Its not a substitute, its another learning tool. Besides there are bad books as well. Someone mentioned observing the world go by. Ever drive though Las Vegas? Kids sure do manage to spot every billboard and Taxi add for every Strip Club or risque show out there. Then there are the Billboards along I-75, I-85 and I-95 with adds for "Cafe Erotica" type places. Sometimes a well time video distraction is good.
Now 32K, you are all hung up about a RSES. I wonder how you behave while driving with your kids. Do you obey speed limits? Not talk on the cell phone while driving? Not exhibit road rage at "all the other bad drivers" out there? I think driving safely and setting the right example as a parent is more important than whether or not you use the RSES. If you want discuss more parenting skills then start a "Raising kids and the RX330" thread.

Are the NAV and RSES worth it. Absolutely, but then I'm biased because I bought them. Installing it after the fact is not easy to do. Besides, if you are going to pay this much for a car you might as well get all the toys.

 

It is my position that there are better (and cheaper) substitutes than RSES and it's entirely appropriate to discuss it in this thread, given that the OP has a kid and is wondering if it's worth the price. Video distraction is no substitute for actually talking to your kids if they're concerned about what they see during the drive.

 

I am in real estate, so I have more of a need for a Nav system than most people. However, come resale time you will glad you had it. Four or 5 years from now, most luxury cars will have them and buyers will be looking for vehicles with Nav systems.

When I sold my '02 Merecedes just recently, "Does it have a Nav system?" was always the first question I was asked. I think when I sell my RX, a Nav system will be expected. Otherwise, expect a hit on the resale value.

 

Here's a scenario: 32k, how often are you going to talk to your kids about the same exact scenic view when you drive past it 5 days a week? Especially on a bland California freeway sitting in Los Angeles traffic.

The co-worker I mentioned has this same scenario picking up kids from the daysitter and sitting through the same daily commute in traffic. A trip that would normally take 15 minutes takes 45 minutes to 1 hour with traffic. It's not as if the RSES replaces or is a substitute to discussions with your children so don't misconstrue the situation. However, it's a great complimentary tool to keep them occupied.

Sure parents have different means of accomplishing the same tasks. A set of parents may use books, another uses toys or perhaps educational videos as one poster mentioned.

There are more ways than one to skin a cat so I hope you don't equate having a RSES as being bad parents.

 

I've had two handheld GPS devices before I bought my RX so it was a must have option for me. The built-in look is much nicer than hanging something off the windshield or the dash. I still have a handheld for rental cars and travelling when I don't have access to my RX. I just returned from a vacation in Canada and used the GPS daily.

One feature you may find useful other than guidance from one point to another is the ability to locate points of interest. These include restaurants, retail stores, tourist attractions, hospitals, etc. I can't tell you how many times I have been in an unknown area and needed to find a restaurant in the area. We simply pick the type (Italian, fast food, etc) and look through the list. It sure beats driving around hoping to find something.

 

Anybody knows how much for a factory NAV installed for cars that came just with the lexus premium sound and no GPS?

 

Folks:

Lets not pass judgment on good/bad parenting.


Back on the issue .... cost of retrofitting OEM GPS.

Well it is not an add on option, so dealer would not be able to do it.

Some ethusiasts have done it for GS [BananaGS] and has been explored in RX300 Forum. My understanding is that wiring harnesses are not the same so it is not a plug'nPlay. Call Lexus parts to price the new unit. If you buy it from some one else, you take the risk of it functioning properly [not saying it will be bad, but trouble shooting a jury rigged system with a suspect unit will be harder... risk vs gain situation]. If you can sell your old unit, you will recover some cost. Display would have to be purchased. Some jury rigging of interlock signals will have to be done.
So for a rough estimate I would say $2500 to just get GPS + labor.

Over time, I have come to the conclusion (may be flawed), is sell your vehicle and buy one which has the GPS. It will be cheaper and newer, but you may inherit some one elses problems

Salim

 

I agree with Salim.

Let's not get off-topic guys. It is NOT a discussion of parenting styles. If the DVD system is beneficial to your lifestyle, then get it. If not, then don't get it. Simple as that. The system is a tool and if you want it in your arsenal, go for it.

It is the same with the Nav. It is a tool. If you think you can use something like that, then go for it. Others who are OK with Mapquest, an handheld GPS, or the old Thomas Guide, then don't get it.

If possible I like OEM. Like Salim said, although it can be done, it will be a pain to retrofit later. (HIDs are in this same category.) I like both the DVD and Nav. I do not use them everytime I am in the car, but I do use them (with the nav system much more than the DVD).

BTW - Some kids get dizzy and throw up in the car if they are reading. The aftermath is no fun.

 

The RSES could also be good for you too. You can show your clients a DVD about the area the are interested in as you drive there.

 

Crosborne, this is a great idea! The RSES can be used for the purposes of marketing for your business, thus, TAX DEDUCTIBLE!!

 

i have both in my 04 RX. and i dont' regret paying for them. sure we don't use them as much as one could, but the point is they are there when you need them and you don't have to plug something or set anything up. it's ready at all times for you.

i'm married, no kids (yet). right now the only use the RSES gets is on our ski trips. the other great benefits, which i don't think has been shared yet on this thread, are -

(1) the RSES gives the rear passengers another source of AUDIO as well as video. so if you are listening to the radio up front, the rear passengers can listen to CDs. (you can't listen to 2 diff radio stations though) or vice versa

(2) the RSES cars come equipped w/ RCA jacks and a plug in the trunk. i think i've used the plug a LOT more than i've used the actual RSES. one trip i did work on my laptop the whole way down without worrying about car adapters. we even had a printer back there in case i had to print something. makes escaping for a weekend trip a little easier if last minute work has to get done on an 8 hr trip.


in any case, of course there are adapters and aftermarket solutions to accomplish all of this, but for me convenience is important, and not having to remember to pack 10 extra items is very nice (esp when i inevitably forget at least 1-2 items )

p.s. i also did the DVD hack on the RSES which allows front passengers to watch the DVD while in motion. i do not suggest that everyone should do it; obviously you have to have some self control and good driving habits, so please don't turn this thread into the legality of that. all i'm trying to point out is that it is possible to do that, which to some is another benefit - especially if you have toddlers in the back and you want to control the DVD menu on the front screen.

 

lexuslover - Just curious. Since you overrided the DVD, can you still use the navi while watching the DVD in the front? What about the backup camera? I am thinking the navi or DVD screen will turn off while you are backing up. And still hear the navi voice (i.e. 1/4 mile, left turn, etc) but no navi screen.

 

I have just purchased a 04 rx330 Ultra Premium(navi/DVD) one week ago, and I think the navi/DVD is worth it. I also have 2 teenagers and they love it. Since it's a pre-owned vehicle, the extra cost is very little compare to the brand new options when the vehicle was new. And later on when resell time comes, it would be easier to sell because that cost gap between the navi and non-navi vehicle would be even less and less, so people are going to prefer it over the non-navi ones. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

I'm stuggling with this issue as well.

I'd agree with the resale arguement if you plan on trading after a couple of years. Although, by then I think the handheld GPSs will be more popular, compact, cheaper.

As an aside, I know this guy with a nav system in his late 90s 7-series; its pretty outdated obviously and the functionial is terrible. So as time goes on and if you keep the car for awhile you also have to deal with a dated & slow device!

 

Time may prove me wrong, but ..
Speed and accuracy has made great leaps and the current versions are as good as they can get. I project the next revolution will be "other usages" and in "personalization" [ex: you can see what is in or not in your refridgerator and which grocer has the products you need on sale etc].

Salim