Is Gen 5 NAV latest version on RX350?
03-07-08, 03:40 AM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Is Gen 5 NAV latest version on RX350?
I was looking at a new 2008 RX350 at a dealer lot and it says it has a "Generation 5 Navigation System ......". Since I have never had a car with NAV, can I assume they have different "Generation" for each model year and "Gen 5" was for model year 2008? How do I know whether this Gen 5 NAV has the latest map information? I sure hate to find out after buying the vehicle that I have to spend another $400+ 3 or 4 months later to update the maps. Please advise. Thanks.
03-07-08, 03:49 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
the "Gen" is loosely the the hardware and operating system. it does NOT change every year. Some higer end Lexus 07 models have Gen5 systems too and the 09 RX has Gen5. Whatever hardware in in your car when you buy will be the Gen version for the life of the car. Perhaps there will be a Gen6 in other 2009 models but i'm not aware of any hardware out yet that newer than Gen5.
you are on the right track tho and what you are really after is that you should be getting the latest DVD version of maps etc. That is DVD 7.1. (released in 2007) Next time you are in the car, try pressing the dest button (with the car on) You can see what version is in the car by then pressing the map dvd button. it will display the version. if dest doesnt bring up a map button, try menu. the map dvd button is in there somewhere and it will display the dvd version.
dvd V8 will be out sometime this year but haven't seen anything about it's release. I wouldn't sweat the diff between 7 and 8 so much. There is no reason to get stuck with v6 in an 08 car. If the car was made early enough in the production run, it may have 6 installed 'new'. Ask the dealer to upgrade to v7 as part of the deal. "upgrade" means putting a new dvd in a nav dvd player. it's that simple. again, while it's not a huge deal, there isnt any reason not to have the latest map version in your new car IMO.
fyi, as you can tell there is a new nav dvd put out every year. You don't have to buy it yearly or ever. your system will work as purchased 'forever' but a new set of maps and points of interest is put out every year. If you've had a lot of new development in your area over the last couple of years, maybe worth upgrading every few years, otherwise not. Depends on how you use your system.
you are on the right track tho and what you are really after is that you should be getting the latest DVD version of maps etc. That is DVD 7.1. (released in 2007) Next time you are in the car, try pressing the dest button (with the car on) You can see what version is in the car by then pressing the map dvd button. it will display the version. if dest doesnt bring up a map button, try menu. the map dvd button is in there somewhere and it will display the dvd version.
dvd V8 will be out sometime this year but haven't seen anything about it's release. I wouldn't sweat the diff between 7 and 8 so much. There is no reason to get stuck with v6 in an 08 car. If the car was made early enough in the production run, it may have 6 installed 'new'. Ask the dealer to upgrade to v7 as part of the deal. "upgrade" means putting a new dvd in a nav dvd player. it's that simple. again, while it's not a huge deal, there isnt any reason not to have the latest map version in your new car IMO.
fyi, as you can tell there is a new nav dvd put out every year. You don't have to buy it yearly or ever. your system will work as purchased 'forever' but a new set of maps and points of interest is put out every year. If you've had a lot of new development in your area over the last couple of years, maybe worth upgrading every few years, otherwise not. Depends on how you use your system.
Last edited by ecount00; 03-07-08 at 04:21 PM.
03-07-08, 09:27 AM
#3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
fyi, as you can tell there is a new nav dvd put out every year. You don't have to buy it yearly or ever. your system will work as purchased 'forever' but a new set of maps and points of interest is put out every year. If you've had a lot of new development in your area over the last couple of years, maybe worth upgrading every few years, otherwise not. Depends on how you use your system.
03-07-08, 10:15 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
my experience is price for new dvd clusters around $240-260. +/- depending on dealer. you can sometimes pick them up cheaper from ebay. be sure you are getting a factory original not a copy and be sure you get the right generation disk for your car. e.g. dvd 7.1 comes in gen4 and gen5. as you know, the 08RX would be Gen5.
No direct experience but I'll bet the dealer install charge will be $50 to $75. And seriously, for an 08 RX it's as easy as putting a new dvd in a dvd player. You can walk into the dealer, go to parts, buy one and take it with you if you want. The nav dvd player is under the rear cargo floor, easy to get to. If you want to pay them to do it because it's convenient, that's your choice of course. don't pay to have it done because you think you can't do it yourself.
No direct experience but I'll bet the dealer install charge will be $50 to $75. And seriously, for an 08 RX it's as easy as putting a new dvd in a dvd player. You can walk into the dealer, go to parts, buy one and take it with you if you want. The nav dvd player is under the rear cargo floor, easy to get to. If you want to pay them to do it because it's convenient, that's your choice of course. don't pay to have it done because you think you can't do it yourself.
Last edited by ecount00; 03-07-08 at 04:22 PM.
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