 01 Apr 2007 17:18:07 -0400, AlanW <alanw252@cox.net> graced this newsgroup with: Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan it's an expensive option and updates, (which depending on where you live/travel may not be a necessary annual need), are $200+ for the update DVDs but they're much nicer than aftermarket displays haphazardly stuck to the dash or windshield and at least in this area (metro DC area), are a high theft item (the portable ones that is). I have the OEM nav system in my 02 LS430 and at first, I thought it was an expensive luxury but I can't imagine not having it now. When you need directions *now*, there's absolutely, positively no substitute. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor D.D. Palmer Guest Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 2:49 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions I prefer my portable GARMIN NUVI 350, which I use instead of the built in one in my 2004 Lexus LS430. Absolutely, positively the portable GARMIN is the way to go, as you can move it from car to car and use it when fly-n-driving. That being said, buying a high-end vehicle today WITHOUT navigation is somewhat like buying a car without airconditioning...it will save you money upfront and is fine if you can live without it....but if youi don't keep the vehicle for about 7 years, you'll lose more on resale than you will save upfront. My suggestion, frankly, is to get both. The Garmin can be had for about $400 and the Lexus built-in unit will pay for itself at resale time. "AlanW" <alanw252@cox.net> wrote in message news:k580135qkr0tgcvc1rb9jv2ood5d67sqev@4ax.com... Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor mcbrue Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:05 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of electronics in it. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor David Z Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:12 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> wrote in message news:1175555134.824929.19550@p15g2000hsd.googlegroups.com... Quote: The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of electronics in it. You should know. Nothing could be more useless than you are. <G> Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Max Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:40 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions On 2 Apr 2007 16:05:34 -0700, "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> graced this newsgroup with: Quote: The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of electronics in it. only a deaf, dumb and blind retard couldn't figure out how to use something my 13 yo daughter figured out in 5 minutes. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Jerohm Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 3:59 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions "AlanW" <alanw252@cox.net> wrote in message news:k580135qkr0tgcvc1rb9jv2ood5d67sqev@4ax.com... Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan The GPS nothing short of wonderful, when you get used to how to operate them, BUT they ARE a driving distraction to the uninitiated, so be careful when learning, and BE VERY CAREFUL about lending your car to those who are not familiar with using it. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor jdoe Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:22 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions On Mon, 02 Apr 2007 19:40:54 -0400, Max <max@nospam.net> wrote: Quote: On 2 Apr 2007 16:05:34 -0700, "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> graced this newsgroup with: The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of electronics in it. only a deaf, dumb and blind retard couldn't figure out how to use something my 13 yo daughter figured out in 5 minutes. you figured out this guy real fast. you and your daughter are pretty sharp Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor GIga Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 6:24 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions What a shocker. You couldn't figure out how to use something as easy to use as the Lexus Nav. Have you figured out how to walk and chew gum at the same time yet? "Whatta Maroooon!" "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> wrote in message news:1175555134.824929.19550@p15g2000hsd.googlegroups.com... Quote: The system is nearly useless. Very difficult to use with weird little messages. Regular maps are much better. Nobody at the dealers knows much about making it useful either. If you have the time, you can read the two books about it. But I guess you probably want to buy one - the next person buying the car will expect to find the useless lump of electronics in it. Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor mcbrue Guest Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 8:08 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you stopped to use the nav ... Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor GIga Guest Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:42 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5 mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can 'o wormies! "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> wrote in message news:1175573299.480641.138120@p77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com... Quote: Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you stopped to use the nav ... Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor tech Guest Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:50 am    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions 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@cox.net> wrote in message news:k580135qkr0tgcvc1rb9jv2ood5d67sqev@4ax.com... Quote: I am contemplating the purchase of a new Lexus GS or ES.I take at least one 3000 mile roadtrip a year. I would appreciate opinions (pro or con) on the navigation system. Is it worthwhile or is it just a very expensive option? Thanks. Alan Back to top   Ads Advertising Sponsor Jeff Guest Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 4:44 pm    Post subject: Re: Lexus Navigation System - Opinions 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: Quote: Actually, the Nav makes absolutely no assumptions what-so-ever about what state your destination is in, and will provide you with a list of matching desinations in ANY state that's in the region you have selected... so, my question to you is, what the hell are you talking about? As for taking 5 minutes to "erase" what you entered, it's hard to imagine how hitting the "back" button 3 times takes 5 mintues, but I guess if your IQ is below 40, these things do take some time. If you want to bitch about the Nav, you should point out that the safety nazis (a.k.a. "lawyers") don't allow you to program the Nav while you're moving because maroon's like you would sue them for allowing them to be stupid and kill themselves. Personally, I like Darwinian evolution, and I think stupid people should be allowed to kill themselves if they choose to. But that's a whole nuther can 'o wormies! "mcbrue" <mcbrue@aol.com> wrote in message news:1175573299.480641.138120@p77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com... Nothing to it - anybody can walk and chew gum at the same time. But now when you try to use the nav system and walk and chew gum at the same time - you have to stop walking to use the nav. And then you have to try to erase some destinations that take 5 min to erase. And then you have to make sure it knows what state you want to find the Gum Store in because it will direct you to the last state you were in for some strange reason. Better to just use the map you stuck to the dash board with the gum you were chewing before it got stale when you stopped to use the nav ... 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