I had the NAV in the SC upgraded today - for the second time since purchase (June 2001). This version is the latest (Ver 02.1). I am extrremely dissapointed to report that the upgrade DOES NOT upgrade the software and features that are now available on later model vehicles (2003 SC and my 2003 GX). There may be some upgrades in the database of roads and POI but I was told by (1) dealer (2) Lexus Customer Service that this upgrade would make my NAV system functionally equivalent to the new ones. IT DOES NOT!

 

I just upgraded the NAV disk for the first time since buying the car in April of 2001, in part because I figured new road and POI data should be in there by now and because I heard that new features like "trip preview" are included.

I can't quite tell if new road data is there, but I can report that the only difference I can see is newer (and better) little symbols for state routes and (colorful) markers for the Interstates, which are boyth cute and nice, but hardly worth several hundred dollars.

I agree with the above post that I do not see any software or operating system differences, or new features.

I will be hitting the road for a thousand mile trip in a few days, and should know more after that.

Full report to follow.

 

Thank you for posting this information. It is too bad that we can't get the Nav software improved through the upgrade. That's all I'm interested in.

- M

 

thats too bad, I always thought the description from www.lexus-parts.com means the DVD will update both map and the SW.

 

I too have tried out the new v2.1 in my SC430 that I borrowed from a family member's 03 GX470. Just to re-warn folks (I think anti-geek already mentioned it), if you try the new v2.1, you cannot revert back to the older version ... unless there is some undocumented procedure... So even if you could return it, you couldn't because you would still need the upgraded disc. i.e., you'll get something like Disc not a navigation disc on the display. I know because I tried it! Doh!

Same here. I was disappointed the preview function of the 03 GX470 didn't carry with the latest Nav disc version. Oh well. Also, a neat feature of the 03 GX470 Nav is the auto-increasing volume of the voice guidance as there is more road noise from increasing speeds... Needless to say, also not present in the new Nav version when installed on the 02 SC430.

As a side note, v1 is about 5.1GB. V2.1 is 8.3GB in total size. Most of the increase in size appears to be in the points of interest files.

The local dealership told me that a new version is due out approximately at the end of this summer.