Australian RX400h import

[BAEF]

Hi all,

We have had our 2006/7 RX400h (Model Number MHU38R AWXGKW) since new. We imported it into the UK 12 months ago and have largely overcome the issues with a vehicle imported from Australia. That said, I’ve still got some way to go in my learning.

One such issue is that of navigation. Quite important for a newcomer to this country.

We currently use our phones on a air vent mount - and that is sort of OK. I’m just wondering if there might be a better solution for a well loved 14 year old Lexus...

Firstly, on the topic of the onboard DVD Sat Nav System. The system now is inoperative because the DVD ROM is the Australian version. (The DVD has the numbers 86271-53011 and 464210-0830 on it). I see that there are places where second hand UK map DVD’s can be bought online. Is it possible to buy a UK DVD which will simply slot it in and work? Or is this more of a hardware issue?

My second question, is around other navigation solutions. My model has the Mark Levinson Sound System with a cassette and DVD. What’s the current state of play with after market apple Car Play installations.  I’m seeking any recommendations on this subject.

Thanks in advance,

[Herbie]

Wow! Imported from Australia? Would it not have been cheaper and easier to just buy one here?

Having said that, every credit to you Bruce, it must have taken some doing, that.

Sorry to be negative but using your phone is by far the best and easiest solution to navigation other than buying a standalone satnav such as a TomTom or Garmin etc. The car is 14 years old, plus the time in development, so the satnav tech is well outdated and clunky. Being DVD-based means that you can't add your own POIs and/or speedcam databases etc.

I use my phone with either Waze or Google Maps and also What 3 Words and I use one of these CD-slot mount holders. It doesn't mark or scratch in any way and you can still play your CDs without any problem https://cdslotmount.com/

[BAEF]

Thanks Herbs for your reply. I know it seems crazy importing from Australia. It worked for me, at that point, for a number of reasons.

There is a line of Norwegian ROLO Autoliners that are constantly circumnavigating the planet - making shipping cars around the world almost as easy as shipping them across the channel. Mine took 77 days Sydney to Southhampton. I made an error in choosing Southhampton instead of Bristol where the vessel had docked 10 days previously. Then there was the DVLA ...who had a Brexit related backlog at that time .. which meant that the car was sitting around for exactly 50 days near the docks while we waited for the wheels of bureaucracy. Without that added expense (storage and hire cars) we would have been all good financially. 

Thank you for the heads up re the CD/DVD slot mount holders. I see that my case/mounting brand of choice (Pitaka) has this as an option.

[rich1068]

I understand the attraction of using the car system but being totally logical about this, Herbie is quite right. Google Maps just blows it out of the water. Didn't stop me updating on my '06 RX or '02 GS though. I like everything to function as it should. But I think the newest maps I got for either was around 2012, maybe a little later for the RX. If you do decide to update anyway try and look for European sellers. Often the Toyota maps came on multiple discs and an owner in eg Germany doesn't have a use for the UK and Ireland maps hence the listing.

[BAEF]

9 hours ago, rich1068 said:

I like everything to function as it should.

My current experience is that after the "I Agree" page of the system there is a compass page. It would be nice to have a map - even if its an old one. Makes it feel right - if you know what I mean. An old 2017 Map DVD is available on eBay for about £17. Says it works with a Lexus from 2003.

Does anybody know if these work in an Australian vehicle?

[rich1068]

Have a look here https://www.lexus-mapupdates.eu/ Tell it you're in Europe and look for the latest disc/map for your system. Find the corresponding disc on eBay and if it's not much I'd have a punt on using it in your Aussie system.

Very real danger everything will be upside down though.

[Superduner]

If you don't want to go to the expense of installing a Vline (I love mine), then try Sygic Navigation on your phone.  For me it has by far the best interface (based on Tomtom)

[BAEF]

On 10/28/2020 at 10:46 AM, Superduner said:

If you don't want to go to the expense of installing a Vline (I love mine), then try Sygic Navigation on your phone.  For me it has by far the best interface (based on Tomtom)

I'm wondering if installing VLine might be worthwhile. Maps is just one of the features I'm missing. I'm in Somerset and when driving around the South West, its not easy keeping the FM radio tuned (to say one of the BBC channels). It would also be great to have audiobooks and music from say apple Music or Spotify service when driving. I don't see why the car won't continue to work for us for another 5 years - and so an investment in an aftermarket AppleCar play might be worthwhile? There were some new Pioneer and Kenwood models announced this year. Has anybody had success with installing aftermarket apple CarPlay?