Back Up Camera
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Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Oregon
Back Up Camera
Hello - Does anyone know the cost of backup camera/install for a '03 LS430? Guess I bought my Lexus a year too early for that goody. Those of you that have the backup camera, do you find it useful or even practical? Any input would be appreciated. If you didn't read between the lines, I love gadgets. Thanks.
Phil
Phil
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Oregon
Tell me this fellows, does it show "real life" movement, or just a momentary picture? I checked with my Lexus dealer and they had in stock something called a "Echo......" and was $490 installed. With the word "Echo" is no better than my parking assist on the GPS screen. Thanks.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 456
From: Pennsylvania
Phil, I don't understand what you were talking about regarding an "echo" system, but the camera in the '04 is a live real-time cam. You can see what you are running over while you are running it over! Not just momentary still photos.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 103
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From: Missouri
The backup camera wins for being the best new gadget on the new LS. When I first picked up the car and friends and family wanted to see all the goodies, the camera, which is realtime(live) always was the handsdown favorite.
It really tends to spoil you when you get into any other car or truck which doesn't have it...Excellent feature!
It really tends to spoil you when you get into any other car or truck which doesn't have it...Excellent feature!
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I agree that the back up camera is really helpful and is a pretty cool option. I now use it routinely when backing up along with the auto-lowering side view mirrors. Between the camera, lowering mirrors and the in-bumber sonar warning system backing up is tremendously easier and safer.
The only problem I've found with the camera is in the rain. The water and drops on the lens makes the picture somewhat harder to see. I could see where it could be a real problem in the snow but that is not an issue with me in Atlanta.
The only problem I've found with the camera is in the rain. The water and drops on the lens makes the picture somewhat harder to see. I could see where it could be a real problem in the snow but that is not an issue with me in Atlanta.
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Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 456
From: Pennsylvania
I agree that the camera is tough when wet. I guess the next improvement will be a "camera-wiper".
I also agree that backing up is much safer now, but I'll add the caveat that I find relying on the camera, itself, might be more DANGEROUS than turning around. I sort of figured that out early on...now I do both...I look at the camera and also turn around. The camera is no substitute for peripherial vision.
I also agree that backing up is much safer now, but I'll add the caveat that I find relying on the camera, itself, might be more DANGEROUS than turning around. I sort of figured that out early on...now I do both...I look at the camera and also turn around. The camera is no substitute for peripherial vision.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Oregon
daryl40
What I was talking about was the bumper sonar warning system. In other words, another manufacturer has developed an "Echo" system similar to what we have on the '03. Wish I would have held out for the '04 from the posts I have read.
Phil
What I was talking about was the bumper sonar warning system. In other words, another manufacturer has developed an "Echo" system similar to what we have on the '03. Wish I would have held out for the '04 from the posts I have read.
Phil
Last edited by Phil; Mar 4, 2004 at 08:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Oregon
daryl40
Nice road kill!!!! Too bad you couldn't salvage some of the bad boy. I live in Oregon, so have the same concerns. They aren't too suicidal here, just a little wacked from eating that special blend of "grass" LOL.
No, I am not unhappy at all with my '03. In fact, I love driving it on long trips. Like our first Grandson lives 800 miles away and I want to go down to Southern California every couple of weeks!!! I have never been happier with a car in my life. I bought a '90 LS400 when they first came out and that was it for me. It had everything, even the built in phone and I only paid $40,000 for it. At the time I told the dealer they are low balling the Lexus now, until enough are on the road. Guess I was right, but it was worth it.
Phil
Nice road kill!!!! Too bad you couldn't salvage some of the bad boy. I live in Oregon, so have the same concerns. They aren't too suicidal here, just a little wacked from eating that special blend of "grass" LOL.
No, I am not unhappy at all with my '03. In fact, I love driving it on long trips. Like our first Grandson lives 800 miles away and I want to go down to Southern California every couple of weeks!!! I have never been happier with a car in my life. I bought a '90 LS400 when they first came out and that was it for me. It had everything, even the built in phone and I only paid $40,000 for it. At the time I told the dealer they are low balling the Lexus now, until enough are on the road. Guess I was right, but it was worth it.
Phil
Last edited by Phil; Mar 4, 2004 at 11:56 AM.
To Infinity and Beyond
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: New York
Originally posted by spxChrome
When did they put the camera on the LS? I know the RX had it added in 2003. Anyone here have the keyless remote sensor that is on the new 04 model? Curious to see how well that works.
When did they put the camera on the LS? I know the RX had it added in 2003. Anyone here have the keyless remote sensor that is on the new 04 model? Curious to see how well that works.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
While it appears the 2002 Q45 was first on the block with the backup camera, plenty of others followed in short order, including the '03 Acura MDX, as well as the '03 Lexus RX. I agree with the backup camera opinions posted above, but I'll add that the backup dash display can be significantly affected by glare - as can the navigation screen, so extra caution is advised,.
As to the keyless remote sensor (Smart Access) that allows the vehicle to be approached, unlocked, and started without use of a traditional key - it works as advertised.
As to the keyless remote sensor (Smart Access) that allows the vehicle to be approached, unlocked, and started without use of a traditional key - it works as advertised.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 456
From: Pennsylvania
Personally I prefer Ford's 25 year old technology of the keypad. You don't have to remember ANYTHING but the code. We have always had an Explorer (and Lincoln Town Cars before they invented Lexus) and you can even lock your keys in the car while out and not have to worry about them. I wish more manufacturers would adopt that very old-tech system. It works!