JayNetAdmi

I have a 2006 Lexus LS 430 I bought a couple months ago with no in-dash navigation. The price was great and the car well speaks for itself.

I would like to install a in-dash navigation system but it seem very difficult because it seem custom molding must be create in order to have the new in-dash navigation system blend in with the Lexus wood panel.

Has anyone come across this type of situation?

Is there any in-dash navigation I can buy that fit perfectly for my car?

I was thinking about buying a used lexus brand navigation for 06' Lexus LS 430, but don't feel like taken risk and can't afford to waste money.

I was going to buy a Garmin, but man it suck to have a portable navigation system instead of in-dash for such an expensive kool car.

I just want to have navigation, dvd, mp3 and all te bells and whistles that comes along with in-dash navigation.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Here's one from our member motohide.
Main thing is the dash kit / harness. double din HU is up to you

http://www.club4ag.com/motols430.htm

AlexusAnja

Double din to replace the radio is best bet and cheapest too. Unless you go the $6000 route and replace the whole middle console to "match" the OEM look.

The only thing I don't like with the aftermarket on radio is that it's not even LOWER than the OEM screen so you take your eyes off the road even further. Quite dangerous I would think...

motohide

The best part is once your system is running on the Beatsonic kit, upgrade options are limitless for peripheral add-on... I have a rear view cam, iPod, HDD mp3 player, DVD and BT Phone. Awesome stuff.

Schnitz

iTrader: (5)

Would it not be possible to replace the center dash portion that included the vents, climate control & CD with one out of a wrecked LS430 with Navigation? My best guess from comparing images of the 2 would be that the hardware is a direct fit. The electrical would be the hardest part from what I can see.

Ay-nako

iTrader: (25)

wow this looks cool, woulda done this if i didnt have nav!!

AlexusAnja

Oh yeah, junkyard parts are always an option. Probably save 1/2 off original retail but still looking at probably $3000. From the Nav unit, to the radio, to the vents, then the Nav antenna, the backup camera, DVD unit, etc. come to think of it, probably run $4000 even from junkyard. Then of course, having to install it. That's why, if you want an in-dash, always better just going with OEM and leave it as is. Otherwise, go with portable units.

Carmelstev

JayNetAdmi-

You seriously should go look at and use the Lexus Gen4 Nav before you spend thousands of dollars on tearing out your dash. The factory navigation is one of the most griped-about features of this otherwise awesome car. Personally, even though it doesn't look quite as cool, I've gone to using a portable unit on mine, even though I have factory-installed. The portable is just so much better and easier to use, is able to upgrade the maps for a fraction of the cost, and best of all is able to be used enroute.

I guess my second choice, if you just have to have in-dash would be aftermarket double-din. I did this on my truck with a Kenwood unit and it's pretty nice.

Just my opinion.

Steve

mafpolo

The factory in dash units are still behind the times. The portables show weather, traffic, and have far more detailed info. The other thing I like about portables is that they track your speed via GPS, so you can see how far off your speedo is.

Last weekend, I drove my daughter's 325 to the beach. At 80mph on her speedometer, we are really doing 76mph. Also, the factory units don't do well with re-routing, offering various routes (other than the old "highways, fastest, shortest route," etc.).

My wife and I both have factory built in. They aren't as good as the Garmin portable, but I do understand the aesthetics of the dash and cabin with the factory unit.

AlexusAnja

My RX has a Garmin 660 portable while LS430 the factory and I would still take factory over a portable. The Garmin is wireless so doesn't need to be hardwired in to work, but just having "sit" on top of the dash or windshield is just so... ugh. Breaks up the whole interior look. It's definitely for those vehicles that don't have the NAV option.

I have friend from school who has a wired portable Nav, wired radar detector, sat. radio, and a USB interface and when everything is hooked up, it looks like his dash blew up and all the interiors came out. Just looks terrible.

airtime

My main question would be, are you really going to be using the NAV that much or you want the look? I have the factory nav, and I realistically don't use it that much. I may travel once a month in an area I'm not use to, so that would add up to 12 times a year. Definitely not worth the $3000 to $5000 to replace the whole dash.

Motohide and Bonafyd has the cleanest aftermarket setup and I would do the same so I can get all the normal features of a modern car like nav, dvd, backup camera, Bluetooth, etc if I didn't have the factory unit. But for just navigation, pick up a $100 unit and stick it on the window when you need it.

bonafyd

iTrader: (6)

1 LS430 +Beatsonic kit +Kenwood DNX8120=My whip

stock_sc

iTrader: (2)

anyone retain their steering wheel controls?

Suneet

Bumping this thread-- has anyone replaced factory navigation with an aftermarket headunit? The link above was replacing the non-navi equipped verison.

I'm in the market for an LS, but is very hard to find the color combo you want + non-navi (which is ideal for me) since I plan on replacing the head unit..

Thanks,
Suneet

zbs60

Sweet! I have nav in mine; but if I didn't, this is definately what I would do. I would not spend the money to recreate the factory set-up.