QUOTE(capt nemo @ Aug 24 2005, 08:12 AM)
I spoke with Lexus Hq about their Navigation system and its faults. Such as not understanding verbal commands, incorrect directions, trace being the same color as the route (blue on blue), mileage scale difficult to read (small), alpha numeric keyboard rather than a typewriter or computer keyboard, and the inability to program destination and POI, even when a passenger is on board and able to imput the system. The latter being my major complaint. I explain to them that I could manipulate the screen in many ways, but not the most important screens.
They were vere sympathic, but were adament that they would not disclose the wire imputing the cutoff signal and further stated that if I found it or the lexus dealer found it and cut it, the warranty would be voided. In this lituious society, Lexus is concerned about litigation, and I can't fault them for that. but, I think it is overkill when they prevent the owner from modifying the system by voiding the warranty. It seems to me that Lexus could have placed a sensor in the passenger seat that would have let the passenger make the appropiate destination and POI changes. I also told them that having to agree that safety was important each time the system was engage questioned the intelligence of the user. After this conversation with Lexus I wondered why they even bothered to show any information on the navigation system while the vehicle is in motion.
By the way, I did solve the navigation problem on our last trip: I bought my wife a map!
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I truely wish that Lexus would be more relaxed about this as well.
however, i can absolutely and totally understand their decision.
Lexus could have install a passenger sensor or something. but why? honestly place yourself in their shoes. why would you spend more $$ and effort toward this when you don't have to. by going the extra mile, you are presenting more points of failure and potentially more litigations. it just isn't worth it.
disclaimer screen and telling the owners not to cut wires "may" be enough to cover their butts. but if they can show the court that they went as far as voiding the warranty in order to stop people from doing the mod would be gigantic plus for them in litigation. and it doesn't even cost them a penny to do it.
it's simple economics. it just make sense for them NOT to do this.
i do think it's shame that we can't do more about this. but i absolutely can't fault them at all. i would have done the same thing.
besides, in my opinion, Lexus' nav still is one of the better ones (factory or aftermarket) out there. i've had nav systems from bimmer, merc, porsche, garmin and lexus. i'd rate lex's system close to the top.
D.J.
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