I'm preparing to buy my first hybrid this week. The dealer has a single pkg. 4 in silver at $23.7, but a number of pkg. 5 vehicles at $24.3. Do folks feel that the Prius navigation system is pretty reasonable? I already have a tomtom 720 unit, but having something integrated doesn't seem like a bad idea. In browsing the forums it sounds like upgrade DVDs from the dealer are priced exorbitantly– how much should one expect to pay? Are there other reliable sources for updated maps? I'd appreciate folks' thoughts on the relative merits of these configurations and prices.
I don't have one, but there are several posts from people who are annoyed by the features and cost of the integrated unit. Search for details.
I have been happy as a clam with mine. But it is the first GPS I have ever owned, so I have nothing to compare it with. Having it integrated into the das is a definite plus. Other than that, from what I have heard from every one who has tried both the onboard unit and others suggests that the others have better features.
I own a Garmin and a Tom Tom (on my PDA) and just hated having to wait for 1 minute or more before I could get a lock on the satellites, plus having to dig out all the cables etc etc. I decided to have the in dash system on my Prius and I'm very happy with it. Yes, the software needs some time to get used to, coming from the other 2 systems, but I got the hang of it now and it's not bad at all. Plus, the GSP locks to the satellites instantly, so no more waiting. Very happy with it.
I have a TomTom OneXL and powered cradle so simple fingertip control and no cables. I bring the TomTom in and hook it up to the PC to get satellite info loaded every week or 2 and I get a lock in seconds. I can take the TomTom with me while walking in unknown areas too.
I've had a Garmin, a TomTom and now for the last year a Pkg5 '08 Prius. I happen to like the Toyota navigation. The large screen, attractive graphics and the "Interstate" mode (with upcoming exits) are nice. The fact that it works well even in tunnels and urban canyons is helpful for me, too. However, there are some big annoyances as noted including the arbitrary functions disabled while the car is moving, lack of traffic integration, gaps in coverage in rural areas (seriously Wth?) and the usurious annual update costs. Bottom line, I don't regret my purchase but I know from experience that a Garmin is a better, less expensive and far easier to use/more flexible solution. Unless you can swing a deal on one of those Pkg5s based on quantity, I wouldn't pay the extra $600 just for the nav. (The TomTom I had was a POS - I threw it in with the sale of my last car. My Garmin is an original nuvi from about 2006, beat up and never updated; my wife uses it daily and it works perfectly well.)
You know I have had my Pkg 5 for a year now and I absolutely LOVE IT!!! I really dislike leather, so I opted for the 5. put a set of "Wet Okales" seat covers on her and she rides great!@!! I find the JBL system sounds just fine, If I wanted to further destroy my hearing I would put in a 1000 watt stereo and look forward to Tinnitus and other hearing loss in about 5, 6 years. The Nav system works just fine, some others would object to this statement, but I live in Los Angeles, and I have yet to have the map not find 3 different routes to any destination I put in!!! I happened to be at my dealers last week, they had a Silver 2009 Pkg 5 with a $2,900 "incentive" so MSRP was $26500.00 That happens to be $50 more than I paid for my 2008 a year ago!!! Now is a great time to buy a Prius.... Pkg 5 rocks, 'specially in Barcelona Red BABY!!! 73 de Pat KK6PD
