RX 450 Navigation System

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Mar 24, 2011 | 04:45 PM

#16

wa3cuj

Intermediate

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 419

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From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusgary

yes i agree that is my point - the functionality of the system is outstanding - the data is not up to standard - my data disk is less than a year old and it seems at times to be years out of date. I also partially rely on my garmin but should not have to. We should be getting free or low cost updates available from toyota - but they just don't see it that way. How do we get this point across to them?

I am certainly not trying to defend Toyota, but is there any vehicle manufacture that provides free updates to the Nav systems built into their vehicles?

The Nav system in my Audi A6 is DVD based so I can at least sell the older DVD on eBay. I generally get about 50-70% of the price that I pay for the most recent update.

Mar 25, 2011 | 08:28 AM

#17

offroad200

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 903

Likes: 173

From: SC

I believe they do get there info from Navteq as well. I think there are only 2 companies that actually do the map data. And they sell it to everyone else. I've seen tom toms, garmins, and our systems be off a little from time to time. The best I've ever used is Google maps on my Droid.

Mar 28, 2011 | 10:48 AM

#18

cactusgary

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Driver School Candidate

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 28

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From: AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa3cuj

I agree - but - when the car is new - the data should be up to date - not 3-4 years behind time!

Mar 28, 2011 | 10:55 AM

#19

cactusgary

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Joined: Dec 2010

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From: AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by The X Men

Its a lot easier and faster to design a new Garmin and put it out on the market than a new car. Most of the time, when is new car is release, the Navi info and the programming need to tie in with the rest of the car's electronics was done long before hand, by the time the car is finally release, the map data is at least a year old. You have to remember, companies such as Navteq or Tele Atlas have to write map data specially for each car or portable navi since every unit have a different operating system. Garmin maps are cheaper because there are so many of them out there and the build in navi in cars are brand specific, so the market is smaller.

Sorry I can't agree with you - really, you sound like you work for Toyota. The data disk is quite independent - or should be. So, there is absolutely NO reason to be a year old when the car is purchased. The bottom line is - Toyota is forcing us to "update" our system. Why are the updates so expensive? A DVD cost pennies! Does the 2011 model year have the same data disk as the 2010? The 2012 same as the 2011 or 2010? Please - this is - plain and simple - a money grab. Too bad, I like the car but don't like the philosophy.

Mar 28, 2011 | 12:36 PM

#20

RXSF

CL Community Team

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 12,519

Likes: 214

From: San Francisco, CA

Well lets forget all this disc talk because the RX has an HDD nav and it is updated by a flash drive. Also I dont think you can blame Lexus for this problem, as they purchase their data from other companies that design the navigation roads. I dont know from who that Lexus buys their data from, but Mercedes buys it from Navteq so if I had a problem with my Mercedes' nav, I wouldnt blame Mercedes, I would blame Navteq.

I also would say an update would probably not do you any good. Only certain areas of the US get detailed map information. I dont know what part of Arizona the OP is in, but given this map, I would say that you have an up to date system but just live in a non detailed area (light gray)

Mar 28, 2011 | 01:10 PM

#21

jerryray

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 168

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From: New York

I may be wrong, but I think the 2011-2011 Nav has a hard drive for data. I assume the dealer can download to it, or perhaps since we can send destinations, maybe there is some way we can send a update to the map.

Anyone know for sure how this handled on the newer systems.
Maybe it's part of Enform?

Mar 28, 2011 | 01:17 PM

#22

offroad200

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 903

Likes: 173

From: SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerryray

Updates for HDD based Lexus' are with a USB key. The data itself is downloaded to the hard drive using the Techstream laptop. The USB dongle is just to authenticate.

Mar 28, 2011 | 01:30 PM

#23

jerryray

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Joined: Dec 2002

Posts: 168

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From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by offroad200

Updates for HDD based Lexus' are with a USB key. The data itself is downloaded to the hard drive using the Techstream laptop. The USB dongle is just to authenticate.

So it's a dealer update. Time to make sure you are on real good terms with your dealer..