I'm trying to decide if I need the Nav package or not. I know I can buy an aftermarket GPS unit that will be perfectly satisfactory. What I'm wondering is if the rear visibility is such that the backup camera (only available with Nav) is really useful. Any opinions from those who now have their vehicles or have test driven one? Thanks.
I use it all the time. I can get with in an inch of a wall or a parked car without hitting them. After using one I don't think I could get another car without one.
While I am a huge fan of the camera, I don't think it's worth getting the Nav package just for the camera.
I would not want a Prius without the backup camera. This is the easiest car to park that I have ever owned. Requiring Nav to get the camera is going to keep me in my 2007 for a long time. I hope that there will be some changes made in future models to allow camera without Nav.
You can see the bumper line w/ the camera and get within inches of an obstacle behind you. Downside is you can't see either corner at the bumper line. Either way, it's a huge benefit over not having one in the 2004 and I'm looking forward to it in the 2010.
I also use it all the time when backing into a parking space so I know exactly when to stop. You can get a 2009 with camera and without NAV.
Although no doubt a far second to the Prius Nav Backup camera, there are decent aftermarket units out there. I have a RoadMaster VR3 in my Lexus RX. It's a wireless unit with a color 3.5" monitor. It powers up when the car is put into reverse. The back camera is powered by a connection made to one of the reverse lights, and the monitor can be easily hardwired to the fuse box. I installed it myself and was quite easy. Purchased at PepBoys - $70, and I believe they offer install services including the unit for around $100. The wide-angle color image is exceptionally crisp and clear. I plan to install this in my Prius soon after delivery. Although, if the planets align I may decide at the last minute to pop for the Nav or SolarRoof package if a Red V is only available with those for a while. Then the dash will be clean of this monitor and my current GPS too. Won't take much for me to be enticed....(hint - Jeff/Jabber) Here's a link for those interested: Roadmaster Backup Cameras
I agree with Politboro. My wife's car has the backup camera and though it is wide angle (so somewhat distorting) you can see the ground 18" behind the rear bumper, doesn't matter how tall your are. Without it the blind spot extends 6.5' for a 5'8" driver, 14' for a 5'1" driver. By comparison, an Avalanche has a blind spot that extends nearly 30' for the 5'8" driver and a whopping 51' for the 5'1" driver. How do people park those suckers??? But I'm not sure I would want to pay for Nav to get it. That requirement is one of the things I dislike about the 2010 redesign, loss of the MFD. blind_spots I got Nav in my '04 because only 2 packages had my required feature (VSC) and the expensive model came in. I have used it a lot more than I thought I would. And the screen is big enough to actually use while driving unlike the handhelds I've seen. It doesn't read out street names which some handhelds do and I think that could be useful. Probably necessary on the handhelds since the screens are small.
We just purchased a 2010 Prius III with Navi. Get the Navi and it comes with the backup camera. You will use it, and I believe its worth it. Alfon
I can't imagine not having the back up camera - visibility in reverse is pretty poor. That being said, the nav system in my '09 is not nearly as good as my Garmin, and it costs a lot more for the unit and any subsequent updates. If they have significantly improved it for the 2010, it might be worth springing for the whole package. If not, you might want to go with an aftermarket back up camera.
I like the fact that I know there are no little kiddos behind me when I pop it in reverse. Handy for parking too. Not much peripheral vision...have to glance around for cars, walking pedestrians. Especially when I start out quietly.
I like it in general. But decided against it since I need to get the nav for it and it is too expensive; we can get a good portable one for $200 that I can use across both cars I have. Also, this is such a small car; do we REALLY need a back up camera? I went with the UTILITY of a device and thought it is not a must have, may be nice to have. I like the sun roof; but to get it you got to go from II to III, then get the expensive option that includes nav and camera that do not need...so decided to get the II at the end... tricky packages in 2010 I felt....
I have a 2008 without NAV but with a backup camera. It is awesome. I don't know why all cars and trucks don't have one. I will never buy another car without a backup camera.
Now I'm really in a quandary. There's another thread that says the Nav system is horrible. $1800 seems like a lot for a backup camera, if I'm not using the Nav. On the other hand... Oh, I just don't know!
I have it in my car (not a Prius) and its wonderful. I really helps me parallel park along with the parking sensors. Its also a cool thing to show people and it OEM NAV helps resale value. Also surely a company will come where you can override the NAV and play movies etc in the NAV system.
Well, okay, I think I'm convinced. I've been notified about 2 vehicles that will be available within driving distance from my house. One is a plain Prius III, the other is a IV with Nav. Guess I'll go for the IV (assuming I can reserve it before someone else does.) Thanks to everyone for your input.
I love the back up camera. When people are walking past behind you in a parking lot, or when kids are around you will be quite secure, they are just cool - It will be difficult to go back to a car without one.
