I ordered the option with a rear view backup camera and a front avoidance beeper system in my former ES350.

I miss having these features in my new 2008 SC430.

Has anyone installed either in a SC? If so, which brand and model?

My LS is the first car I've had with the sensors, and I frankly thought they were gimmicky. But I LOVE them.  They are loud enough for me to clearly hear, and at the same time, they show on a car icon on the Nav screen exactly which end or corner you're in danger of dinging.

I was sitting with the engine running the other day,waiting to back out of a parking space when one of the sensors beeped ... it was fat lady walking by the front of my car. (I'm serious.)

Here's a picture of the display in action, showing me close to objects in front:



Sorry, carbuff - I don't know anything about the aftermarket kits.

Mike

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tree stumps?  were you offroading that ES?  

Seriously though, my wife's Jeep has the sonar parking guide, but the only display is some LED lights mounted on the roof in the back, and a beeping noise that speeds up as you get closer to stuff.  Its nice because its extremely hard to see out the back of the GC because of the large headrests and smaller rear window compared to the last generation.  I like the idea, but its a little sensitive for my taste... it goes crazy anytime we back the car into the garage.  I guess it prefers at least a 2 foot buffer.

Time to trade!

How come you ordered the SC without the options in question? Didnt want to spend the money or didnt realize you'd miss them? Just curious

Oh.. Wow. That's bizarre. I guess they figure since it's such a small car? Still though.. I'd expect them to at least offer it as an option. Do  you have a navi system? If so there are some third party products I bet you could get integrated.

The car comes with a nav system, bluethooth and voice recognition.

Of course, one does not need the backup camera when in convertible mode or the front avoidance system during daylight.  But both sure do help at night and when the top is up.

Before I had those systems, I never thought about either being desired.  After having them, I found both to be of good value.

I suppose I did not make my initial question clear.  My question really regards whether there are after market products available that are good and can be used.  I do not intend to install something that will detract from the quality of this fine car.

just get one of those beep beep beep beep'ers when you put the car in reverse.  that will take care of you!  j/k...  I think this would be pretty easily accomplished if you have AUX input into your nav screen.   Exterior installation might be tricky.. but it could probably be mounted beside your license plate somewhat inconspicuously. 

Brandon, you're being naughty. It's a serious question, and as I mentioned earlier I have always been a non-believer before the Lexus, and now I'm sold. That little device is worth its weight in ding repairs.

But there are a number of aftermarket versions of various kinds. One of those I referenced above attaches to the inside surface of your bumper cover (therefore not requiring drilling for the little round sensors), and that would be a seamless install. But even if you have the cover drilled it's not a huge deal for a good DIY'er or certainly not for an installer who is halfway competent.

Failing that, there are versions that use a single sensor mounted to your license plate holder. It wouldn't be as informative as the multiple sensor ones that show exactly where the obstruction is, but it would get the general job done. And installation would be a snap.

Mike

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