Is it worthy to spend $1500 to buy Package #3 with JBL instead of Package #2?

Ithink you get a lot more than just the JBL for the $1500. You get Bluetooth for hands free, theft deterrrent system, Homelink auto dimming rearview (I really like this thing)

If you use a headset then maybe not worth it. My 6-disk changer has crapped out and the sound system isn't that good BUT to upgrade the car yourself the $1500 is probably pretty close to accurate of what it would cost to do.

 

Well my package number 2 has a standard anti-theft system that seems to work good enough for me. Also, you should know about the bluetooth package - it locks you out from dialing while you are driving, just like the GPS. Pretty useless, imho.

 

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Worth it for JUST the JBL - no

P.S.
The bluetooth and nav lockouts are very easy to defeat for use while in-motion.

(imho)
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The JBL audio system blows - I know, I've bought two Priuses and both had the JBL audio (JBL audio in the hybrid Camry is far better). If that was the only item of interest to you in the package, then it's not worth it.

 

Hmm, how easy? It is an easter egg you have to perform every time you hop in the car? Cause that would get pretty tiresome.

 

If you have the money to buy an aftermarket stereo system then no, it's not worth it. The JBL system is pretty crumby compared to what you could get from Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer or some other brands.

You can get a great DVD, NAV, CD, Bluetooth system for $1000 or less and still have some cash to buy better speakers. If you skip the Nav you can get a whole system for $1500 that will blow away the factory stuff.

 

buy your stuff its cheaper
gps $300.00

audio
4channel amp $200.00
speakers $200.00

bluetooth headset $80.00

total $780.00

much happier too

 

I personally think that the JBL speakers are very average. I had a 2005 accord with premium sound and that sounded way better. If i were you and were weighing 1500$ vs Pkg 3, i would keep the money.

 

Not an easter egg, a one-time process

2 - options:
DIY - Prius Speed Wire
Purchase - BLUE LOCKPICK1
.

 

Hmmm, this is making me rethink the pkg #3 I "ordered". Perhaps I would be better off with #2, then spending even a little less than the $1500 and having leather installed.

Out test drive car was a #6, and although we didn't play with the JBL system much, at no time did it even remotely sound good. It lacked depth from bass, and clarity from the highs. The stock base system must be even worse. Problem is we have a 1997 Audi with Bose including stock subwoofer which sounds amazing - now nothing compares.

 

I have Pkg #2. No Nav, No JBL. I think the Nav would have been nice, but I can do without it. As for the stereo. Hmmmm. My standard factory installed radio stinks. The bass does lack depth. The highs aren't very crisp. The sound gets distorted, blah, blah, blah. So spend $800 to 1000k on an upgraded aftermarket or change the speakers and add a subwoofer. That will give you a better stereo sound and cost much less than the $1500, especially if you were going to finance the car. That $1500 would end up costing you over $1800 after 5 years.

 

You can get much better sound for less than 1.5K. I have the pkg 3 and had to spend another 2k just to fix up the sound system to my liking.

Features that I found useful: integrated Bluetooth, SKS.

The Homelink is not worth it. You can buy your own Homelink rearview mirror (with Compass!!!) for about $200 if that's something you really need.

You can also install an in-dash deck with DVD touch screen, Bluetooth, Aux input, MP3 and all that.

 

No, just for a JBL it isn't worth it. I just bought a '08 pkg#2. The stereo system works great. Loud enough for me with a plug in for my iPod. I have a Garmin 650 that DOESN"T lock me out. I also have a Bluetooth phone with a ear piece that works great. Saved myself $1500.

 

I've got to go along with the crowd on this one. Spending that kind of money for the JBL system isn't worth it. (although I like mine)
No matter what aftermarket systen you put into your car you'll never re-coop the money you spend on it. System's get old fast and by the time you're ready to sell the car something new and better will have come along..

 

Hey all,

Just wanted to thank you all for the information. I had the same questions about package 2 or 3. Sounds like I should save the cash and find an aftermarket stereo.

 

hmmmmmmmmmm.............sounds like i'm the minority. i compare my JBL sound system to my 06 cad sts premium system...............while the volume is definitely NOT that high or as powerful, i find myself very content with the package #6 sound system. i use the EQ to tune in my highs, mids and lows. if i'm cruising around for a while, i'll further custom tune the EQ on my IPOD if something else is severely lacking.

to those that dont know, the NAVI and BLUETOOTH are all VOICE ACTIVATED. you can use this command when the vehicle is in motion, just NOT the screen.

cheers and have a good weekend people.

 

Package 2 made the most sense to me. You get some useful things for a good price.
The other options are much more expensive. The basic sound system benefits from such a quiet car with a big interior. That is enough to give you a nice sound. I don't like the Nav/phone options because they clutter up the dash with more buttons, and can be had much cheaper with a portable NAV and cell phone. I bought a refurb Tom Tom for less than $100, and always carry my cell with me.

 

Sorry fro bring this old thread back.
I was just debating this same thing. I like the idea of the JBL and Bluetooth but now I think I will buy package II and use the saving and have some professional installed leather on my seats for $1200 he in CA. I thing that will be a much better deal.
Also it surprises me that many people here doesn't care much for the quality of the JBL system.

 

The deciding factor should be...After listening to the JBL system under varying conditions, playing what you like to listen to (take your own CDs for the listening test ), is the JBL system good enough that you won't ever want to eventually upgrade it? After a casual listen, I didn't think it was and I'm not very particular about my sound systems.

If you will upgrade it later, there is no use paying extra for it in the first place.

If it really satisfies you then go for it.