356redux

Hey guys I'm getting ready to buy an 05-06 LS for my wife. I have been researching alot and CL has been the best source of info. Thanks for that. I can t decide between buying a car with the stock NAV unit and backup camera or getting a non nav car and adding an aftermarket Pioneer double din. On one hand is the oem nav and camera with bluetooth and i only need to add an aux in and I'm good. Or switch out to a pioneer with all the latest bells and whistles. My concern is the location of the double din unit with the dash kits I've seen. For the guys that have one, do you feel it is too low on the dash to use without taking your eyes off the road?

bmore430

Non nav and goin aftermarket is the way to go. The stock nav is outdated and have a decent failure rate with age also the climate control is in the stock nav which is a pain.

Find a premium package and do your own.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I disagree on the failure rate. Overall, the longevity is quite good. Most of the failures with the nav units are related to degraded weather stripping allowing water into the trunk where the unit lives and not the unit failing because of an inherent problem. As far as being outdated, this is very true.

andys57

One disappointment I have is that the Mark Levinson in my 2005 will not play MP3 files. Would love to able to condense the number of CD's I have to carry....

wuznme

VaisTech.... will allow that and more..

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

i have OEM nav with the beatsonic kit to run my pioneer non nav double din but has bluetooth.

jdotlim

iTrader: (1)

the look is outdated, but you can upgrade the CD and it shows all the new roads and POI.

I like the look of the stock nav. Mine works perfect, and i wouldn't change it. i would add an AUX so i can play my phone. that's about it.

356redux

Thanks for the input guys. So the maps can be updated to the current Lexus mapping? Or are you only able to update to a certain version? I work at a custom car shop and the aftermarket radio is no problem for my techs, I'm just worried about the lower location of the screen vs the oem. If it was my car it would be aftermarket for sure. But since the wife will mostly be driving it I don't think it will be a big issue to keep oem as long as mapping isn't out of date. I could care less about the looks of the navigation as long as the info is current and i can easily just add an aux in from Vaistech. Any body with the double din feel like its too low on the dash?

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

nope, its perfect if you rest your hand on the shifter like i do. all the buttons are easy to reach.

Stu

I have yet to see ANY OEM nav unit that is 1/2 as good as a $200 Garmin. And the Garmin has lifetime map updates too.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

You can update all Lexus/Toyota vehicles to the latest version of the maps. However, you will have an older version of the hardware and firmware so it will still have a somewhat dated look and feel. Nevertheless, for the wife, definitely go stock!

Gene01

Not quite ALL Lexus. Some are too old and no longer have updates available.

mikedc26

I would go Non- Nav and add a double dinn. Check out my build. Adding a double dinn Pioneer screen with a app called ARLiberator you can control your phone with your screen. Meaning everything you see on your phone you will be able to control on the head unit ie touch screen.

ARLiberator is awesome because you can be connected on Google maps on your phone a navi and it will appear on your head unit

gooshster

Do you have a link to your stereo build

mikedc26

Gooshster

http://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/boa...-mezzos/page-1