TomMartin

Good morning all...been off site for awhile. Probably indicates no issues since we purchased our 2016 ES 300h 12/28/2016. We already have accumulated 23,000 miles which includes two driving trip to California at about 5k each. Other than the trips it is wife's car and she has no complaints and no repair issues.

One item I had intended to do was to check the nav "version" at delivery to be sure it was current. I checked a week ago when in for an oil change and turns out there have been two updates and I guess I must blame myself for not following up at purchase as I believe there would have been an update available at that time...oh well,

Turns out the nav unit of the 2016 EH has a "mini SD" chip that is simply exchanged by opening a small "door" on the front of the nav/radio...pull out the old...and put in the new. The tech guy offered to help...w/o the dealership "charge to pull out the old and replace with the new. He says no issue other than an simple out with the old and in with the new. NO computer update link I believe Lexus used to have their service reps do on the "older" units?

It was $170 for the chip alone...which isn't too bad.

I thought I might check and see if there are any other sources...or other Lexus dealers...that discount the chips? I know for my Land Cruiser the chips (actually a disc) were offered online at pretty good price reduction?

Dealer claims annual update usually happen in summer...but we are planning another trip west pretty soon and will probably update before our trip.

Also, anyone actually does the mini SD chip update/replacement? If so...is it actually just plug in the new one and drive away?

Thanks...TomMartin

P.S. We were looking at the GS and the ES and are pleased with the ES. Also, checked mileage on one of our trips soon after we acquired and the trip mileage was around 36-37 MPG...car loaded with luggage and clothing, etc and most was freeway at 75 MPH or better...some 80 MPH posted freeways in west Texas.No real efforts to "max" mileage. I am comfortable with anything above 35 with a car this size and our driving conditions. Tom Martin

bc6152

I did some checking and found a chart from Lexus available at this address: http://www.lexusnavigation.com/wp-co...t-helpdesk.png



According to this chart your car - a 2016 ES300 - would use a generation 8 SD card. The part number is PT219-GEN08-16. The same part number is used in a 2015 also.
A youtube video online shows a 2016 with a small door below the radio which is opened and a micro SD card is present in its slot. The video states that one must have the car turned off and simply push the card in to pop it out, then insert an updated SD card for the latest maps. There are Lexus SD cards available from various online sellers at reduced prices from Lexus. Ebay is one place I found. Here's one that is OEM for sale for $82.41: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/4012748...&ul_noapp=true

I don't know the quality or origin of these cards so use caution if you go that way. OTOH the $170.00 price from Lexus don't sound too bad to me. Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!

Gekko

IMO it's a waste of money to update the NAV so soon. There's not that many changes from year to year to make it worth the money. I would wait for 3-5 years before you pay for an update. And that only assumes you will keep the car for another 3-5 years. I bought a brand new 2004 and waited until late 2012 until I updated the NAV data. It's now 2017 and I'm still using the 2012 update.