Craig B

I agree, it's even worse in my LS 460. I had the maps updated once, but it can never find an
address when I need to use it. I end up using my I Phone for directions. Waste of money...

T4Fun

and whats with the numbers, letters DE lighting when youre typing...ludicrous design from software engineers whoever makes the controls for toyota

SaniDel

I think we are missing the big picture.

A built-in navigation system has an inherent advantage over an add-on or portable system, much less a 'phone because it is integrated with the vehicle. It uses multiple sensors (steering wheel angle, tire slip, measured vehicle speed, etc. plus GPS signals ... any other system uses only GPS signals. LIke any dedicated, purpose-designed hardware, it may not have the slickest user interface, but it works better for a single purpose, which is to navigate the vehicle.

There are multiple ways to program the navigation system in addition to simple keyboarding of addresses. I maintain a library of destinations on the Lexus Driver site, which I update from my computer and download to the vehicle. If I need a new address while on the road, Destination Assistance puts me in touch with a Lexus representative who can download the destination into the navigation system while enroute.

I don't know the laws in other states, but in Delaware holding a 'phone while driving is a primary offense, i.e., you will be stopped if the police observe you holding a 'phone, regardless of what you were doing with it. So much for using Google or an iPhone!
Regards,

SaniDel


P.S. My understanding is that navigation is an option, i.e., the GX460 could have been ordered without the navigation touchscreen with just the "Multi-Information Display" instead. The navigation option was an expensive option ... why would someone pay to configure their vehicle with the navigation option, but refuse to use it? Wouldn't it be better to share ways of using what we paid for rather than to rant about why we don't?

MickeyS

[QUOTE=SaniDel;7508031


P.S. My understanding is that navigation is an option, i.e., the GX460 could have been ordered without the navigation touchscreen with just the "Multi-Information Display" instead. The navigation option was an expensive option ... why would someone pay to configure their vehicle with the navigation option, but refuse to use it? Wouldn't it be better to share ways of using what we paid for rather than to rant about why we don't?[/QUOTE]

I absolutely agree with you, and by the way I am very happy with the navigation system in my GX. Like any other navigation system, sometimes I get locations that are not in the map or other glitches but that's why we have Lexus Enform, which I use it a lot!

CdeFabio

I am not so sure about that, in my 2012, on the screen where it shows the version I also have a map update button. Perhaps this has changed on newer vehicles.

LexBob2

After buying the USB either online or at a dealership (around $169) you have to take the vehicle in to a dealership where it's hooked up to a laptop to complete the updated map installation.

SaniDel

What sense does it make to buy this gadget AND also to pay the dealership to install it? That sounds like going to Pep Boys to buy new oil and a filter and then paying the dealership to change them. Just pay the dealership to update the navigation system and be done with it!

What is the residual value of the $169 gadget after it has been used exactly one time? Presumably you can't return it for credit since the content has been used, it is only useful to a GX 460 owner and it will become worthless with the next software update. That sounds like a "white elephant" to me.
Regards,

SaniDel


Rant Warning: Some of the suggestions made on this forum appear motivated more to avoid paying the dealership for service than by common sense. We own a vehicle that set us back at least $60 thousand, we bought it from a Lexus dealer, Lexus covers it with a bumper to bumper warranty for four years and a limited warranty after that ... it's not a Yugo! If it was good enough to buy from Lexus it's good enough to be serviced at Lexus. Sorry ... rant off

rockydog

It can make sense to buy online at a reputable dealer (like Sewell) and get it installed locally. I shopped around Lexus parts depts and bought the Nav USB key, then had the update installed during routine service. A little over $100 difference from the quote for only updating the Nav.

andreys

Actually, built-in navigation is not as advanced as you may think. Built-in navigation uses two components: GPS antenna and speed sensor (within transmission). Nothing fancy, really.

In 99.9% of cases GPS signal is more than enough, the system can get your moving speed very accurately. Speed sensor is used only when there is no GPS signal.

The reason Lexus moved to USB on newer vehicles and to card-number activations on 2013+ is to prevent people from "sharing" DVD. So now, no matter what, you have to do an update at the dealership. Just a way to make more money after the sale.

LexBob2

I keep wondering if competition from smart phones and portable GPS units will drive down the cost of USB/dealer updates (currently <$300?) but it's not happening. I think the cost of the USB came down to $169 from $199 a while back, maybe that's a start.

SaniDel

This is the most complete resource I have found:

http://www.lexusnavigation.com

$169 is the price for all except the first generation of hardware, which is more expensive, perhaps because it was hard-drive based. That supports the suggestion that competition from other electronics will continue to drive down the price. If it was ~ $300 at one time, $169 is a welcome change.

The remaining unknown is the labor cost to perform the update. I'm planning to update in late-November when our 2010 GX 460 goes in for its annual full service and hope to get version 12.1. I'll let the forum know how much I am charged for the labor.
Regards,

SaniDel

P.S. How our dealership gets the update is their business ... I'll neither know nor care if they buy a USB 'gadget', a DVD or download directly. All I want is for the update to be done and NOT to worry about how they do it, much less to be responsible for the 'gadget' that did it ... I don't provide their wrenches and shop rags, nor their gadgets!

Capirato

You will get the latest Version.

~ Cap

LexBob2

When I mentioned the $300 figure that was the total cost to install the update. $169 for the USB and $130 or so for the labor at the dealership. I've had a hard time pinning down the dealer as to how much labor is usually involved.

SaniDel

It seems strange that something as routine as updating the navigation system isn't standardized. The labor for oil and filter changes, detailing and other routine service items are. I'll find out in late-November!
Regards,

SaniDel

LexBob2

I thought so too. I'm going in in late-Nov too and plan to pin them down a bit on the labor rate.