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What ever they did in the O4, sure as heck wasn't an improvement.
Before the O4 everyone raved about the Nav. and now lots of complaints...SOMETHING IS SERIOUSLY WRONG.
I've had a nav system since '97 with Navteq data. The first couple years it was as bad as the GDT data is now. Every new release every 6 months was a big improvement over the previous one. Since GDT does not have any correction process built into their business model, I don't see how our problem will go away with newer versions. It's up to Lexus to swith back to the superior product. What do they say- "the relentless pursuit of perfection"?
I'm just wondering about the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system. I know the Laser version is located under the bumper, but where is the Radar's version?
I also that the Mercedes' and Cadillac's radar cruise control is located behind a plastic cover with the emblem painted on. Is Lexus' like that too; and what about Audi and BMW.
I am sure I will have a lot of questions on my Custom Lux; there seem to be a lot of improvements over the 2001 model. I like the 6-speed and the upgraded interior. I feel like they have tightened up the suspension too without compromising the ride.
By the way on the custom lux the little buttons on the door handle (assuming you got keyless) locks all the doors when you push it. The Smartkey is great except that you start thinking you can drive your other vehicle(s) the same way. You also have to make sure you don't double check that the door is loclked with the door handle as you will unlock the door inadvertently. Naturally the alarm system does re-lock it if you don't open it anyway. Lastly I have Verizon and have joined others by buying the Motorola V-710. It's nice to be able to use the bluetooth connection for conversation via the cars audio system. it's also an excellent phone despite the fact that motorola has to still update the software so you can upload you phonebook.
Enjoy the best luxury car on the road.
Now, each morning I am again like a little kid when I get behind the wheel. I can live with this one for a long time no matter what the future re-design may bring. All the regulars on this forum were a great help to me in my decision to move back...thanks to you all.
Welcome back....
wbwynn - Told you. Trust me you'll want that next version when it arrives. It's going to be a class killer and leave everyone else in the dust. Heck - this one's already in a class by itself anyway. But that next model as a late 2006 or early 2007 - in hybrid form will be SOMETHING. Lexus will never make it easy for anyone who experiences this car to want or be happy in anything else. It's just too good.
The Nav system on that is terrific. Could they have messed it up in '04 with a software change?
As to the voice recognition, it's just as awful on my '03. The symptom of "Zoom in" being interpreted as a POI request is the same. I've given up on the voice system.
It too sometimes takes me a strange way that seems to be out of the way, favoring big streets or highways. It usually gets me there, though and is generally accurate to within 10-20 feet.
HBH
They filled up the tank as many of you reported. Thanks, I made sure I arrived thirsty.
I drove a courtesy RX 330 with 100 miles on it. Found it sluggish, noisy and suprise...it felt like a truck. Why does anyone other than a serious off-roader drive these silly things? Delighted to have my 430 back.
ps. Am rarely using the NAV. It tried to take me west of Pennsylvania on a trip from Philly back to NYC. I do however rely on the GPS to find alternate routes while driving. And the database has been handy for poi's and restaurants.
Besides, it came with the sound package, which was worth it.
And there is the overall UTILITY of an RX (SUV) that is rather a strong point for me.
If what I read here (lots of posts since July) are any indications of what the '04 is, then I am disappointed. More so that the LS has MB and its peers in a panic button mode and want to fritter it away by cheapening the components - eg the new Nav. A major recall of the 6-speed tranny is not a good thing. Hopefully, this will be a blimp and not the norm. I remain highly expectant of the re-designed 2006/2007 model.
BTW, the upgraded Nav on my '99 works flawlessly. Of course, it is not voice-activated. Maybe that's the reason, eh ? My uncle in FLorida just upgraded his 2001 LS to the 2004 LS black/black, custom lux. He loves the LS and cannot imagine anything else. His wife drives an '02 LX470. Seemed like my family is going Lexus. For me, it's the 2006/2007 that should make me either a Lexus lifer, or looking elsewhere. Time will tell....
But glad to be back here....
Spring 2005 - New GS
Fall 2005 - New IS
Spring 2006 - New ES
Fall 2006 - New LS
OAC - glad your back. My nav and tranny are flawless and the car is greater than ever. I also can't imagine any other car as my primary car. Nothing to worry about.
He also mentioned that Lexus is targeting "BMW loyalists disaffected by that brand's move toward polarizing design and complicated electronic controls." He also was quoted as saying "the new Lexuses (sedans) will offer a sportier driving experience and have bolder styling."
Has anyone else noticed a difference in seat comfort level? Or is there something wrong with my particular seat? Or with my rear end?
Regards,
CK
I say, let the battle begin --- circa MY 2006 !
Glad your back.
WWEST the Bridgestone tires are doing fine..I noticed they have a flat spot when you start out, but it goes away quickly..Anything I shoul do? Or is this ok. ? Tony
I also set the seat front to maximum height and back to minimum. In fact I asked my dealer if it is possible to adjust the limit stops so as to make the front go higher still. She said there is no adjustment for that.
Lexus, if you are reading this, please make seats more comfortable. Thank you.
Mike
Sorry it took so long to reply. While 18" wheels are "available" outside the sport package the allocations from the factory are coming in with 17" and all seasons (what I wanted anyway). The demo had 17's as well. Mostly pros for the differences in the 01 to 05, but I'll miss the two glove compartments, and I liked the red sticks on the guages more than the white. I'm amazed how much more they can put into the car for only around 1.3K more MSRP and even less in real $ given exchange differences. Steerable headlights, rear color camera, park assist, rear shade, cooled seats & perf leather, smart key, and the rear seat mirrors that I'm sure our dog (the only rear seat passenger) will learn to enjoy once my wife teaches her about lipstick. BTW - I just learned that you can leave the fog lights switch on and they'll work with the daylight sensors and come on with the headlights. I asked about this because I'd seen quite a few LS with both sets on recently and thought it was a new 2004/5 default setting from Lexus. Only took over three years to learn how the lights work.
On the SC, my wife loves her "baby Lexus". It's put Sunday drives back in our vocabulary. We just got back from a jaunt to Princeton on the back roads. Days like today are perfect for the car. That said, I wouldn't want it for my daily driver as I prefer the smooth luxury of the LS (or other quality sedan)to a sportscar. I must say the complements we get on the SC just keep coming. Everyone looks at it, and many people comment. We have the midnight pine and saddle and we really like the combo.
They had a 2005 Palm Beach SC on the floor at RC when I signed the paperwork on the LS. Can't say I really cared for it. I thought the wheel covers were too busy with the outer half chromed and the inner part dark, and the red seats might have been OK if the carpeting wasn't a washed out version of the same color. Maybe a black carpet to match the wood might have saved it. As my salesman said, "If it was hot it wouldn't still be here now."
Naw, my Lincoln seats are heated & cooled (something, by the way, I'll never go without again), and the seats are soft & comfy. I have the left hip problem too, but not in my Lincoln, ever. I can drive it all day and feel good as gold. So, it's not the equipment, it's by design.