A new Lexus es350 owner! Traded in the '96 Mercedes e320 and moved on up. Happy days are here.

My nav DVD is version 7.1. I'm looking at buying the 10.1. Any comments on whether it is worth upgrading to this level or should I wait until the fall for the latest version?

I'm pretty sure it's just data update - so if roads were changed or added it would reflect that. It will also provide updates to the waypoints. The new DVD isn't going to add functionality or new features.

The companies that gather the actual data and provide it to the software companies are usually behind by a year or so. That means if a road was recently added near you, don't expect it to appear on the next update.

Personally - I'd stick with what you have unless you notice a lot of discrepancies on the map while you're driving.

You may see some differences between 7.1 and 10.1 however, but I wouldn't upgrade every year. At this point if 11.1 is around the corner I'd just wait unless you can find the 10.1 for a low price or something.

yes.. i wud.. logic is a 25K car.. throw in another 180$.. the new one.. boots up faster. no need to click on the button. and much more updated restusarants. .etc etc..

Wait until the new one has been released, then buy previous one at discount.

I think 7.1 did away with the button. My previous ES had 6.1 and required I press it. The 2008 ES I have now came with 7.1 and doesn't require interaction before map appears.

Guys, thanks much for the replies.
Sorry for the late response. I've been out-of-pocket for a while.

I have a 2007, it came with 7.1... some time ago I made a hybrid 9.1 disk, it was great to have access to input destinations while driving but I didn't notice any updated POIs or new roads in my area and there's a lot of new construction so I was disappointed, especially with the POIs as I like to look up destinations by phone number. This year I upgraded to 10.1 but didn't feel like making the hybrid disk. Still the POIs are out of date but I did notice a few new streets which means they are running about three years behind in adding the updated streets. I use my iphone most times now. I still use the nav system but more as an electronic version of an atlas that's always on the right page.

To sum it up, if you live in an area less then three years old, wait till it's at least three years old to upgrade. If you want an iphone, spend the upgrade money from the Lexus nav dvd and go buy yourself one. Then use google maps with sat. view, traffic info, and quick search capabilities.

safford - good advice. I use my smartphone to get current info also.

The process to gather the new POI, then provide to the various map companies, and then have it finally make it to software updates is a sloooow process. It'd be nice if you could see the specifics of the update before you dropped the $$ for it.

Get yerself a Garmin!

Does the new 10.1 DVD show the traffic?

You can get PDF's of the changes from Gen2 through Gen5 here. Not sure why Lexus doesn't offer Gen6 updates on the same page.

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On my 2007 ES350 it does not but I don't have Sat Radio installed either. I believe you have to have Sat Radio and a newer head unit to get the traffic data...? Perhaps someone else here can confirm.

Thanks for sharing, I found it interesting to review the list of updates especially in my home state.

I believe you are correct. I think you need the newer unit ( beginning 2010) and sat radio plus a Nav Traffic subscription with Sirius/XM.