I'm looking at purchasing an '01 GS430 with the Mark Levinson system. The problem is that it doesn't have navigation. Can I add an aftermarket navigation unit with little hassle? Or will it be a very difficult job? I love OEM navigation units because of how clean they look in the cabin of the car.

Opinoins needed: 00 gs400 Blue w/tan interior w/ navigation 70k miles $17,988 or 01 gs430 Black w/tan interior without navigation and ML radio, suspenison upgrade (L-tuned springs, full exhaust,upgraded brakes, aftermarket IS Lexus wheels; sway bar links, bushings and steering rack bushing have been replaced with Daizen polyurethane; ball joints have been replaced as well) 89k miles $18995.

The '00 from photos seems to be in better shape paint wise but not by a great deal while the '01 has the ball joints replaced which I have read are a common problem with these cars.

I've been having a hard time decding is I should go with '00 or '01 GS. I've gone through post post. I want some power, but right now, it isn't my number one priority. The 300 is out of the question because my modded Maxima is faster than them. Thanks again for all the suggestions and help.

 

ML without navi is indeed rare. I suggest waiting out for one with stock Navi. Unless you specifically want an aftermarket Navi setup.

 

Can I add an aftermarket Nav system to to ML unit that is already in there with a little bit of hassle.

 

Unfortunately not. The volume control and input switching (CD, radio, etc.) is handled by the ML amplifier. It may be possible to have an aftermarket headunit work with the ML amplifier but that would only be the case if a) the ML amp will function without the rest of the system on the network, and b) if the ML amp will default to a specific input (i.e. radio) so that you can connect your aftermarket head unit to that input.

 

if you install and aftermarket navi unit you will loose the oem sub and amp. you will have to upgrade the sub if you want one in your car. i think there is a way to make the changer work with aftermarket unit, but not sure how. look in the stereo section. you will find lots of post and pics of after market units on gs. this thread might be moved there, it's up to the mods.

 

Thanks for the feedback people. My Lex will be trying to find its way home in a few days. So when she comes, I want to be ready with a game plan.

 

really?? my 01 GS430 has ML but no nav... maybe because mine is a canadian model? and we know where we're going??

at one point in time, i wanted nav... but after seeing a few 5 year old cars with nav and scratched up screens, i decided that nav wasn't for me...

 

that's because there is no where to go in canada the few places, of course you know where they are. jk

i use to feel the same way, but after having my Z1, i would not go back to no nav.

 

Gloating: I have an 01 430 ML with no Nav.

It's designed for men...who can read maps and never get lost.

 

yea, my grandfather feels the same way, can't keep up with new technology. lol jk