akim47

I've been away from CL for a while after selling my '06 GS300. I've been around the block a few times, but I've come home and am now looking for an '07 RX350 to fit our upcoming family.

Well, the car is actually for the wife... but of course I will be driving it on family outings. First, one of her main requirements is bluetooth since she's ALWAYS on the phone. But, she doesn't really care for NAV. I've noticed that to get the bluetooth, you have to get the RX that has the Nav/ML/Backup cam package.

While that is an option, cosmetically I detest looking at the tape player that comes with the ML package. Does anyone ever listen to cassettes? In any event, we've been looking at RX's that only have the premium package. Is there an easy way to add bluetooth functionality to the car without getting the loaded car? Aftermarket is okay, especially if it works good. The BT in my GS300 wasn't so great. Also, she's not interested in a BT headset. She has BT in her current car ('09 MB C300) and can't live without it (apparently)... thanks much.

Poisson

I'd be inclined to get the "loaded" vehicle just for the back-up camera. You can NOT see out the back window of an RX and if you have small kids that's a recipe for a tragedy. After a while you don't notice the cassette slot.

Rainbird

You can get bluetooth without the ML system. The basic Generation 5 Navigation System has the bluetooth and voice-activation. It also the compass and backup camera. The MSRP sticker lists this as a $2650 option for the 2007 RX350. The ML system is an additional add-on ($$$). Sorry I don't have that ML price.

Adamjeeps

I can confirm bluetooth comes with the Nav system, not ML audio. Also, all RX 350 have cassette, not just ML. There is also a "secret" service menu you can get into to adjust the mic sensitivity on this forum. After I upped the volume a couple notches the other end of calls could hear me much better. IMHO, I would get the nav system as there are plenty of units with them to choose from and it is a seamless bluetooth connection that works well.

Good luck!!

akim47

all rx350 do not have cassette players. i just looked at 5 that didn't have it.

ok, so if i choose not to get an rx with nav, what are my options for adding bluetooth?

Adamjeeps

Sorry, I didn't know you could skip the tape player. I guess the most important issue is you don't have to get ML sound to get Bluetooth.

Hope someone can help you.