NAV system update? How-to? Easy to buy it myself, do it myself?

Time to change dealers. These are available (I don't have a handy source to refer you to).

Map data is contained on a micro SD card that inserts into a slot below the screen as shown below. The new map data is on a card that you insert there.

 

I can't speak for anywhere else, but here in the UK it's as simple as logging in to the My Toyota UK website, the website knows the VIN of your car so only shows you stuff applicable. If there's a map update showing you add it to your basket, checkout, if you are eligible for a free update this will be free, otherwise it costs a small fortune. Download the map. Make note of the verification code. Unzip/extract onto USB drive. Put USB drive into USB socket in car. Switch car on. Enter the verification code the website gave you. Select which maps you want to update/install. Wait 30 minutes. Update finishes. Turn car off. Done!

I've made a number of posts on here showing this process, with pictures, if it helps.

 

Yes, they probably are available on the "gray market" a bit cheaper but that is somewhat of a gamble.
Do a Google search if you really want to take that chance.

Check with some other dealers. Living in "new England" there should be several close by.
I suspect that the "margin" on those updates is pretty good.......so your dealer is just being stupid.

 

That is entirely different than the previous post.
Not likely that it will work BOTH from a micro-SD card OR from a USB drive.
Maybe all year models are not the same ??

 

Well, on my Gen4 there is no SD card slot. You use the USB port on the centre arm rest.

 

Maybe US vs UK differences?

 

This may be a difference between the Prius and the Prime. I posted a snap from a Prime manual, and didn't recognize that the OP had a Prius. I would be surprised if this were a regional or country difference.

 

I got a 2018/2019 updated miro-sd card off ebay. Worked just fine for me... Lots of online Toyota Parts shops offer the update at around $150+

Update was as simple with the car off > remove the Slot cover > remove the current card > insert new card same way old came out > turn on car > replace slot cover > check map version... you are done. I commented in Audio and elect area ....

 

Sounds really easy. New version comes out in the fall - I will hold my ground until then...

 

You can find it easy enough on ebay or another dealer with the part number:

86271 0E071

I purchased off ebay for $90. Dealers have it on their websites for $150+ so it was worth it to shop around. Install was super easy - pop out the old one, put in the new one, turn car on and let it load.

I think they release new ones in the fall with map data collected in the spring so the latest right now will be map data from May 2018 and you can check that in the navigation settings after you install to make sure you've got the correct card.