Safety Connect

[alj65aedeker]

Originally Posted by Jabber

Here is the official word from Toyota according to my training class today:

1) It will be necessary to have the navi system, but it is not part of the navi package. It is an extra option. Cost is $450.

2) The service will be free for the first year, with different extensions available (1-6 year increments).

3) A 1 year extension will cost $139.99.

4) Verizon will be the carrier for the signal.

Jeff

thanks for your information. If there is an extra cost for this why isn't that clearly mentioned in the brochure? Does that also mean that a purchaser of the model IV and V Prius who wants Safety Connect has to specify safey connect and pay for it in their orders now or have their Prius delivered without the safety connect installed?

Thanks
alj65aedeker

[Tideland Prius]

Because it says Late Availability?

[bob brown]

I am assuming that this system works the same way that OnStar does? With similar levels of subscription and services offered?

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by bob brown

I am assuming that this system works the same way that OnStar does? With similar levels of subscription and services offered?

Yes but no turn-by-turn navigation option. Just the basics.

[brad_rules_man]

Sorry I didn't read your thread right. hehe

I'm kind of glad that I didn't get it. I have had onstar, and whatever that thing is that comes on a MB. I didn't care for either one. I just hate all this stuff. One day I added up all the subscription fees I pay and it's ridiculous. I know that it is because they have to pay the cell carrier, and the call center has overhead.. but I just don't care for it myself. The world is becoming so crowded that even in rural Illinois, I'm sure there will be someone that sees my accident and calls it in.

[bob brown]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

Yes but no turn-by-turn navigation option. Just the basics.

I guess that means primarily for accident aid. I wonder if it includes unlocking and possibly remote starting of vehicle in event you have lost your keyfob? Also, remote diagnostics.

Not having turn by turn nav is no loss, imo. I tried using OnStar once in a rental car, and it just doesn't work, at least until you find your own way onto a freeway. It's certainly not a substitiute for having a full GPS.

[alj65aedeker]

Originally Posted by Jabber

Here is the official word from Toyota according to my training class today:

1) It will be necessary to have the navi system, but it is not part of the navi package. It is an extra option. Cost is $450.

2) The service will be free for the first year, with different extensions available (1-6 year increments).

3) A 1 year extension will cost $139.99.

4) Verizon will be the carrier for the signal.

Jeff:
Thanks for your input.
Several dealers in the NY metro area have told me that the safety connect will only be available in the fall and then only on Prius V models.

Alj65aedeker

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by bob brown

I guess that means primarily for accident aid. I wonder if it includes unlocking and possibly remote starting of vehicle in event you have lost your keyfob? Also, remote diagnostics.

Not having turn by turn nav is no loss, imo. I tried using OnStar once in a rental car, and it just doesn't work, at least until you find your own way onto a freeway. It's certainly not a substitiute for having a full GPS.

Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Roadside Assistance.

The first two are pretty self-explanatory.

EAB is if you need assistance, you can use Safety Connect to call for emergency personnel (e.g. you didn't bring your cellphone and you saw an injured person and need to call an ambulance).

Roadside Assistance.... again if you don't happen to have a phone (or the battery died) or you don't have the roadside assistance number stored on your phone. Use Safety Connect to call for roadside assistance.

[rlr66]

Originally Posted by alj65aedeker

The brochure lists safety connect as footnote #19 and with the letter P meaning as available as part of a package. What package are we talking about, Navigation and or solar roof in the Prius IV? If one purchases a Prius IV does that mean that the safety connect come with that trim or does one still have to pay extra for the safety connect aside from the subscription to a service after a 1 year grace period?

Many thanks
aljaedeker

The physical feature - equipment - comes with the Nav package on IV & V. The Nav package is part of the Solar Roof package. If you order the Solar package you get the Nav package which includes Safety Connect. The service for the Safety Connect won't be starting until sometime by the end of 2009. First year free, then you will have to pay for a subcription to the service.

[jafca09]

I just got my Prius this morning and am not quite sure how the Safety Connect works. Do I have to call somewhere to activate my 1-year trial, or is it automatically activated?