Lobbying Lexus Corp to promote Updated Nav/Audio Solutions

[Lgretep]

I posted this in a separate discussions thread as well, but think it deserves its own Topic, as it is broader than just my model.

Some high end automakers that have difficulty accommodating aftermarket upgrades to dated OEM nav & audio equipment are beginning to foster, support and facilitate aftermarket solutions (Porsche, for example).

A lot of the Android tablet solutions for my '06 LX470 are tragic garbage (FWIW, Seicane probably the best one out there, I've learned the hard way). Having them exploit a needy market only lowers the resale value of vehicles that were built to last, and worth investing in. The LX and LC100's are vehicles made so beautifully, it is a shame to see them languish with awkward OEM Nav and Audio or junk upgrades. OEM was *tragically* behind the times even when these vehicles were new - Can you imagine my 06 LX470 has a cassette deck in it?!!, and a Nav screen so small, if you could afford a Lexus, you probably also could not see the screen. We live in a fast-evolving world with some great technology out there, and it is a shame to see a great vehicle lose value for a lack of Nav and Audio solutions. I want to drive this thing until I'm on Medicare, but using a velcro or a Steelie with an iphone and a 1990's cassette adapter isn't nostalgic, it's ridiculous. Who do we have to speak to at Lexus Corporate to get proper upgrade solutions vetted and promoted by the mother ship? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

 

[William David Simpson]

I am totally behind this issue with Lexus. I find it inappropriate that a well made luxury vehicle that we all pay a premium price for becomes obsolete and basically unusable in regards to its Nav/Audio capabilities when compared to the current technology available. 
 

If Lexus wishes to maintain their credibility, they need to NOT abandon their previous buyers/owners and put their corporate wealth and talent toward giving us older Lexus owners a viable path to upgrade our Nav/Audio capabilities. 
 

Can we mount an owners effort to make this happy?!?

[William David Simpson]

HAPPEN! (And we’ll be HAPPY)

[RX400h]

A quick look at Crutchfield reveals that there are quite a few stereo/navigation options for our 2006 RX400h. 

I'm not sure why they have nothing for your (same age) LX470. Perhaps not as many were sold. 

[Lgretep]

That may be the case - not sure. But the more I research, the more I am learning that the '00's had some major issues as manufacturers started merging the man computer-driven systems: systems diagnosis, climate, navigation and audio/visual together. Ive seen it now in Subaru and VW models as well. These are some real head scratchers, too - you would think I am joking, but on an '05 Subaru, the vehicle could not pass emissions testing unless the after market stereo was disconnected. As for my beloved LX, I have seen comments from installers online that installing aftermarket amps will disable climate control functions. I wouldn't believe it either, except that the equipment to perform emissions testing expressly warns that disconnecting the OEM Nav/Audio can prevent emissions tests from connecting properly.

 

Untangling the problem is no easy feat, without reinventing everything but the wheels... It is just antithetical to a vehicle like an LX, which was otherwise built to last a long time, where the Nav/audio/climate OEM systems were sorely outdated - even before the vehicle was new.