Package 5 or 7- Advice needed for new 2006 Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Jul 21 2006, 03:35 AM) [snapback]289850[/snapback]</div>

I notice that quite a number of folks comment regarding the "accuracy" of the Prius integrated navigation system. Frankly, since I have both Garmin and Lowrance system in other vehicles, it terms of position I find the Prius system perhaps the most "accurate." The Lowrance system appears to have more roads in the database (as does the Garmin but not as many as the Lowrance), particularly in rural areas, and the Garmin seems to have more POIs, but having more data doesn't equate to accuracy in my book. My biggest complaint with the Prius system is the lack of an elevation readout. Its biggest plus is the ability to issue voice commands while moving, which is simpler for me than typing into the other systems with their tiny keyboards and my large hands.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ned @ Jul 20 2006, 12:47 PM) [snapback]289427[/snapback]</div>

I am currently shopping for a Prius too and have been debating this issue myself. I think that the available evidence (see, for example, this PDF report) suggests that HID headlamps significantly reduce risks associated with night time driving. To the extent that the reduced risk largely involves safety of pedestrians along the side of the road, this seems like part of the same issue that motivates me to chose the Prius in the first place: picking a car that's good not only for me but also for the world around me.

I am quite happy with the portable GPS that I already own (Garmin i3), so my first inclination has been to purchase a #6. However, #6 is not available in my region. Buying a car out of region adds some extra effort and travel expenses and could potentially turn in to even more effort and travel if there is some problem at delivery (a defect, a misunderstanding with the dealership about costs, etc.). In addition, I have been able to find better offers locally on a #7 (a bit below MSRP) than I have out of region on a #6, further reducing the effective differences in cost to the point where the #7 may well be worth it for me.