Gs400 Navi Vs Without Navi

[petayV8]

Have searched the forum but cant seem to find the answer. Is the sound system the same in GS400's with and without navi?

I have only been looking at GS400's with navi but is really narrowing down my options so am wondering is it really worth it. after all I can always get a double din navigation but would be gutted to lose out on premium sound as im a bit of a audiophile. I would also miss out on drivers information centre but thats not to important to me.

[pj8708]

Hi Peter and welcome to the LOC.

The only "audiophile" quality system available from Lexus is the Mark Levinson product. It consist of 18(19?) crossover matched speakers, an equalizer fully adjustable, with front to back and side to side speaker control and about 3-400 watts.

The system is widely popular but seems to have two areas of concern. One is the lack of low end response and the other is a proclivity for amplifiers to go out. The amplifier trouble seemed to peak at about the 2007- 2009 model years. At this point, I can't recall when I heard of a ML amp problem.

For your enjoyment and based upon you desire for excellent sound. I would go with the nav plus the ML system. Also, when it comes time to trade or sell the car, it will be able to go head to toe in resell worth with other makers cars. Based on all the car advertising it looks like many models of other manufacturers are making navigation a standard feature.

Paul

[1990LS400]

I noticed your avatar and the use of the British spelling for "center". Are you really in California?

U.S. specification 1998-2000 GS400 had three different audio systems: Pioneer without navigation, Pioneer with navigation, Nakamichi without navigation.

The 1998-2000 navigation has not been supported with updates since 2004 so I would avoid it like the plague. Also avoid the Nakamichi since replacement parts are hard to come by and failure rate is relatively high.

The only variation I would recommend is the Pioneer without navigation. Interface harnesses are available for plug-and-play installation of aftermarket double-DIN units and the existing OEM HVAC controls are not a factor in installing an aftermarket head unit.

The 1998-2005 GS with the standard Pioneer audio system (without navigation) is particular well suited for conversion to an aftermarket audio and navigation system due to the location of the head unit in relation to the drivers eyes - the head unit is somewhat higher in the center stack than in other Lexus models of the same time frame.

[petayV8]

I noticed your avatar and the use of the British spelling for "center". Are you really in California?

U.S. specification 1998-2000 GS400 had three different audio systems: Pioneer without navigation, Pioneer with navigation, Nakamichi without navigation.

The 1998-2000 navigation has not been supported with updates since 2004 so I would avoid it like the plague. Also avoid the Nakamichi since replacement parts are hard to come by and failure rate is relatively high.

The only variation I would recommend is the Pioneer without navigation. Interface harnesses are available for plug-and-play installation of aftermarket double-DIN units and the existing OEM HVAC controls are not a factor in installing an aftermarket head unit.

The 1998-2005 GS with the standard Pioneer audio system (without navigation) is particular well suited for conversion to an aftermarket audio and navigation system due to the location of the head unit in relation to the drivers eyes - the head unit is somewhat higher in the center stack than in other Lexus models of the same time frame.

This is the exact information I was looking for. Thanks a lot. I wont bother to much about a navi optioned GS400 in that case. I plan on a double din android setup in the future anyway. And already noticed the way they were stacked on the GS430 and agree its better above than low by the shift selector

Yes i'm in Napa, CA and here to stay :) I emigrated from Shropshire, UK. Im a 2 years loyal LOC UK member. I introduced myself here.

I had a first gen IS which I loved and cherished but always knew my next Lexus would be a GS. Cannot afford a 3rd gen and call me ridiculous but avoiding the 430 2nd gen because no E-Shift!

So my question is was the pioneer without navi a option on 1998 - 2000 GS400? or which MY was is fitted

[petayV8]

I just googled the pioneer head unit and see the difference now #thumbsup

[1990LS400]

The Pioneer without navigation was the standard audio system in the 98-00 GS. The e-shift is kind of fun. The last car I drove that had steering wheel paddle shifters was a Smart Fortwo that I rented for a month in 2012 - they made the little bugger fun to drive.

As much fun as e-shift might be over on twisty coastal Highway 1, I think I would prefer the latest Gen 2 GS possible - either a 2005 GS430 or GS300.