Does anyone yet have a 2010 Prius with the Nav system, and like it? I'm concerned about a previous post which panned the system. I already own a GPS that I could carry into the new Prius, and not have the extra perks associated with the installed system, but it looks like there would be no backup camera without the Nav system -- true or false? Then, of course, the moon roof ventilation package includes the Nav system, so it seems like the buyer is stuck in that case. Comments?
Not until tomorrow! I have some of the same concerns, obviously, so I'll be anxious to see it in action. I've taken a quick look at it, and the system appears to be very much what I have now in the '07. It is supposed to be better -- significantly better -- but the first review was not very good. It could be that the location was a part of it, but that reviewer also had an '07 with Nav! Very true. No backup camera unless you have the Nav. It isn't just a straight ploy to sell the Nav units. Toyota did away with the MFD, replacing it with a smaller MID that sits higher up (easier to see when driving) and displays additional information. Cars with the Nav system get the larger screen in the middle of the dash. That is the screen used by the backup camera. If you are a buyer spending the bucks on a III or IV with the Solar Roof package, you'll grumble and moan, but you'll take the Nav. Stuck? In a way, yes. I think many of those buyers would be in the market for the Nav, anyway. I know many people have posted otherwise, but I still think the majority of people buying a Prius III or IV w/ Solar Roof are the same folks who want the factory Nav.
Ease of use is better. Resolution is better. I always thought the naysayers were overstating, but I'll reserve judgment till I actually use it for a while.
Factory auto navigation systems will never be as good as stand alone units. The car markets are so far behind garmin, tom tom, etc. it's silly. What I do like about factory nav is the interfaces with stereo and cd functions. Also it looks much better than a little screen stuck to the windshield. The nav is a nice toy to fool around with or help you if your lost. If you are a on the road a lot and need nav for work or business then save $1800 and get a Garmin. Also the cell phone companies nav programs are excellent and are probably the most up to date then anything out.
I found just the opposite, every time I have a passenger in my car and they have a stand alone GPS they always will comment how much nicer my Prius system is .
Having used both (my friend's '07 Prius Navi, which she never figured out how to use even after the dealer showed her TWICE) and my Garmin 660, I personally found the Garmin easier to use by a factor of 10. It was better on all fronts--user interface, accuracy, graphics, recalculations. That sealed the deal for me right then and there and I knew I would never opt for a car mfg's NAV system. I use my Nav every day and it is the one tool I could not do without.
Great that you're getting yours tomorrow (or perhaps today). Please let me know how you like your NAV system when you get a chance to test it out. I noticed you're getting the V with the AT package. I'm still debating on that vs the IV with the cooling package. Not sure if I'd really like all those auto braking and steering things (though I'm a diehard gadgeteer who hates to miss out on a gadget). Living in Florida, I think the cooling package would be very worthwhile. I'll hope to see another post on this from you. THanks
