Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Car System Wishlist

Jan 28, 2008 9:36PM PST

Hi - I'm planning to a buy a new 2009 Lexus when it comes out and am going to buy an aftermarket system that (hopefully) has all the features I want. The problem I have now is in my research I see lots of units that have the features, but also read lots of bad reviews from consumers of them. I'm looking for a recommendation on a unit, preferrably one of the newest models available even if it's not available yet, that covers all the bases for me.

Here's my wish list:
1) Sirius Satellite Radio
2) GOOD Ipod support - meaning full search, playlists, audio, video, etc.
3) Hard-drive or online-based GPS navigation, NOT DVD-based. Traffic support is great but not essential.
4) DVD video playback
5) Double-DIN size
6) Integration with steering wheel controls (not essential but important)

I've looked at the Pioneer's and Alpine's but all their units seem to be a couple years old, I haven't seen anything new announced.

Can anybody lead me in the right direction so I can make the best purchase in around the September/October timeframe? Cost is not a concern, so please don't let that limit your recommendations.

Thank you very much!

Greg in NJ

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
re: Car System Wishlist
Jan 29, 2008 2:13AM PST

Your options will be pretty limited due to #3, hard drive-based navigation. I believe there are only a handful of head units like that available, such as the Pioneer AVIC.

But the most difficult part of your plan is getting any aftermarket unit working in a new Lexus. Lexus cars are not very aftermarket-friendly. They use non-standard face plates and controls. I'm not even sure you will find a conventional double-DIN slot on the stack. I believe you would end up paying around $1,000 for the head unit, and about the same or more for the installation, if it's done right. The installer would likely have to fabricate a new face plate for the stack. You would probably be better off just getting these features as options on the car.

- Collapse -
re: Car System Wishlist
Jan 29, 2008 4:41AM PST

Ouch. Hopefully the 2009's are less restrictive, but I'm not counting on it. I'd rather not go with a factory unit since I always find those subpar compared to aftermarket. Are BMW's any easier to fit?

Thank you very much for your comments...

Greg.