SO many choices!

[savannahsixt]

Hi all, My husband and I are thinking of getting a Prius and I have been reading the posts here for a few weeks getting great information. I have a several questions though and hopefully yall can answer them for me. A lot of my questions are about the navigation system b/c I think its a pretty cool thing to have but dont know if its worth 3k to get #6.

1. What is the difference between the 2004 and the 2005? Can you get a 2004 with the navigation system?

2. I read on another post that you can get something that allows you to play DVDs through the information screen. Does this work on all models or just those with a package #6?

3. With package #6 does the use of the navigation system require subscription to some service? If so what does it cost?

4. Is it possible to install the navigation system after the fact like if I got a #4 or #5 and would this save me money over getting a #6?

5. Also with the navigation system, does this info update somehow? I mean new roads are constantly being built so does it update so that in a year or even 5 it isnt out of date?

Thank you in advance in helping educate me! We are going to test drive one today and I am super excited. I am already in love with this car and I have never even seen one in person!
-L. Sixt

[efusco]

1. What is the difference between the 2004 and the 2005? Can you get a 2004 with the navigation system?

2. I read on another post that you can get something that allows you to play DVDs through the information screen. Does this work on all models or just those with a package #6?

No significant differences at all. NAV is the same on both.

3. With package #6 does the use of the navigation system require subscription to some service? If so what does it cost?

No subscription. If you wish to updated the database DVD it is expensive, but probably not necessary more than every 2-3 years or even more.

4. Is it possible to install the navigation system after the fact like if I got a #4 or #5 and would this save me money over getting a #6?

Not the OEM system, there are aftermarket products that work quite well and could be used. Be aware that it is much more than just the NAV system that you get with the "NAV package"...there is also Bluetooth phone system and voice activated controls.

5. Also with the navigation system, does this info update somehow? I mean new roads are constantly being built so does it update so that in a year or even 5 it isnt out of date?

See above.

[FourOhFour]

1. What is the difference between the 2004 and the 2005? Can you get a 2004 with the navigation system?

The difference is a year. Fewer option packages, and the rear wiper is standard in the '05. The '04 was available with the nav system.

2. I read on another post that you can get something that allows you to play DVDs through the information screen. Does this work on all models or just those with a package #6?

I don't know, maybe someone else will speak up.

3. With package #6 does the use of the navigation system require subscription to some service? If so what does it cost?

No subscription service. You can get a new map DVD as needed for somewhere in the $200 range, as I recall, but you certainly don't need to.

4. Is it possible to install the navigation system after the fact like if I got a #4 or #5 and would this save me money over getting a #6?

No, but you could get an aftermarket nav system. It wouldn't work through the touch screen but would probably be cheaper.

5. Also with the navigation system, does this info update somehow? I mean new roads are constantly being built so does it update so that in a year or even 5 it isnt out of date?

You can buy a new map DVD if you need updated maps.

[savannahsixt]

Thank you so much for your quick replies! So would you say its worth going with the navigation system? I dont know how much I will use it (maybe a lot more than I think). I understand that the nav is also a handsfree cell phone but that requires that I have a cell with blue tooth technology right? I have had the same samsung flipphone for the past 4 years so it obviously doesnt have new technology. Or does it require seperate cell service all its own?
Thanks again for the info and for helping me understand all of this technology!!

[FourOhFour]

You can use, in theory, any Bluetooth capable cell phone on any provider. Since your phone is 4 years old, you probably are out of your contract and can get a good deal on a new phone, so you might want to look into that. (I like my Sony Ericsson T637, although it doesn't ring through the car speakers.)

I find the nav system somewhat useful for showing nearby fast food and gas stations on the map. I've used it a few times for getting to places I haven't been, and once or twice where I know where I am, and where I want to go, just not the best way between the two. It's handy, but I really wanted the bluetooth handsfree kit, I could do without the nav.

[efusco]

Is it worth it?

No one can answer that for you. I love my system...the BT is just too sweet, voice activation is cute, but could be lived without. I rarely use the NAV, but it's been very useful with those rare uses.

To me it was worth it and I'm going to get a similar system in my Highlander Hybrid, but depending upon your needs, budget and priorities it may or may not.

[DanMan32]

2. I read on another post that you can get something that allows you to play DVDs through the information screen. Does this work on all models or just those with a package #6?

I am suprised nobody mentioned this. Coastal Technologies has an adapter that will let you connect up to 2 video sources, and 2 audio sources, where one of the video and audio sources can be linked together. I believe it does not require the NAV.

http://www.coastaletech.com/04prius.htm

As for NAV, I love it. I was using it a lot when I was doing vistations. Even now since I left, it comes in handy for finding shortcuts or ways around jams, since many sidestreets don't have outlets to where I want to go, but some do.
If you have the preset for Home, it can get you out of a community maze when you get disoriented.

I don't have a cellphone so Bluetooth handsfree is moot right now, but I know I would love it if I had it.

[KTPhil]

"it comes in handy for finding shortcuts or ways around jams, since many sidestreets don't have outlets to where I want to go, but some do.
If you have the preset for Home, it can get you out of a community maze when you get disoriented. "

These are my main uses, too. I'm the type that can't just sit in traffic, so this lets me feel like I'm outsmarting the crowd of morons.

[savannahsixt]

I agree with you KTPhil about hating to be stuck in jams. I didnt think of that but it sure would be great to be able to get around accidents another way. My husband wants to get the nav b/c he says I get lost a lot (I dont think so) http://priuschat.com/forums/images/smiles/...con_redface.gif
http://priuschat.com/forums/images/smiles/...dface.gifops:
I am just a very fruggle person and like to make sure I am getting my moneys worth especially if I am buying a 25K car.
-L. Sixt

[kkister1492]

I really haven't used mine all that much but the times I did have it has been extremely useful. Finding a residential address at night when you can't find the street signs, getting turned around in a city you don't visit often..."do I need to turn right or left to get home?" I no longer have to drive several blocks out of my way only to discover it was the 'other' way.
Sure, it's an expensive toy but I figure it could save a life in some instances. Certainly it saves gas by getting me where I want go withoug any wrong turns.

Love it!