Just got an email from Lexus telling me that the navigation maps have been updated. While I'm not sure I'll upgrade as I typically use my Android, I was wondering if there were cheaper places to get the upgrade than the Lexus site?

I believe the dealer has to do the update...no way to do it on your own anymore.

correct.....

4GS doesn't have the updated maps??? if not then that sucks. have to call Lexus in the morning.

Is there a way to get a free update?

Yes, date the GM's daughter.

How much does the update usually cost to get done?

No, the updated maps come out at the end of September, so if your GS was built before now it has last years maps.

Update is $165, not sure what e dealer charges to install.

Wow that's a hefty price.

That's nothing, they used to charge $300 for the old DVD updates...

Well at least prices dropped. I believe Mercedes navi DVDs run for about $180 I think. Though you would seriously think a navi update would be free or significantly less, especially in this day and age

Eh, a lot goes into the databasing, the POIs, the map routes all have to be catalogued and upgraded. I understand why it costs money, and I don't think $165 is too much to charge.

Guess I'm spoiled by Google Maps on my phone as well. Now that I think about it, places are constantly changing and $165 isn't as much as I thought it initially was.

That price is just for the USB key. The labor and hours to update map is not light. The overall cost to update hdd based nav is more than that of just putting in DVD

I don't disagree that a lot goes into an update but, then, how can Garmin offer lifetime updates for around $75? Lexus and other automakers are just sticking it to the consumer IMHO.