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Model Years and Trims with USB audio integration?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by WILLYumD, Jul 13, 2014.

  1. WILLYumD

    WILLYumD New Member

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    I'm looking to get a Prius and a major, while vain, feature I'd like is a (pre-installed) audio system with USB-iPod integration. (Non-wired connections are a pet peeve of mine, and CD/DVDs are not as convenient to use.)

    What is the oldest (assuming with age comes a reduced price) Prius model year that can support the USB connection? I did some light research and found that the 2010 Prius II is the "cheapest" option. But that's a really confusing result due to Toyota's sudden 2011 revamp of the Prius and the addition of the USB port, which apparently was released in the 2012 model year.

    Or should I buy an older Prius and just change out the audio system? (If this is the better choice, how old should I go? As in generations/model years.)

    Sorry, it's a weird question, all input is gratefully appreciated.
     
    #1 WILLYumD, Jul 13, 2014
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Toyota started adding the USB port in the mid-year 2010 Prius, at least after the earliest builds. My 2010 Prius III (Three now) with a July 2009 build date came with the USB port.

    I do not know whether the 2010 Prius II has the USB or not.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Jul 13, 2014
  3. WILLYumD

    WILLYumD New Member

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    Where is the port located? I'd just like to know so I can look at pictures online of used cars to see if they have the port, quicker than driving to the dealer. Also, I looked up the USB Interface Kit for 2010 Prius and apparently it does not like the iPhone, have you tried it with the iPhone (4S, maybe)?
     
    #3 WILLYumD, Jul 13, 2014
  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    The USB port is in the rear of the middle console. I doubt you will see it in dealer photos.

    The USB port is made for MP3 music files on memory sticks, iPods, etc and not for phones.
     
    #4 jdcollins5, Jul 13, 2014
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  5. WILLYumD

    WILLYumD New Member

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    Thanks again. I see. Does the car's sound system take control of the device, as in accessing the files itself? Or can we change the track and volume and whatnot via the device?
     
    #5 WILLYumD, Jul 13, 2014
  6. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    My car has the Nav display and I have two albums on a memory stick. The USB device shows up as a tab just like a CD, SAT radio, etc. I have full control of the albums and songs, just like a CD.

    I cannot speak to a car without Nav.
     
    #6 jdcollins5, Jul 13, 2014
  7. harper42

    harper42 Member

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    My 2010 did not have the usb but the dealer just gave me a cord - standard audio cord: straight round plug which goes into your device and into a round hole in the center console. Always worked great with my car audio speakers. I did have to control track and volume with the device though.
     
    #7 harper42, Jul 13, 2014
  8. WolfpackBill

    WolfpackBill Senior Member

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    From what I understand, the 2010-2011 Prius with the JBL systems have the USB port. I have an early build 2010 IV with JBL system and it has the USB port. 2012 is the first year where USB is standard due to the entune system.
     
    #8 WolfpackBill, Jul 13, 2014
  9. WILLYumD

    WILLYumD New Member

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    Alright makes sense. Cool, too, I can have a little flashdrive stuck in as a dedicated music drive.

    Ahh, the trusty 3.5mm AUX jack. What trim do you have? I think it's a decent compromise, I still get the music, just not the car-integrated controls.

    I'll make sure to remember that if I do go pre-2012. Thanks!

    From what you guys have replied, if I do get a Prius, it'll probably be a 2nd generation one. The USB integration is nice and all, but considering the $15k price tags to get that, I'm not so sure it'll be a great investment for a small feature. Is there a reason that I should go 3rd gen? Like safety or comfort changes?
     
    #9 WILLYumD, Jul 13, 2014
  10. robertk328

    robertk328 Member

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    The Prius III I bought in July 2010 did NOT have a USB. So YMMV. Pretty sure you needed the IV to get that but not positive.
     
    #10 robertk328, Jul 14, 2014
  11. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    It sounds like just the units with the Nav came with the USB port then. My 2010 III has the USB but I also have the Nav unit.
     
    #11 jdcollins5, Jul 14, 2014
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  12. robertk328

    robertk328 Member

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    That's probably it then!
     
    #12 robertk328, Jul 14, 2014
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