silvervett

On one of my trips to TX last Oct I had so much stuff packed in the car I couldn't see anything behind me so the back up camera came in handy, BTW the Garmin SP 7500 does work with a back up camera. it is pre wired for a camera but you need to buy the camera. I have seeen license plate mounted cameras for sale but I don't recall how much they sell for or who sellls them.

ssvlaunch

I just picked up a certified pre-owned 330 after putting 100000+ miles on my certified RX 300. I wanted to put a nav system in it with real time traffic, Sirius, etc. I was quoted $2500 installed with a custom dash mod for the Alpine unit that has a removable portable nav unit. Full blue tooth for phone, steering wheel controls active, touch screen, better sound, and I think they said they could install a rear view camera too, but that have been the Kenwood unit. Anyway, considering the cost of a factory unit sounds pretty good to me. http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...&lang=en&tab=A

VroomVroom

I'm always interested in discussions like these. I've experienced Acura, Audi, and GM nav systems and have found the Lexus to be the most intuitive of the bunch. In over four years of driving vehicles with such a system I've never felt the need to leverage a hack that would allow me to make changes enroute. Maybe I'm well in the minority on this, but it's a criticism of built-in systems that I've never personally found to be be valid.

As much as I like handheld/mobile units (I've got a Garmin and am considering an upgrade - these units are perfect for traveling, hiking, driving rentals/loaners, etc.) I really like the elegance of an integrated deck and can't imagine owning a vehicle without one. Along with a sunroof, memory seats, and now bluetooth integration, it's on the 'must-have' list for any car I purchase.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. It's interesting to learn all that's involved with adding a nav deck to a Lexus. I've done a couple of GM pickup & SUV installs, and while they involve digging into the dash a bit it appears the Lexus is much more complicated.