02 Cruiser Nav System

[tfrain]

I have an 02 Cruiser i am now looking at, but it has Nav, which I really didn't want. I'm worried about it breaking as I plan to keep the truck until it dies, plus I don't like the way the glare coating comes off the screen and looks like crap.

What do you guys think about the Nav system in this year model? I would personally rather have the knobs and all for the a/c and radio as I have never dealt with the NAV stuff, but how do you guys like it and how much does it break?

Thanks!!

 

[aedgington]

I don't think it "breaks", but you will definitely have to eventually clean the screen of the anti-glare coating.

 

[macneill]

Never had any problems with mine other than an occassional "freak out" where the screen is all snow. A couple of restarts and it's just fine.

Actually I think the NAV was probably one of the best options ever when we ordered the truck.

Never once fight over directions anymore...

 

[jkelly65]

I have only had 1 problem on my 02 with Nav - about 2 months ago while looking for a pizzaria stopped at a red light, the screen went into reboot mode. I freaked out thinking about the 5000+ pricetag to replace it, but all the other options (AC, radio, etc worked). Anyway I ejected the Nav CD from the driver under the passenger seat, turned off and restarted the engine, and everything was fine.

Going from memory, I think the Nav was still an option in 02 but I have yet to see an 02 LC without it.

 

[mikeacs]

I liked it well enough to retrofit an 05 unit to my 99, now I can't imagine being without it , especially since adding the camera and XM to it. Toyotas nav interface is way better than BMW or others that i've seen. Mine has never had a hiccup, but they can be sent off and repaired if they do break, you'd just have a hole in the dash until it came back

 

[LXPearl]

I was happy with the non-NAV on my 01 LC. Overall condition of the vehicle took priority on the LX, so I have NAV now. Actually, the NAV is easy to use and did not take long to get used to it.

I have seen 02 LCs without NAV, but not any 03 or newer non-NAV LCs (even though it is called optional). The LX had NAV as standard starting in 02. Even now, I would favor an 01 LX non-NAV with Levinson (only year for that combo), but would settle on a 01-03 LC/LX with NAV.

Newer NAV units seem more problem prone, but even those are rare. The only thing I would check out on the 02 LC is to make sure it plays DVDs. I think some of the 01 LCs played CDs only.

If you have patience, you can find a good 01 or 02 without NAV in good condition. It may be worth it to you to travel to pick one up. If you have a sales person you like/trust, you can ask them to hunt one down for you. They have access to info beyond normal auto web sites.

 

[tfrain]

Thanks for the info. So as far as you guys know, the nav isn't anymore prone to break than the knobs and such? I got to thinking that the knobs are probably electronic anyway and would break just as easily (by break, I mean quit working not physically break). Does the touchscreen still work if you get one of the screen protector things to put on top of it? Regarding the DVD, is there a separate changer/drive for the nav system, or is it the changer in the console that runs the nav as well?

I've seen 1 03 LC without the nav.

It is really difficult to find one in the condition I want for the price I want. I wish the gas prices had stayed high for a little while longer as that was good leverage for a while there.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[jkelly65]

The nav cd (or is it dvd?) is under the passenger seat - the 6 disk cd/dvd magazine is in the center console. The touch screen will work with a screen protector, but unfortunately this will do nothing to hide the ugly wear of the anti-reflective coating.

 

[e9999]

no problem with our NavSys so far, but it scares me to think how expensive it would be to get it replaced if needed, given the A/C etc controls in there.... Definitely an issue to keep in mind for long-term ownership.

Then again, electronics are probably more reliable than mechanical systems, and there are also a number of ECUs on board to which the above reasoning would apply as well.... let's face it, times are achangin...

 

[tfrain]

Thanks again for the info - My wife doesn't really want the nav and I don't either, so I guess I'll have to add that to my spec list, which just makes it that much harder to find one of these farging trucks. This would be a good time to have a rich buddy who wanted a new one wouldn't it?? ha!

Yeah, I hate that everything is so computerized nowadays. I had an old CJ that was actually very reliable except for alternator belts, and it was so easy to work on, no computers, just a good old carb. I miss that sometimes. I wish they could put a mechanical diesel in a cruiser. That would be sweet and bulletproof.

 

[LXPearl]

I saw on Autotrader that Sewell Lexus in Dallas had a couple 01 LX470s without NAV but with Levinson audio. Even had a certified one for about $27K. Certified allows 2.99% financing. They were straight dealing when I was looking. They are located next to Love Field, so a simple flight in on Southwest Air is convenient.

 

[tfrain]

Thanks for the info. Sewell has had quite a few trucks that I've looked at. They seem like a pretty good dealership. Do you wish you had kept your cruiser instead of getting an LX?

 

[LXPearl]

If I still had the LC, I would not have a need for the LX. If I had to choose between the two, I would take the LX. Both were in excellent condition.

 

[aedgington]

Where are you located?

 

[wngrog]

I LOVE the Nav system. Love it.

 

[tfrain]

I'm in (well near) Memphis, TN.

 

[tfrain]

If I still had the LC, I would not have a need for the LX. If I had to choose between the two, I would take the LX. Both were in excellent condition.

Is the LX more comfortable? Someone said the leather is better and I read on here somewhere that the paint is thicker - not sure how true either is. I'm buying this vehicle for quality/longevity/built in Japan. I personally think the LC is better looking on the outside, and is more me because of the perception of someone who drives a lexus., but the wood on the dash holds up better on the LX because it isn't that fake crap the LCs have on them. Which do you think is honestly, better quality that will last longer. Is there less wind noise in the LX? The leather on the driver's seat on the truck in question has about a 1 to 1.5 inch seam that is popping on the seat. It is a 6 year old truck, so I think that is pretty good. I say that about the perception of someone who drives a Lexus because my wife is staying home with our new baby and we have had to cut WAYYYY back. I tell our friends we can't do this/that/or the other because we just don't have the money, but if I go out and get a Lexus, it will be kind of ironic. The funny thing is, I will probably be spending less on a used 5 year old lexus than they did on their cars. Bunch of dummies!

 

[tfrain]

I'm starting a new thread with pics of the LX I'm considering. I'll title it "Opinion of this LX for purchase."

 

[aedgington]

As far as more comfortable goes, the LX leather is better, it's quieter, and the ride is smoother.

 

[LXPearl]

The LC is not much different than an LX - both are at the top of the SUV class, so don't worry about what people think. Get the one that fits your needs best.

Having lived with both the LC and LX, the differences become apparent. Tilt down mirrors, AHC, sound system, insulation, memory settings, etc. make a difference in day to day driving. Take an LX on a gravel road and notice how its computerized ride is better than the LC. The insulation is great - not as hot in summer, cold in winter, and quieter. The engines are smoother - supposedly the pick of the litter at the factory. The standard cabin air filter was an issue for me (was unaware it might be available in LC when I had the LC). Lighted running boards - starting 01. These all make a difference in a daily driver or on a family trip.