i have a question.........a real stupid one.....my gs400 came without the navigation.........if i was to buy someones navigation from their gs400.....would it fit in there.....without a problem and would it work is the question.......and if it does work......where would i be able to find a nav unit for it at a reasonable price..........thanks for answering a dumb question

 

It will be a lot easier to get a after market one like Alpin and have some one install it. It is not that simple to take one off another GS400. It involves the head unit, speed sensor, GPS antenna, and without mention all types of speciall connectors and caliberation of the unit. Maybe even involves unpdate on borad computer software in order to work correctly in conjunction with other information like A/C, Radio control. If Nav is that important for you and the ones come with the car is the only choice you like, then trade yours with a car has one will be the only option to you.

 

thanks a lot.....i was actually thinking of going down and testdriving a gs430....maybe a demo car.....but thanks a lot for the advice...... the reason why i never bought an after market is because i think it just doesn't look right when put in afterwards......

 

You're welcome.

I totally agree. That's why I did end up with a 2001 GS300 with Nav/ML Audio. I love the Lexus Nav. and could not wait to get the new updated DVD for some very nice new features that come with the 2002 models.

Good luck.

 

I have done a tremendous amount of research on Navigation systems ever since I've used the OEM DVD Navigation system on my 2000 Acura 3.2TL which got stolen a few months back

I tried to find out if the Lexus DVD Nav (or the one from the Toyota Camry - basically the same thing) could be installed on a loaded Toyota RAV4 (as I don't really like large vehicles)........but my research indicated that although it could be done, the parts would have to be ordered separately at a prohibitively high cost (Dealer said almost $8,500!!!!!!!! ) plus another $1500 to $2000 to wire it and install it (which, of course, Toyota/Lexus dealers will not do for warranty reasons - an aftermarket electronic shop will have to do the installation/wiring, which in itself poses another problem to find one with the proper expertise.

..........so, to avoid all this hassle I just decided to buy the GX 470 instead..... : .......and get all the other goodies along the way.....Mark Levinson etc. etc. etc.!!!!!!!

Getting back to the point my strong suggestion to you is to get the KENWOOD DVD NAVIGATION SYSTEM - mind you this is the only touchscreen compatible aftermarket Navi out there. I've sampled it and it is literally and physically identical to the Lexus unit, (and in some ways even better) because it uses the same software (and I think even hardware) components made by the same manufacturer : DENSO. You will need to couple this Navi system to a TOUCHSCREEN COMPATIBLE monitor from KENWOOD - they make one with an integrated CD player which can also play DVDs!!!......check it out at THE GOOD GUYS or one of their authorised dealers (If you bargain well you should be able to get the complete system installed for about $3,800 - $4,000 (everything included)

I DO NOT recommend the Alpine DVD unit (I have one installed in my 4-Runner and I am very dissatisfied with it) - The performance is pretty good but the USER INTERFACE is simply horrible....I was shocked as I expected it to be identical to the one in my Acura 3.2TL (as Alpine makes the hardware for ACURA) but I am told each company independently writes their own software

 

........would be to just get another Lexus vehicle with the FACTORY Navi system, if you're willing to do this. :

I agree that, generally speaking, (and especially with Navigation units) the aftermarket units can never really INTEGRATE as well as the factory OEM ones!

 

what do you guys think about demo cars from the dealers at a reasonable price..........are they worth it? i'm now actually looking around for a 2001 gs430 with nav ..... i'm trying to find out if there are any dealers out there that would have one.......what do you guys think would be a good price for it? Thanks....... SEF NICE IS OUT..........

 

I think Demos are not a good choice simply because the vehilcle is probably dirven without much care during the initial important break-in period.......However, if you get it at a SUBSTANTIAL PRICE OFF THE NEW ONE, then it is probably worth taking a look at!!

Just my 2 cents

 

thanks man......i just went in to test drive one at one of the lexus dealers who supposedly had one in stock.....when i got there ......changed the story and said "oh we are sold out of all the gs430.....but i could order you a new one....." what will it take for you to buy a new one......LoL so i said if you give it to me for the same price as the demo model......but i so wanted to test drive one with nav and to see how it actually works .............hopefully i will find one at an excellent price....thanks once again