Just put a deposit down for a used 2006 GS300 AWD... after months of searching, it's official... I'm in!!!

I do have a question though... during my search I saw that 2 of the cars had an aux. cable installed inside the center armrest area to plug in any mp3 player (the wire would go into the headphone jack of your music player). Does ALL GS 300's come with it? Cuz I noticed that a few didn't... and I'm hoping the one I bought did.

If not... anyone know how much that install should cost?

 

sorry to say 2006 dont come with aux

 

Got it for just under 27k
Has ML and Nav (all options)
38k miles
AWD and still has 1 year left on warranty

 

Nooooooooo... any idea how much that install would cost then?

Ppl in queens/LI... anyone know a good place I can go to for this?

 

Ouch, $27K for a 4 year old car.

 

Congrats. Nice low miles too! I would recommend getting a service report from your local Lexus dealership on the vehicle. I got mine after the fact and found a few surprises, so I recommend this to everyone that is going to buy a used Lexus.

 

Hey pkp,

Congrats on the car!

The 06 GS300 does not come with aux. sounds like previous owner probably had one installed. If the vehicle that you get does not have one. A suggestion would be to get the Vaistech SL2Vi- package 1 kit. There is currently a group buy going on until end of March. Take a look. There is also a Prestigious Society override kit, which allows access to use Navigation controls and watching video while car in motion package.
Those are 2 great packages that I recently purchased and plan on installing myself. There are several links here that have DIY instructions.

Best of luck.

 

Thanx, appreciate the welcome! I got a service report already... and there are no problems =) The recalls were also already done which is nice.

I also got the platinum extended warranty ... I got it for around 2k... was this a good price or did I just get ripped off?

 

STP

Have you done your install yet? if so, how difficult was it? Would like to do it but want to know if is worth the cost and time

thanx

 

Hey joe,

Actually I got around to it today. Following the nav removal DIY from the DIY link, I believe first or second post. As long as you follow that to a T, you should be good. Its a lot easier than I expected, especially for someone of my level.

Installation of the Vais kit, SL2Vi was a breeze, I panicked when it automatically synced itself, and I hadn't gotten to that step yet. There was a beep, I heard it, but ignored it and continued installing the rest. The PS kit wasn't bad either. I wish I did a detailed write up but I might still be doing the install. I started around noon, and finished around 5. Ran into a few smaller steps that took longer than expected. I followed the Vais kit install also found on the DIY link. I also installed my Valentine 1- hardwired since everything was out in the open.
A suggestion would be to read thru the 2 links or 3 if you plan on doing the V1 hardwire install, print the thread and use that as a guide. The illustrations are so valuable.
I will point out here the following: Things not covered under the great instructions that I think could help.
This only applies for the 2006 GS3 Nav, No-ML, Vais SL2Vi- package 1.

- I installed the vais kit first following the DIY link. When you get to the step that involves removing the felt piece inside your center armrest it can be a pain in the ****. Suggestion is to remove the little tray inside first. The tray is connected via (4) points. 2 towards the front of the car, and remainder towards the back. Do the front ones first. They are basically just tabs that you can push through the cut outs easily, then do the same for the back. Now you have a lot more room to work with. I ended up scratching the felt inside the armrest when trying to pry up that piece, but its ok. Used a lot of energy here and time.

- The PS kit involves removing the entire glove box, the gray Kneebag airspace panel, black panel underneath that, and the side door panel area attached to the dashboard. It freaked me out at first, but was easy as hell.
***When you are installing the units, KEEP in mind how the wires will route once you start re-installing everything so you do not end up unplugging just to re-route cables. *** The PS kit was easy.

- Once you have everything connected, there is a grey connector that connects to the back of the nav unit which I found to be loose and wouldn't click in. This might only be my unit, but I had to really make sure when re-inserting the whole head unit back that no cables were tugging on this connector. I held the entire unit with my left hand on the underside, and used my right hand to gently push and shift cables to the front of the car when I was re-inserting the nav unit.

Overall its very doable, and quite easy once you are complete. I wanted to do this myself mainly to: save money, I trust my own work, and sense of satisfaction once completed. Everything turned out great, and I actually about an hour ago finished running some "test" movies on the unit. I had to get home and download, and then convert, and then move into Itunes, and then sync to the ipod. BUt overall it was great. Enjoying a glass of whiskey as I type, sore as hell, but great accomplishment!!
Since this is still fresh in my mind, if anyone attempts to do this, and gets stuck shoot a reply here, and I can try to help out.

GOod luck .

 

STP

Thanks for the info. Good tip on the Vi also. Will keep that in mind. What kit did you use to mount the VI? Getting ready to order everything later today. Will let you know how things go.

 

I didn't use any kits to mount the V1, personally I think it will block up too much view. And in that position its easy to see from other vehicles, including law enforcement. I used the suction cups and mounted above the mirror, OH and I have a remote concealed display which helps.

 

so you don't recommend the country mount kits then?

 

One thing I dont understand...I know it is a 2006 GS, but why didnt Lexus put an AUX jack as standard? Its not as if MP3's and Ipods were some wierd science in 2006.

I have a 2008 with an AUX...but not sure if it was standard or not.

Lexus needs to get their head out of their rears on the electronics. Moving ahead they should do the following:

1. include traffic nav as part of the NAVI....instead whe have useless voice commands.
2. eliminate the tape deck...and possibly the CD player
3. add an ipod, MP3 interface
4. electronic dash rattle reduction

Usually Japanese are lightyears ahead...dont know what their deal is.

And yes #4 above is a joke.

 

Joe, Thats my personal preference. Ever since getting this car, I realized the view from the car, either front or rear windows are very narrow. I just think adding something under the mirror would block more of my vision of the outside. I placed the v1 under the mirror as if the country mount was there, and it blocks my view.
You could opt to get a concealed display from V1, and mount that somewhere visible, and mount the v1 way up (while unobstructed). If you install the concealed display the V1 goes dark.