IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

GPS advice please?

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Old 07-07-09, 06:32 AM
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Edz71
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Default GPS advice please?

Hi all,...........

I'm looking for a portable GPS device that can be dash mounted in my IS. What do all recomend, what won't destroy the dash ?

Thanks,.....
Edz
Old 07-07-09, 06:40 AM
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Kurtz
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Originally Posted by Edz71
Hi all,...........

I'm looking for a portable GPS device that can be dash mounted in my IS. What do all recomend, what won't destroy the dash ?

Thanks,.....
Edz
Garmin Nuvi with a friction mount.

Doesn't do anything to the dash at all, sits perfectly in the flat area above the center stack, fits in the center console easily to hide it, and it not only does a lot more than the OEM GPS system it's a whole lot cheaper too.


Picture of such a setup here:
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/photo...mount_side.jpg

Note I think that's an older nuvi, the current ones will be thinner and won't have that goofy flip-up antenna thing sticking out the top either.

Last edited by Kurtz; 07-07-09 at 06:44 AM.
Old 07-07-09, 07:41 AM
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Edz71
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Originally Posted by Kurtz
Garmin Nuvi with a friction mount.

Doesn't do anything to the dash at all, sits perfectly in the flat area above the center stack, fits in the center console easily to hide it, and it not only does a lot more than the OEM GPS system it's a whole lot cheaper too.


Picture of such a setup here:
http://gpstracklog.typepad.com/photo...mount_side.jpg

Note I think that's an older nuvi, the current ones will be thinner and won't have that goofy flip-up antenna thing sticking out the top either.
Thanks,.........
Old 07-07-09, 07:43 AM
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Allen K
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I agree with Kurtz. The Garmin + friction mount combo is awesome. Plus it won't leave marks on your windshield that tell thieves that you have a GPS.
Old 07-07-09, 07:52 AM
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Clay Easto
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I just bought this for my sister yesterday - great deal:

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product..._-TomTomXL340S

I have a Garmin Nuvi 200 (the basic model). It has always worked well for me.
Old 07-07-09, 09:49 AM
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Kansas
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I've found a portable GPS to be easier to reach if mounted on a bracket. Here are photos of a Magellan and Garmin Nuvi in our 00 LS and 98 Camry. The power cords are mostly hidden and connected so the portable navs turn on and off automatically with the car's ignition switches. We have extra power cords for use in rental cars. We usually don't remove the navs from their brackets -- just throw something over them to hide them. They aren't very noticable from outside the cars anyway. My little wife couldn't reach her nav while driving when it was on a beanbag or the windshield but she can easily reach it on the bracket.

The brackets I've used for mounting phone cradles and navigation devices on Lexus and Toyota cars do not cause damage to the dash but most of them do require popping out the radio head unit and HVAC controls -- pretty easy to do on most Toyota/Lexus vehicles.
Attached Thumbnails GPS advice please?-gps-on-profit-bracket-small.jpg   GPS advice please?-nuvi-smaller-3.jpg  

Last edited by Kansas; 07-07-09 at 09:54 AM.
Old 07-07-09, 11:00 AM
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Sgt_K
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Hi, I have my Garmin Nuvi 770 mounted on a vent clip that mounts to one of the center AC vents. It really works well because it is right next to the steering wheel but it doesn’t block the window at all. Also, it was cheap, it was like $5.00.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...60B2B7SYQ2DP97
Old 07-07-09, 11:04 AM
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Sgt_K
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Here is a link to a pic for how I have mine mounted.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ml#post4265850
Old 07-07-09, 12:23 PM
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Edz71
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Ahh man ,........ thanks so much all of you guys !! This is making life so much easier because I am a cave man when it comes to electronics.

Edz
Old 07-07-09, 02:56 PM
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If you take out the ashtray and add some homemade concoction you can put a GPS there. The only downside is a bit low to see but a good place to hide, and pwr plug next to it you won't have cable dangling.
Old 07-07-09, 06:10 PM
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I have a TomTom Go 930. The suction mount that comes with it isn't that great and I didn't want anyhing on my windshield. I bought the additional old school tomtom mount that has the generic bendable arm with the suction cup. The key is that it came with a clip that attaches to the bendable arm that makes it work with the tom tom.

All I wanted was that clip as it has a flat back. I used really strong double sided tape and mounted that little tiny bracket over top of where the security lamp is.

The tape is strong and can be taken off in the future. The only problem I have is that the passenger hits it whith their knees sometimes.
Old 07-08-09, 07:06 AM
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Jefe's IS
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Many are now rechargable so you won't have to hide the cord.
Old 07-08-09, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Jefe's IS
Many are now rechargable so you won't have to hide the cord.
I know but the batteries don't last very long and besides some GPS will turn on automatically when ignition is on if you plug in the pwr cable.
Old 07-08-09, 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Kansas
I've found a portable GPS to be easier to reach if mounted on a bracket. Here are photos of a Magellan and Garmin Nuvi in our 00 LS and 98 Camry. The power cords are mostly hidden and connected so the portable navs turn on and off automatically with the car's ignition switches. We have extra power cords for use in rental cars. We usually don't remove the navs from their brackets -- just throw something over them to hide them. They aren't very noticable from outside the cars anyway. My little wife couldn't reach her nav while driving when it was on a beanbag or the windshield but she can easily reach it on the bracket.

The brackets I've used for mounting phone cradles and navigation devices on Lexus and Toyota cars do not cause damage to the dash but most of them do require popping out the radio head unit and HVAC controls -- pretty easy to do on most Toyota/Lexus vehicles.
My goodness... Are those like 1980's cell phones I see in those pics? Do those still work?
Old 07-08-09, 10:27 AM
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