Should we buy the nav system?

I live in L.A. too and have a Package 2 and decided against the OEM Nav. Instead I'm going with a Garmin NUVI 660 which is a great Nav system and has Bluetooth too!

 

If you take the money that you would have spent on it and get a really good portable GPS then you can take it on vacation with you.

 

An aftermarket GPS with Bluetooth built in would be my choice. That way you can use it in any car (e.g. rental car). You're not stuck with the Lockout features while moving (for both Nav and Bluetooth). And best of all, you're not stuck with the overpriced, underperforming "premium" JBL system.

 

I have a package 2 and at first regreted not getting the Nav. What I did was install a Pioneer Avic Z-1 (there are newer models now). By doing this I now have Navigation, Bluetooth, I-pod hook up, XM & Sirius ready, XM traffic, A 20GB HD (newer models are bigger), DVD Player. All of this for a lot less than you would pay to get it factory. The Nav has the same limitation of not functioning while in motion but if you have the right shop install it or look it up on the net there is a hard wire fix that disables the safty feature and allows full control during travel. You can even watch movies with the car in motion. I know I know it is not safe or legal but it keeps the kids entertained. Besides who has time for movies while your trying to get the best MPG's possible!

I am not sure what deck retails for in the real world but I bought my 2 years ago after much negotiating with the stereo shop for $1600 plus extra gadgets like Bluetooth. I have seen it on e-bay recently $650 for the AVIC Z-1 the Z-2 and Z-3 are the same hardware just updated software and you can get the update for about $250.

Here is how it looks in my Prius.

 

MtnBiker,

You CAN program the Nav unit while driving and input destination addresses using voice commands. You simply push the voice button on the steering wheel, and when prompted, state "address". From there, you push the voice command button each time and verbalize the state, town, street, and house number address. The Nav unit then selects three routes for you to choose from. Go to the Toyota.com web site, select Prius and select the Nav unit video which takes you thru all of the steps. My wife and I program destinations all the time while driving. It's a great feature.

 

I like the built-in NAV system. It has some disadvantages, but the large screen and full integration outweigh them in my opinion. If I had to replace my Prius I would buy the NAV again.

Tom

 

First off, there are hacks so you (or rather, your passenger) can program the NAV while driving. I have the built-in and since it's the first NAV system I ever had I don't have much to compare it with. For me it's worked great, and I like the fact it's integrated. I wasn't planning to get the NAV, but the package I wanted (in 2005) wasn't available, so I went with a higher package.

Sure, the NAV in my cell phone can do more (traffic, gas prices, movie times, weather), but I use the built-in for normal use. My next car will have NAV, but whether it's built-in or not is still up in the air.

 

I agree on the NAV. You can get a Garmin that is a much better system than the Prius one. I don't need a high end stereo system, HID headlights etc and want a package #2

For everyone in Los Angeles, try talking to the dealers in Las Vegas (283mi away) I know you can get Touring #2 and in different colors. I got a call on a Seside #2 Touring the other day. I'm holding out for a Driftwood #2 Touring.

The way it works is they give you a temp 30 day license and you pay your sales tax and DMV fees when you register the car in California. This way you get the car you want (Touring for me )without being forced to buy a lot of extra's or colors you don't want.

Just a thought...

 

i have a package 2 and live in LA. i didn't want to spend the extra money for the GPS, and it's just been great.

if i need directions, i print them out before i go.

and if i'm out in the field already, i use Google Maps Mobile on my PDA. I'm with others on getting a portable one so you can bring it to different cars, etc. but to be honest, my PDA is all that I need. (also great if i'm on foot)

Mobile

btw, google maps mobile does have freeway traffic on it, at least here in LA (it's patched into that Caltrans thingie)

ps: someone once called me from another state for directions to somewhere they had to go. i was at the airport, away from any computers, etc. looked it up on my PDA and texted them the directions

 

I wasn't happy with the performance (and price) of the built in nav system and didn't consider the 'high end' very high. I took the money I saved with a package 2 got a Garmin and am upgrading the audio.

Ralph

 

I have Nav and I like the integration. I used to use a portable one, but it so much more convenient having it built in for me.

Built in Nav advantages:
Convenient, always there, big easy to control and see screen, integrated (don't have to "put it away" every time you park), easy to hear (through stereo), Good Bluetooth Speakerphone (good sound on Mic and Speakers compared to some portable Nav systems I have used that have Bluetooth)

Portable advantages:
Take with you in other cars, less expensive (alot less. lol), more future proof as far as features (buy a new one in a couple years), you can have the Nav on at the same time as the battery monitor screen, update POIs on your PC.

You can get new Map DVD updates for the built in Nav, but they are expensive.

I haven't seen people (including myself) that bought the built in Nav say "Damn, this sucks, I wish I would have gotten a Magellan/TomTom/Garmin". (Note: I did add the Ultimate Lockick accessory which allows the passenger to input Nav addresses and phone book while driving). I also like the leather and other options.

 

I find the Toyota nav system to be kind of lame. It doesn't recognize my home address. And it's not like a live in a new building on a new street. The building has been here since 1905! My sister has a Garmin Nuvi and it is the best.

Rotorhead

 

I have the Garmin Nuvi 360 and the package 5 nav system. The built-in system is complex to program, frequently steers me in the wrong direction, and is generally a pain in the a$$. The Nuvi 360, which we had before we bought the Prius is a charm to use. I especially like the 3D view.

Due to complexities I won't go in to, we pretty much were stuck buying the car with the nav system. Although I can usually figure it out, my wife, who drives less often, sets the Garmin on top of the built in nav system and uses that. Strange, but it points up the difference in ease of use. Having used both systems, I absolutely do not recommend the built-in Toyota mapping system.

I love the Prius, but the GPS is unworthy. Get a Garmin.

 

I would not recommend the factory Nav. system. It stinks.
Get a Garmin Nuvi and be happy. Prius Pkg. 4 with a Nuvi, and you're set IMHO.

My biggest gripe (but not only) with the factory nav is the POI by name search. The unit searches the whole region, returning thousands of results. Then you have to select/ scroll endlessly to find what you want, if it's even there.. There is no way to select or narrow your search to nearest-to-present position. That little flaw is insane and ruins the who system for me, and the way I use it.

 

I've always used a Garmin Nuvi 660 unit, one othe the things I disliked about it was to always having to store it away and cleaning off the suction cap mark on the windshield (yes theives see that taletale suction cup mark and break-in assumming you just put the unit in a glove box or under the seat). When I got the Prius I went with the Factory Nav, although its not quite as good as the nuvi for routing, I like not having to deal with the portable unit.

 

This is the biggest advantage for me too.

 

I like the nav system. It is not perfect, but it is very good and has several features that the Tom-Tom portable that I have used does not. Overriding the speed sensor lockout switches makes a wonderful difference with the Nav/Bluetooth system.

The Nav has more screens available, including a highway mode that will list upcoming POIs. Another screen gives you turn information, with a lot of details such as a bar graph showing distance to turn. The screen is pretty large as well.

The voice commands work pretty well, with only some minor quirks (such as not allowing certain voice commands unless you are on the related screen - should just switch screens for the user).

The bluetooth has very good clarity. Most callers report decent call quality from their end of the conversation. I had no issues downloading my contacts into separate categories (except the limitation of two phone entries per contact. Contacts with more than two numbers get split up into multiple contacts of the same name).

One thing that could be better with the Nav is the routing. It is not as flexible for re-routing on the fly, and does not give me as much control over the route as I would like. Every once in a while, it will choose a less than optimal route, so you have to pay attention to what it gives you.

POI entry is good. Other add-on features are helpful, such as the maintenance page (setting of alarms for various maintenance tasks) and the calendar (to-do messages and appointments that display on startup if you are not moving or you have the speed sensor overridden.)

 

for those of you who have purchased an after market GPS/Navigation system, which one did you get? I'm looking at the garmin nuvi 770 currently. Any attachment problems, antenna placement, bluetooth concerns.. How do they work for you..?

Mike