Hello, there is a great possiblilty that I will be buying a 2007 RX from someone within my family. He only purchased the Value Luxury Package which doesn't include the NAV or HID's. When I get this car I would like to upgrade those type of things. How difficult is it to do and could the RX family help an ES guy out with threads and install, etc.

Thanks

 

If you really want Nav and HID's, you may want to buy it low from the family member then sell it and buy up. That way you'll have everything working properly, higher insurance replacement value, higher resale value, etc. Of course if the family member wants retail for it, let it go to someone else. Though it can be fun, I've found that upgrading a poorly-optioned car to make it appear to be a highly-optioned version of the same model is over the long run an unwise investment.

 

The HID project is more than just the lights, you have the AFS system which has sensors to control the height and directional pattern. One headlight from the factory is about $1,400, so you are looking at an enormous bill, even if you get the parts from Ebay or the like.

The NAV system is nothing to write home about either. A good aftermarket system will do a lot more for a lot less, IMHO.

 

There are many options for aftermarket NAV and backup camera installations. Beat Sonic makes an excellent harness/faceplate for our cars.

This Kenwood DNX6960 added nav, backup camera, BT, iPod, DVD and more to my car and I couldn't be more pleased with the result.

Here's my install thread. Which should give you an idea of what is involved.

 

NAV upgrade from what I have heard is too expensive and very involved. In your case you might not have a choice. Just use a portable GPS.

The HID as well. Good luck with your potential purchase.

 

Thanks for the help!

As far as detailing goes. What do you guys like to use on the dash. I have tried several products but still get the matte finish that it had before.

 

You want to keep the matte finish the way it is. If it gets too shiny you get a reflection off it on to your windshield making it hard to see.

For your interior trim pieces and dash you want to use something containing UV protection. Most here using 303 Aerospace, Vinylex or similar.