Prius C Upgrades

Very difficult and expensive, but not impossible.

Very easy to replace the stock system with an aftermarket unit. Highly recommended. I did this myself on mine. Any average stereo shop could handle it.

Relatively easy, and you can spend as much or as little as you like. Lots to choose from.

Not hard. Get it done at the same time as the stereo/touchscreen for best results. Some cameras are very inexpensive now, but not all of them last out there in the weather.

 

None of those "upgrades" are easy or cheap.
While it might be theoretically possible, it's a LONG way from practical.

If you REALLY want those features, start shopping for a trim level 3 or 4 that already has them.
Note: A model with keyless start automatically also has an alarm system.

 

Not sure I understand the question- but if you replace the stereo with an aftermarket unit that has a rear-vision feature, it will work with almost any generic rear vision camera.

EDIT: adding details

I think your parts list at the custom stereo shop would look like this:

Stereo
rear vision camera
adapter box for steering wheel controls
(minor bits of wire, fasteners & connectors)

 

congrats and welcome!
add it all up, and compare to cost of trading to a model with those features/

 

We spent about $600 to do this project in ours. It would have cost us at least $2500 to switch up to a "four" trim with the better stereo, and let's face it... the Toyota Entune stereos aren't great. Our Sony with carplay & android auto is miles ahead of what Toyota still sells as premium.

Granted, our car already had a rear vision camera (2018 includes them) and I did the labor myself... but even if this is a $1000 project when paying somebody else to do it, you're not likely to beat that price by trading the whole car for a better one. In some states, taxes alone would eat that up. And you're still only getting a crummy Toyota system.

 

IMO, aftermarket mod is almost always less expensive than higher trim purchase for most options. However, there are few options that aftermarket mod can not address, like "Push Start" OP wants to add. And aftermarket add-on may not look like OEM built-in, but so what most aftermarket add-on are far better functionally. That said, there are cases used higher trim car with a lot of OEM built-in options can be purchased cheaper than buying a lower trim used car and adding aftermarket units into it.

 

That is absolutely NOT true with used cars.
The premium price you pay for the extra accessories pretty much depreciates to nothing after a few years.

 

Well, contrary to your opinion, an option like nav is much cheaper and better if you purchase aftermarket ones. Another simple example is a floor mat. You pay MSRP at a dealer for a new car option, but you can pick up exactly the same thing at a disctounted price if you buy after you purchase a car.

 

And like all other generalities, that isn't universally true either.

Installing a new head unit or cruise control or push button ignition with alarm........is MUCH more complicated that installing new floor mats.

And if you pick the wrong people to do the work, you might end up with a BIG costly mess.

To each his own. But what is right for YOU might not be right for everybody.

 

As I already stated, " there are few options that aftermarket mod can not address". Some of the options you mentioned fall in that category. I would not try installing an aftermarket sunroof for example even if it is cheaper than OEM option.

 

But to Sam's point, buying a 2012 with Sunroof and comparing it to a 2012 without... the gap is actually cheaper than having one installed. The depreciation does close the gap.

In regards to adding a push start on an ignition system... it's just not worth it, though there are some "mock" push buttons that are neat.

 

As I said, sunroof, push start and such options falls in my category of "few options that aftermarket mod can not address".

I also stated "there are cases used higher trim car with a lot of OEM built-in options can be purchased cheaper than buying a lower trim used car and adding aftermarket units into it." as you pointed out.

My points are for NEW car purchase with options/accessories that can be added later easily such as NAV, alarm system, Stereo system, Roof Rack, Optional alloy wheel and such, it is almost always less expensive to add them aftermarket.

 

I got a thing for like $10 that sticks into the CD slot to hold my iPhone, now my car has GPS nav!

 

I actually have the upgraded navigation and it’s fine and I linked my beatsonic back up camera to it with no problems.

 

Upgrade aftermarket radio system is relatively affordable. They are built to be nearly plug and play. I installed a 11 inch display with rear view camera for less then 600 dollars. Has navigation dash cam and reverse cam. It is also hooked up to the steering wheel control. Works perfectly! You can pick your navigation software. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi included.
I would suggest it!