When I finally take delivery of my GS430 it will be the first new car I've owned with a NAV system. I was wondering, can you store certain destinations/addresses and if so, how many? Are there any other neat features I should be aware of? (I know I'll read the owners manual once my car gets here, but I'm anxious to "learn" about it now).

Thanks in advance!

 

If it's anything like the systems I've seen (and used) on the LS, then you can store 106 Memory Points---locations on a map.

Of these, 6 can be stored as 'Quick Access' Memory Points, called 'Home,' 1, 2, 3, etc. Those points can be accessed by touchscreen at any time, including when the car is in motion. The other 100 Memory Points, you can access by touchscreen when the car is stopped or less than 5 MPH.

No need to worry as Lexus typically includes a CD-ROM/audio CD which talks/shows you through the NAVI features. Enjoy!!!

A site which is similar to the CD-ROM is: http://www.lexus.com/assets/navigati...us_nav_56k.htm

Neat features...the NAVI calendar works like a PDA which can store notes/memos for particular days of the year; the Maintenance menu can be programmed to remind you of specific or customizable maintenance details such as 'change tires,' etc. by date or mileage...not to mention the voice commands and bluetooth!

Oh and should you ever change tires, be sure to use the 'Recalibrate' feature on the NAVI menu so that the GPS will take into account your new tires and the effects those have on car speed.

One other thing---take care of the NAVI screen, I read that a fine eyeglasses cloth should be used when cleaning it...be sure to note of that when taking your new GS to the cleaners!

CONGRATS on your new GS!!!

 

My 06 GS430 is the first car that I have had NAV on and I am really getting attached to it.

You can set your destination using a variety of methods. You first set the Zone (group of States) that you are searching for your destination. Then you can enter the address or phone number or even the Latitude/Longitude. The Lat/Long is the method I mostly use as I have DeLorme's Street Atlas that I use on my PC to look up an address then I take the Lat/Long values from my PC and enter it into the NAV.

My latest road trip had 4 destinations that I entered before leaving. I entered my Lat/Long for 2 destinations, an address for one and a phone number for the other. I then put my destinations in order and off I went. You can also adjust the average Speed on 3 different road types such as city (25) main road (60) freeway (70). After making these adjustments you will get a small window showing the miles and estimated time to your first destination. If you have multiple destinations you can select the icon and it will show you the distance and ETA to each destination.

Once you set your destination you will be given a choice of 3 Routes to choose from. In the middle of your trip you can select the Detour button to find other alternate routes. There are up to 6 different screen settings that can even show you all upcoming exits on a freeway and what services are available.

The POI's are great. You can turn on Restautants (or specific types) and search ahead and select the POI icons to see what restauarants are ahead and either Mark the location which will be inserted as a destination or even get a phone number if you want to call ahead (of course handsfree with your Bluetooth phone).

One of the best features to me is that you get a small icon in the upper right corner that tells you the distance (and turning direction) to the next turn or exit. This is great when traveling through a large city so you don't get stuck in the wrong lane. Also I have found it useful when on a two lane road when you are enjoying the curves so that the next turn won't sneak up on you.

The CD that comes with the GS is very good and goes into great detail. However I have found that while any NAV system can take some getting used the Lexus GS system is very intuitive. You're going to LOVE IT.

 

when it comes to storing address, i just want to suggest NOT put in your home address i the home memory.... imagine if someone steals your car, drive it to your home, and you have homelink programmed. awesome sequence....

that's what my sales told me, and so i never program my home info

 

Yeah, what would be the purpose of putting in your home address anyway . . .

 

It's unlikely...but possible. One way around this is put your home at the entrance to your subdivision or at a nearby major intersection. Of course, if you have your proof of insurance or registration in glove box with your address on it, it's really a moot point anyways.

 

Rominl,
Just a question: How can they steel my car and drive it?! I thought that they coul tow it but not drive it.

 

.Setting your home address as a 'Quick Access' Memory Point allows you to select a route home while still driving (without pulling over to stop); it also lets you use voice command 'Go Home'...

 

Well, again, there is a very little chance that a “kid” can simply steel your car without having the car’s remote control and go for a joy ride. The probability is even smaller that the first thing they would do is to go your house. It also makes no sense buying the Law-Jack either.
Yes, a valet can go to your house while you are having a lobster in a restaurant but this is again very unlikely. I am maybe very naïve but I am not going to worry about every security detail. I hope that Lexus built in my car enough security precautions.

 

what does the screen look like without the nav? does it look the same like a RX300 screen? might sound like a dumb question but i only seen navi models

 

How about valet parking at some very nice restaurant? O.K, you hand them your key and you're inside the restaurant for about 1 hr or more. So, a very smart crooked can figure this out and they just hit " Home " on the nav, open the garage from Home Link and use your house key to enter your house. It won't take them long to grab some of your valuable and bring the car back to the restaurant. All whole job may take about 1 hr.

I enter the "Home" address with the address from the Hot Wings place nearby. I can tell you my address " 2700 Braselton Hwy, Buford, GA 30519".... . If somebody steal my car or whatever and press " Home", they will find out that they can steal a lot chicken wings....

 

i think a thief would be an idiot to steal your car and then drive it to your home...that's really asking to get caught.

 

I know, but Lexus think about the valet parking scenario just to caution all the customers and like we know about Toyota/Lexus, they think about every little detail. Heck, I agree with their idea and better be safe than sorry.

 

True, but if you give your house key to the valet...they'd be stuck in my garage with a whole ton of gardening equipment to steal...

 

well, not with a gun. who knows, they do anything for money