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Driver
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: PA
It's cheaper to get a unit from Magellan or Garmin and mount it as you need it! Plus you can get the updated maps as needed. But of course, if you desire to go custom then it's totally your final choice. Later!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Almost anything can be done if you want to throw enough money at it - retrofit LS430 nav or install aftermarket indash nav systems.
If you just want navigation and want it cheap and convenient, hang a Garmin on a bracket, hardwire it to the accessory circuit, hide the cables and its traffic receiver inside the dash, and be on your way. I rarely remove the Garmin from its bracket - usually throw a hat over it to hide it but portable GPS theft is way down now that they are so cheap. Here's a thread that shows the Garmin in my 00 LS400: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...lan-nokia.html
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com has several brackets specifically for the LS430 or you can get inventive with their universal hardware. I particularly dislike having a portable GPS stuck on a windshield or attached to a beanbag and having wires dangling from it.
Garmin's work particularly well with Android phones running the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. For example, if I find a restaurant, store, etc. I want in Yelp on my phone, I press "Find Directions" on Yelp to send the location to the Garmin via Bluetooth - similar to how it works on the 2013 Lexus navigation/Enform system which has Yelp built in.
If you just want navigation and want it cheap and convenient, hang a Garmin on a bracket, hardwire it to the accessory circuit, hide the cables and its traffic receiver inside the dash, and be on your way. I rarely remove the Garmin from its bracket - usually throw a hat over it to hide it but portable GPS theft is way down now that they are so cheap. Here's a thread that shows the Garmin in my 00 LS400: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...lan-nokia.html
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com has several brackets specifically for the LS430 or you can get inventive with their universal hardware. I particularly dislike having a portable GPS stuck on a windshield or attached to a beanbag and having wires dangling from it.
Garmin's work particularly well with Android phones running the free Garmin Smartphone Link app. For example, if I find a restaurant, store, etc. I want in Yelp on my phone, I press "Find Directions" on Yelp to send the location to the Garmin via Bluetooth - similar to how it works on the 2013 Lexus navigation/Enform system which has Yelp built in.
Last edited by Kansas; Feb 26, 2013 at 10:05 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 823
Likes: 14
From: RU
The reason it's near impossible to retrofit factory nav/screen, is that it is tied into the car very hard, you'll need to replace almost all harnesses, install nav computer in the trunk, get compatible factory screen (1k+), get another factory headunit to go with it, reprogram hvac computer to be controlled from screen, reprogram main ecm to accept new config (is it even possible? toyota code is still uncracked), etc etc etc
One guy attempted it over here in Russia, due to lack of 03+ with nav screens. About 5k later he abandoned the idea and put everything back as it was.
One guy attempted it over here in Russia, due to lack of 03+ with nav screens. About 5k later he abandoned the idea and put everything back as it was.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 271
From: Kansas
Last edited by Kansas; Feb 26, 2013 at 07:04 PM.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
If you don;t want to bother with a Garmin, just get a smart phone and use Google apps. There are brackets available on amazon and other vendors that can be mounted on Lexus dash to hold your phone when its in maps mode if you want it to be up around eye level. I have high end Garmin but have been using my iphone and google maps lately when I need mapped instructions.
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Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 243
Likes: 2
From: SC
add navigation
Many thanks for all the replies. After all the info you offered, I am planning to get a Garmin and hang it on the windshield. This is a great forum and I thank you very much for all the knowledge and willingness to reply.
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