If you had to do it over Model II +aftermarket or Model III?

You're right on the money. If I had to do it again I would get the cheapest base model and modify the heck out of it.

In fact, that's how I'm specking out a new IS-350. People think I'm crazy for not wanting the Nav but I tell them, my Prius already has one and I could care less!

 

That is what I did. Bought 23,566.00 floor mats, rear bumper do dad and shipping.
Found a Rosen nav dealer and got 3 year warranty with camera for 1500.00 cash.

Love it

 

The Rosen and FlyAudio units fit exactly and look stock. I can't comment on the quality of the Navi or the bluetooth.

 

I puchased my 2010 Base with the intent of upgrading the Sound and NAV, as I did not like the Toyota offerings. No regrets what so ever. Research you install diligently as there are always additional costs. I paid $4700 "installed" for mine because I want the "works". To me it was a $1700 upgrade that is just pure quality.

 

I'm happy with the III with Nav, I might just add a sub.

 

I would be cautious of installing anything aftermarket on a Prius, especially with the long warranty on the hybrid battery. If you encounter any problems with the car down the line, you can be pretty sure one of the first things they look at will be the aftermarket stuff you put onto the car. Looking on the Gen II forum, there have been people who warranty was denied because of the aftermarket stuff they put on their Prius.

 

If install is done correctly there are no warrany issues.

 

I'd disagree strongly. Priuses are RARELY modified and the last car on the planet most people, even Toyota's service department, would expect to be tinkered with. Sure you see a lot of modified Priuses on this forum but we are the underwhelming minority. Whenever I go in, they don't even say a thing to me. Most I ever got was "nice, you took your wheel covers off!" Toyota is much less suspect about its customers' mods than say a Subie dealership.

Show me.

 

I would do, again, the same thing I did with my Gen III Prius II, and that is leave it alone. I have a Garmin 3790LMT for longer distance navigation duties, and my HTC Thunderbolt for everything else. My stereo needs are modest: just an aux in and power for a 160 GB iPod classic. All good for me!

 

I got a Gen III Model II and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I installed a Rosen Nav and it does everything claimed.

If you want improved sound, 6 speakers for $150 make a big improvement.

 

Have you actually used the Prius Nav? If you have and you like it (and don't mind the extra money), go for it! You could get a new 2011 or 2012 with the Nav.

Personally, I always prefer Garmin Nav units, so that makes Kenwood the only choice. The Sony units with Google Nav would be my second choice, but they don't cost any less than Kenwood.

The biggest reason to get a 2012 Prius III would be the 3-door SKS. On the 2011 it's only 1-door SKS and those of us who used to have 3-door SKS on our 2009s and earlier really miss it.

Phone/iPod integration isn't a big deal, no matter which Prius you have. You can get BluLogic installed cheap on any model if you don't want the full touch screen of the 2012 or the Nav.

 

I had the lasted version of the Rosen unit installed and love it. The igo primo navigation software is very good. I have a Toyota nav in my 2004 Avalon and the Rosen is way better.

 

I originally did not want a Nav due to the additonal cost but when I found the color that I wanted and all of the other features, it had a Nav. Now that I have the Nav I am glad that I did. If I were purchase another one I would include the Nav.

 

Keep in mind Entune is upgradeable... Meaning Toyota will continue to add to it and as soon as you login updates will be available for download. Some of these updates might have things you want.

Granted, a lot of the things on the Entune system are not "spectacular" but still fun to mess with. DO what you feel is the best choice for you. =)

 

I did the II and I am modding it.
If you are handy go with the base and add your best features later at a better price and more features when it comes to electronics.
The only thing I really regret is the all doors SKS option. Even that is upgradable now.
my2cents

 

"Keep in mind Entune is upgradeable"

and they will charge you $60 a year after the initial free period.

 

Leftover 2011s are coming down in price, so III w/nav might be more affordable than II + aftermarket at this point.

 

Nah, The components the Hybrid battery works with are pretty specific. And I highly, highly doubt modifying or updating a head unit would be a reason Toyota could nullify a Hybrid Battery warranty.

Usually if a warranty is denied, it has to be something very specific and clearly damaging to the original system. The key is to be buying a quality upgrade or replacement and also to have it installed correctly.

If you meet those parameters? I wouldn't worry about your warranty being voided...and certainly not your Hybrid warranty being voided.

 

I just bought a 2011 Prius. How can I upgrade to an all doors keyless entry like I had on my Camry hybrid?