I received an email from the dealer from whom I bought my 2013 Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v wagon) 3 saying a Navigation Software Update is available. I called my local dealer to find out what the charge would be and they said $120 for labor and $169 for parts! LOL this is a software update. They plug into the usb port and download new software. How to they justify labor and parts? If they just said the software is 300 bucks I would have more respect for them but when they lie it is aggravating. The navigation system in the Prius sucks anyway. Google maps on my Iphone is infinitely better. Does anyone know where I can find the software online?
welcome! this has been a hot topic ever since toyota started installing gps. there are no answers, or low cost/free options. stick with your phone or garmin. sell, while it's still in warranty.
It's a ridiculously silly thing for Toyota to be doing. Bad for customers, and it can't possibly benefit the bottom line. I'm sure a very good case could be made the the goodwill and repeat business generated by doing the nav updates as a normal free service far, far outweigh any revenue generated by screwing people that want the new updates.
The convenience of an integrated system that is always ready to go is the attraction. It does not eat data plans like a phone and is big enough to avoid killing somebody. It works fine for me even with voice commands for a destination. If you are a real estate agent always finding new homes, buy the Garmin and plug it in when you need it.
A) This is Toyota software, the only legal source is Toyota. B) Toyota's marketing department should be shouting at Parts and Service to treat it as customer service rather than a profit center. I suspect they are, and are losing that argument.
Be real interesting to see how many Sales of the update they get per year. I would hazard a wild guess....not many
No no no, very reasonable. Consider some other costs: New brake master cylinder: $3000+ New LED headlight bulb: $800+ No, not expensive at all, and hey: you're driving one of Toyota's "flagship" vehicles, you're loaded, right?
I believe that's the case, with the LED headlights. They're gonna be standard in the 2016 I think. Too late for the headlight warranty I think. They are very dependable, I think (hope). But if one goes out you're in a world of hurt. I missed the old days: $20~30 for a sealed beam halogen, about the same for a replacement halogen bulb.
The USB is found here: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc. Toyota | How To Order But you can't install it without the "part" they are selling, nor access to TIS professional to produce an installation code... I complained that they could have simply done something tied to the VIN, and the guy at TIS said basically "it's too late now". BTW- If you have the Harman unit be sure they are giving you a '14 update, or wait for the '15 update. It should be coming out soon. For some reason the site doesn't show a '14 update to my naive eyes... Upper left switch to "Tool Name" and type "USB" in the search field... TOYH-EXT01-13 seems to be the latest.... (I guess they could have changed it or it is just not an updated list, but the one for the Denso unit keeps their pattern TOYD-HDD07-14. Toyota parts prices in Canada seem extremely high, except from salvage yards. It's probably a lot cheaper here in the US.
Imagine what kind of gas mileage you'd have to get to save enough for an $800 headlight! I hope that's just a joke, I really do. Just got through replacing a couple more "lifetime" government-mandated bulbs. Bought a couple of new dimmable LED floods last winter, one already dead. Merged I've taken a few trips this summer using the in-dash nav, no problems. A bit more responsive since the in dash updates. A real-life issue with electronic gadgets in cars is where to put them. I've seen every mount there is to see for a phone and/or GPS in this car, and I've passed on all of them. Frankly, they just don't design for their placement. I can definitely see where outside parties working with car makers is a very good thing.
There's another "hidden" issue with portable units. In the unlikely and "God forbid" accident, one might come flying at you and harm you. I imagine an iPhone hitting you in the face could be pretty painful....
