We are looking at getting a Prius and wondering if we can add just the navigation option on the Prius or do we need to get that $3700 Solar package to get the navigation? I believe the Prius III is the first one that can have the navigation as an option?
I think the solar and nav packages are seperate options and you can get one without the other. IMO...I think the NAV is overpriced and over rated...and then you need to spend a few hundred dollars to purchase upgrade DVDs. My wife and I each have Garmin NUVIs with lifetime upgrades...so we couldn't see paying for the NAV... We did get a Model 4 with no options...as we just wanted leather seats, homelink, and the JBL with XM.
^ I was looking at my local dealer's website for new Prii and noticed that the cost for the Nav option now is $1930 MSRP. I have the Nav option and am really glad that I did. I would rather have the integrated system rather than another external piece of hardware. Plus you get the rearview camera, the upgraded JBL system and the Hands Free Phone screens. Of course, you will find a varying difference of opinions on this site on this subject
You absolutely do NOT need to pay for the solar roof in order to get nav. Toyota Vehicles : Toyota Announces Prices for 2010 Prius / Toyota might help. This matrix only applies to 2010-2011 Priuses and the prices are way old. BTW, either partway thru MY2010 or w/MY2011, Toyota changed from Roman numerals to spelling out the numbers. 2012 has a whole bunch of changes.
OP: you could just get a M II and add a Rosen aftermarket NAV system. It's an exact fit where the radio module is. You would have to find an installer or if you have the skills, extract the standard module and swap in the Rosen. I have not done this, but you can do a search in the audio forum here and find members who have. Rosen NAV (made for Prius G3) runs about $1000.
I have the Toyota nav system and in my opinion a Garmin may be a better choice. The backup camera is great but the nav itself is not to user friendly and updates are very expensive. Check out what Greg said above, some after market nav/audio systems are pretty good and fit in the dash just like a factory system. You can find some more informations and pictures in this forum: Gen III 2010+ Prius Audio and Electronics - PriusChat Forums
