JAB

I am in the market for a low-mileage 2002-03 Gen 1 RX. Was the OE navigation in those years any good? I realize that its old technology, but if an otherwise acceptable candidate appear, should I welcome or avoid one with nav? TIA.

fastnoypi

Its ok, the stock dvd is very dated but like any dvd based nav system you can update the dvd to get more recent streets. I think the last dvd that was compatible was dvd map v9.01

The dvd player itself is known to have an electric motor that will die and leave a "no disc detected" error. Most likely its for the laser head.

Mine was a victim of this error 3 months ago. I'm looking to see if any newer units from the rx330 or other toyota makes can work with the rx300 wiring.

salimshah

JAB:

You are asking for an opinion and I will share mine ..

The only goodness is seamless integration .. rest is all negative. Stand alone gps of past were superior. Latest mobile phones are much more advanced [the only negative for them is mounting and integration].

If you desire to have one strongly then buy a RX with the options. Retrofitting is not worth the effort [ymmv]


Salim

JAB

Salim: Understood and completely agree. Vehicle is not for me; 'seamless integration' is the key, if you catch my drift.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

I believe you can get a v13.1 (2014) DVD for the older generation 2/3 navigation systems (check on e-bay), but I think the updates are greatly over-rated. If you see one with Nav, make sure it works (obviously!) otherwise your cell phone has a much better system.

hypervish

The only advantage I can think of is that you can integrate a backup camera into the navigation. IMO, having a navigation in an older car can really date it, because of the older graphics and such.

fastnoypi

There are some interesting raspberry pi projects out there to utilized these dated lcd panels. There is discussion to be able to utilize bluetooth to project google maps/waze to the existing lcd from your cellphone Its a bit over my head to do from scratch but would be neat if someone would make these DIY kits.

rosen71

My one is Rx300 '03. I did DIY original SATNAV installation, and can assure that works perfectly. I got the latest map DVD ('14-'15), and they are very detailed. For Europe. I don't know how is for the USA.
Of course you cannot compare with smartphone or any other portable navigation, but for original one is good enough.