Dash Cams

[Richard1200]

It’s about time car manufacturers linked up their front and rear facing cameras to a recorder with the addition of higher up cameras, My UX Takumi has cameras facing in all directions but I still feel the need for a front/rear dash cam to protect me and my no claims bonus. I have a Nextbase at the moment which instead of being swopped over my dealer is fitting a new one and has added a bit more to the discount to cover the cost. Presumably it’s a good selling point for moving my car on. 

[Herbie]

Hmm.....not so sure about that.

Dashcams are a great idea and I have a front/rear system (Viofo A129 Duo) in my RX, but I wouldn't want it built in at the factory because as sure as eggs is eggs, you can bet the replacement cost would be ridiculously and eye-wateringly high if they needed to be replaced.

My Viofo system cost just over £150 and works superbly well. If I ever needed (or even just wanted) to replace them it won't break the bank and I would have a wide and varied choice to choose from if I didn't want another Viofo.

[LenT]

40 minutes ago, Herbie said:

Dashcams are a great idea and I have a front/rear system (Viofo A129 Duo) in my RX, but I wouldn't want it built in at the factory because as sure as eggs is eggs, you can bet the replacement cost would be ridiculously and eye-wateringly high if they needed to be replaced.

I have long argued that dashcam systems should be available fitted on new cars.  And indeed Lexus does offer a perfectly good Nextbase system.  Installing during the build is obviously the most efficient course. 

I take your point, Herbie, that it may not offer the features - or the cost benefits - that you might independently choose.  But Lexus also offers audio systems that are either Mark Lawrence or Pioneer, depending on the model you choose.  But do they offer a Lexus without any audio system at all so that the buyer can fit a cheaper system of their choice?

So in effect, that principle has already been established.

I expect that Lexus could offer a wider choice, but I suspect they would argue that they would only supply equipment that reflected their own values - and that they could buy in at advantageous prices, as they do with tyres!

An alternative could be that your new Lexus is supplied ready for the dealer fitting of a customer provided system, although that may produce warranty problems or disputes in the event of failure.

The really encouraging feature is that the argument has now moved on from why fit one at all!