Installing navigation system from scratch
 

My 03 did not come with the NAV system, and have left me yearning. Therefore I am now planning to purchase all the necessary parts and install it on my own. Has anyone attempted to do this? I want to make sure I purchase all the right components to avert all unnecessary headaches.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Why?

For about $400 you can get a GREAT TOMTOM910 that blows away the Lexus system, is portable and, well blows away the Lexus system! I use mine INSTEAD of my built in Lexus NAV in my '04 LS.

Don't be a fool and dump that kinda money on mediocre equipment into a very used car when the portable technology is better, dirt cheap and, well, better!

I agree with daryll40 that the portable units are far superior to the Lexus system and as an added bonus, the portable systems are not proprietary in that you have to pay Lexus a fortune for the update and can't control it when you want to. While it is nice to have a built in system that is all clean with no wires, the added flexibility of the portables makes it a no brainer. I have a Garmin unit that is more accurate than the Lexus and has more information. Updates are sent to it on line when you USB it to your computer at home. I just spent $280 for the new update on the Lexus which you can spend for a brand new Garmin 530C.

it will be TONS of $$$$$ and it's not as easy as you think.

Getting the WIRE HARNESS and the NAV UNIT will probably set you back a good 4-5K then you have to buy the SCREEN and the Antenna.

It would be cheaper to trade the car in for a NAV version.

Mike

You can do the Alpine .

...and then addthe Blackbird that sides into the Alpine Head Unit in above pic

forget the crap above... this is what you what...

uses same software as lexus cars...

Watch it! Those portable navs are hot items for the bad guys.

Carefully consider that one of the top auto crimes is the theft of portable systems, at least in New York City. The ancillary costs of replacing a window and dash repair add to the cost of the crime.

Thanks guys for your input. My primary reason for choosing to go with the OEM NAV system is mainly because there is no clean way to install an after market unit. I had planned on purchasing the needed components from eBay and local salvage yards to offset the overall price. I will take your suggestions into consideration and may decide to go with the aftermarket option if the OEM proves to be too much of a headache. Thanks again.

Just get a TomTom or Garmin and keep it hidden in the glove box. Most of your driving (I THINK) is stuff you won't need it for anyway. You can pull it out and suction it to the windshield in 10 seconds when you need it.

That eclipse system someone mentioned earlys seems pretty nice for a non nav car. In Dash install, fold out screen (not a big fan of these; would this block the ac or any buttons on the dash?), and is removable/portable as well. You can take it with you!

Great Advice D40,thats what this sites about
 

That was one of the most thoughtful pieces of info I ever seen on this site! Great advice about the car being used and the suggestion he get what I think will be cheaper and portable to move to your next car. This is an option I had thought about if I got the Non-Navigation LS. I was going to get a Garmin. I opted for the Navigation/Levinson LS though. Great advice D40.Great Advice! :what follows is just a saying no offence intended(love GOD not money)