Bobcat

I'm thinking about buying a 99 GS400 with factory navigation. Is it a good product ... I realize it's probably not as good as the newer aftermarket stuff by Alpine & Pioneer. What are some of it's limitations? How do you upgrade/update the maps?

Thanks.

Maurice

I have a 99 GS400 with NAV - The Navigation system is terrific.
This model came with 3 free updates. The 99 is Hard Drive based (not CD ROM or DVD) - it responds very fast. The update takes place by replacing the Hard Drive

The touch screen makes data entry very easy and fast. I have a 2001 JAG that has a DVD based NAV from Alpine. It is not even close to the one in the Lexus.

The screen also serves as the control unit for the AC, trip computer, stereo functions, etc.

Bobcat

Thanks for the input Maurice !

It's good to hear that the system is so good. I have a 99 GS400 without the nav and have considered trading my car in on one with Nav or upgrading my current GS to get the NAV.

Anyone have any idea how much it costs to upgrade the car to NAV. My guess is that it costs AT LEAST $5K installed.

Maurice

It was a $5K plus option in 1999, but it included the HID lights and the rear spoiler in that package.

The new GS430 has a DVD based system also very good.
I am returning my GS400 in a couple weeks (it was leased) and I can tell you the Navigation System is one of the things I will miss the most.

As I said, I have A Navigation system in my new car, and even though it is three years later, the one in the GS400 is far superior.

I don't know if it is worth trying to install a factory original NAV. The newer ones are DVD based and this one is Hard Drive based (but the fact that it was a hard drive makes it respond to reroutings quite fast)

Bobcat

Oh, you're the guy with the leased 99 for sale in California. If we could figure out a way to avoid Md state sales tax and get it out to the east coast for free I'd be willing to give you $32,500 for yer GS.

Maurice

It would not work. The residual and purchase fee are higher than that. You are better off finding a local one. But thanks. One advantage of leasing has always been not having to worry about selling a car - back it goes....

I played with the NAV of the 2002 LS430 - I like the graphics and bigger screen - according to the dealer they added a couple of features unique to the LS NAV for 2002 - among them the ability to plan a complex route with many stops...