Any one regret not getting 2010 Prius pkg II

[Rhino]

The way I see it, I don't use the CD changer. I use an iPod or iPhone and the Pkg II has an AUX input. I listen mostly to audiobooks so a HiFi is not so important to me.

And the BlueTooth, I get along fine without bluetooth now. Also, some people like bluetooth and some people don't.

So I figure I get a cigarette lighter charger for the iphone, plug it into AUX for audiobook, and turn the speakerphone function of the iphone on when I need to call.

I can save $1000. With the money I save, I can install a 3rd party backup camera and that's about all I need.

Your advice is much appreciated.

[GreenGuy33]

Originally Posted by Rhino

The way I see it, I don't use the CD changer. I use an iPod or iPhone and the Pkg II has an AUX input. I listen mostly to audiobooks so a HiFi is not so important to me.

And the BlueTooth, I get along fine without bluetooth now. Also, some people like bluetooth and some people don't.

So I figure I get a cigarette lighter charger for the iphone, plug it into AUX for audiobook, and turn the speakerphone function of the iphone on when I need to call.

I can save $1000. With the money I save, I can install a 3rd party backup camera and that's about all I need.

Your advice is much appreciated.

I have been going back and forth abouth whether to get a model II or model III. I am leaning towards a model II, but I did like Bluetooth that I had years ago on my Camry.

[bestmapman]

What aftermarket backup camera did you get. Pics if you have them please.

[Rhino]

Originally Posted by bestmapman

What aftermarket backup camera did you get. Pics if you have them please.

I am getting a Prius beginning of Dec. I don't have one yet.

I can't decide between Pkg III or II. The difference is $1000.

I can budget for it but what does it get me? bluetooth and a better stereo. I don't listen to CD in my current car. I use the iPhone. When I am on the road I listen to audiobook in my Toyota Sienna and I have to crank up the volume so loud to drown out road noise that my ears hurt. So I switched to ear plugs which works a lot better at much reduced volumes. I am worried that I have to do the same (i.e., hurt my ears) with bluetooth phone calls.

Either way, I am not getting the backup camera because I need to get Nav and that's $2000. I don't even like my Garmin, so if the Nav is worse than Garmin, I am not going to be happy.

It is going to be my commuter car - to get on the HOV.

So the only difference I see is bluetooth and a better stereo with a disc changer. I think cars are pretty noisy and the benefit of a better stereo is limited.

As for bluetooth, it seems people are not happy with the delay in answering. Also, I guess I may have to turn up the volume so loud to drown out the road noise that it would hurt my ears. I can get something like a Jawbone noise canceling headset for $100.

I am going for a test drive this Sat but I don't see how they can show me the bluetooth.

Please excuse me if my opinion offend - I'm trying to use a limited resource (money) wisely in this economy. So yes, if I had more money, I would not be so picky.

As for backup cams, I plan to go to Best Buys after I get the car and look around. If I don't see anything, I'll just live without it.

[Rhino]

Originally Posted by GreenGuy33

I have been going back and forth abouth whether to get a model II or model III. I am leaning towards a model II, but I did like Bluetooth that I had years ago on my Camry.

What was it like with Bluetooth? Did you have to crank up the volume and talk loudly to carry on a conversation. Does roadnoise bothered you or the party at the other end? Was road noise a problem? I don't know anyone with bluetooth so I have absolutely no experience, first hand, or even second hand.

[yortch]

I went with a Prius II for similar reasons. I don't think it was worth paying an extra $1,000 for an upgraded audio system and integrated bluetooth when you can buy a good bluetooth speakerphone for $45 or less (I recommend

Jabra SP700

Jabra SP700
Jabra SP700

[wfolta]

Originally Posted by Rhino

And the BlueTooth, I get along fine without bluetooth now. Also, some people like bluetooth and some people don't.

I LOVE Bluetooth. Hands-free answering/talking is something you just don't appreciate until you can do it. And in many cities it's now illegal to not use a handsfree cellphone solution.

So I figure I get a cigarette lighter charger for the iphone, plug it into AUX for audiobook, and turn the speakerphone function of the iphone on when I need to call.

The Aux/charger solution is pretty awkward as far as I'm concerned. I have an iPhone and have only used it that way on long trips. Otherwise, the connect/disconnect/store thing is a royal pain.

On the other hand, having 6 CDs to choose from, when I want, controllable via buttons on the steering wheel, is awfully nice, even though I usually don't listen to much in the car. It would be a low-tech solution, but there would be some convenience factors in burning your books from iTunes to CD and sticking them in the changer.[/QUOTE]

[wfolta]

Originally Posted by Rhino

What was it like with Bluetooth? Did you have to crank up the volume and talk loudly to carry on a conversation. Does roadnoise bothered you or the party at the other end? Was road noise a problem? I don't know anyone with bluetooth so I have absolutely no experience, first hand, or even second hand.

The audio from the other end of the call comes out through the front left speaker, by the driver, though you can hear it everywhere well. The mic is next to the sunglasses holder/lights in the roof, next to your head. The audio (CD, radio, etc) at the time is muted when a call comes in or goes out. I've had people at the other end complain that I'm too loud, actually.

[Pohaku]

I use my IPod rather than CDs. Much easier and I can carry a (much) larger library with me. I did get my car with the IPod harness, but I find it easier just to use the Aux input. The factory interface is pretty lame IMHO. I have @ 6000 songs on my Ipod and navigating using the interface is impossibly slow and cumbersome. I avoid using the phone in the car if at all possible. A fine excuse to get away from the thing. For my needs, I saw no reason to get anything more tricked out than a II. The reported functionality of the NAV seems underwhelming. For my limited use, my TomTom works just fine and can be moved between my cars and used in rentals. Rather spend the money on a ClearBra, mudflaps and very nice seat covers. Works for me. YMMV.

[eddiehaskell]

Originally Posted by yortch

I went with a Prius II for similar reasons. I don't think it was worth paying an extra $1,000 for an upgraded audio system and integrated bluetooth when you can buy a good bluetooth speakerphone for $45 or less

Same here. I wanted the best bang for the buck and those things just weren't worth it to me. Now if the package 3 included leather seats I would've went for it.