I have a 2003 TL with a standard audio system. I'm trying to upgrade my to a dvd/navigation system. I'm not sure if i should purchase an all in one head unit or if i should kind of make one from scratch. I kinda also have a 1000 dollar budget. please let me kno

 

for $1k you could probably do the install with a stock nav system from a tl/rl/mdx. i suggest you search around on the forums here and in the A/V section, a bunch of members have done the stock nav install and even gone to alpine systems and other indash systems. personally i like my garmin, although if i were to do it now i may go with a garmin nuvi or an alpine blackbird.

no matter what, just try to read some independent reviews on the system first. you don't want to go out and buy a killer stereo w/nav in it just to find out the nav software sucks.

personally i recommend a portable GPS because you can program it while driving if you need to and because you can take it from car to car. of course the benefit of an indash system is that it will generally be more accurate, plus if you want a dvd player in your car it kills 2 birds with one stone.

ps - welcome to the board!!

bob