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Help me navigate the Prius upgrade package options in Canada

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Eug, Mar 2, 2015.

  1. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    My Prius 2004 was smashed up in a crash last week.

    I was looking around at various options including a used Prius and a used Lexus SUV, but right now I'm thinking just to get a new Prius 2015 or 2014. The used ones are in the CAD$22000 range for 2011-2012 model, with 40000ish km on them, and new with the options I think I want are under $30000, so I'm thinking I might just go new. The other option was a Prius v.

    The only concern I have right now is judging by the specs, child car seat fitting might actually be harder as compared to my 2004. It seems the most leg room was in the Prius Gen II, with the Prius Gen III slightly smaller, and the Prius v even smaller. Seems counterintuitive, but that's what the specs suggest. The Prius v has more overall cabin space, and a much bigger cargo area, but that's partially at the expense of the rear seat legroom.

    I mention the 2014 because it's still available, and it's CAD$1100 less than the 2015. As far as I can tell, the options and upgrade packages are exactly the same. Is that true? Would you get a 2014 instead of a 2015 for $1100 less?

    I'm having trouble navigating the option packages though. I think I want the Canadian Moonroof upgrade package but I'm not sure. Check out the screengrabs of the package option summaries below:

    PriusOptions1.png

    PriusOptions2.png

    The moonroof I don't care about, but the solar panels seem like a good idea for the fan to cool down the Prius in the summer. Nav also seems like a good idea, although the $200+ map upgrade fee seems excessive. Also, what are the differences in the navigation systems? I do want the front passenger door handle touch sensor as well.

    Voice recognition is something I have in my rental car right now and I couldn't care less about it. XM I'm not concerned about either, and the same goes for SMS or Email to speech.

    What about this album art and display of artist, song, and album for iPod/iPhone? How is it displayed on the base model? Also, what about the JBL upgrade? How much better are those speakers? I'm thinking it'd be nice to have more speakers and nicer ones, but not for that price. I don't care about heated seats either, and I actually often prefer fabric to leather/synthetic leather.

    I do want the remote car starter, and that's $620 installed.

    OTOH, that 2011 I was talking about has the full shebang with all the fixins' but how does its iPod/iPhone integration compare to the 2014/2015? I found this video here for the 2011:



    I actually consider the CD changer on the 2011 a borderline negative, because I'm told these CD changers often break, and indeed, the changer on my 2004 broke because CDs got stuck in it.
     
    #1 Eug, Mar 2, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2015
  2. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    P.S. If the Gen IV comes with AWD, I'll kick myself. The one major upgrade I was looking for for the 2016 is AWD. So much so that I was considering a Rav 4 or a used Lexus RX 350 or used Lexus RX 450h.

    I was planning on waiting until 2016 until I decided but then the crash happened.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Our 2010 touring didn't have the nav/info screen, the backup screen is integrated into rear view mirror. I liked it that way, don't like the ever encroaching info screen, taking your eyes off the road.

    Not sure from reading the blurbs, but do they all have the dang info screen now?
     
  4. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Thanks. I wasn't aware that was a thing. However, after Googling, I see that the backup camera on the 2011 is integrated on the nav.

    http://www.toyotacertified.com/ebrochures/11_prius.pdf

    However, it seems that none of the 2011 models have the upgraded iPod/iPhone functionality that the 2014/2015 does. Not a big deal though, and definitely not worth $8000. What is worth $8000 though is the brand newness of a 2014/2015.

    I do wonder though what the resale value of a 2014 with 1000 km is vs. 2015 with 1000 km, with the same purchase date.
     
  5. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Well, the part about the 2014 Prius is irrelevant now. As of this morning, the 2014 is no longer available. o_O

    BTW, I was also looking at the Rav 4 for my wife, and yesterday, there was a $1500 discount on the 2014. Today that discount is gone too, although the 2014 model is still listed. However, now there is a $1500 discount on the 2015, which kind of makes the 2014 pointless.
     
  6. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    The nav. is pretty much useless compared to a Garmin. The -only- advantages getting nav. is you have better access to the cars settings and functions via the nav. screen and it's harder to "smash and grab". Get one of the new 7" screen Garmin Nuvi units and pass on Toyota's nav.! You save $2500 right there.
    I have never opened the "moonroof" on Pearl S, and the fan may be useful in the far south but here it works but doesn't do much. Be aware while it moves inside air out (actually pumps outside air in but you get the idea) it is just changing the air, not cooling it. It may make up to 10C difference in the interior temp. but you will get that in half a minute if you just open the door/windows. If you live in a hot climate area it -might- make a difference in interior longevity, but I doubt it.
    It's a lot of money for mediocre options if budgets are tight. My opinion would be different if Toyota contracted with a -real- GPS company and had "lifetime updates" and if the solar panel could help keep the 12V battery charged. Even then, $3000+ would buy a lot of replacement 12V batteries and a Garmin Nuvi is still $2500 less expensive. ;)

    I got the "technology package" because I thought it was "cool". The novelty wore off after 6 months. I'm told "fully equipped" cars are easier to sell, but that's still a lot of money that's not going to be recouped. I decided to pay the money and enjoy the rest of my life with toys.

    What is nice is the cruise uses the brakes on downhills. What isn't nice is if you lower the indicated speed setting on the dash anticipating a highway speed change the car won't coast to the new speed, it will use the brakes to get there NOW. I have to be careful how I use the newer technology. I have the PCS (pre-collision system) turned off, due to its' silly ability to "false sense" and apply brakes for no apparent reason! If they ever fix that I would use it. The "radar cruise" is nice in the city, keeping me from "crowding" the speed limit and getting photo radar tickets. The car will brake for you if someone ahead slows suddenly (though you have to still take over below about 30 km/hr). Even it will brake when it doesn't need to (a truck in a lane beside you can trigger it).

    One thing you might try is negotiate with the dealer to "lease" or sell with buyback already set a temporary car so you may purchase a G4 when they come out (probably this fall). Worth a try.
     
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  7. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Thanks. Budget isn't really tight, but I hate spending big bux on options that aren't well implemented. About the only two things I wanted on my Prius 2004 that I didn't have were an AUX input or else USB, and Bluetooth.
     
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The 2015s are carryover except for a $100 increase in base MSRP and Sea Glass Pearl and Nautical Blue Metallic are no longer available on the base model (for some reason).

    The Prius v does have more legroom and the rear seats can slide fore/aft and recline as well.

    In the Gen 3, I suppose it does look like it has less rear legroom (We still have the 2005 and a 2010) but the front seatbacks curve more than the Gen 2, allowing for more knee room.


    Ok, here's the confusing part with regards to audio units. Hopefully you can stay with me.

    Ever since your 2004, Toyota has experimented with different headunits and then most recently (2014 and 2015 models that are new or updated), changed them again.


    For the Prius Liftback, there are two main units - 6.1' Display Audio Unit (by Harmon Kardon) and a 7" unit but Denso (in-house). For 2010-2011 model years, they only had the 7" Denso unit which is DVD-based, has a 4-disc CD changer and integrated backup camera (no guidelines, just a camera).

    For 2012-2015, that's when they split it with lower packages getting the 6.1" HK unit with a Garmin-like interface. It has its advantages (it's quicker to respond to touches and quicker to load because it's flash-based and more casual voice recognition) but looks a bit low grade (almost aftermarket look) and navigation is buried in the "Apps" folder.

    The Technology Package units remained 7" but got an upgraded higher resolution screen, went to hard-drive based navigation (so quicker loading times because data can access a harddrive faster than a disc) and had split-screen capability (i.e. nav and audio can be displayed at the same time. Previously, split-screen was limited to different navigation screens such as map + turn list or dual maps with different zoom levels).

    The latest generation headunits with higher resolution screens than any of the screens before is only available on the Prius v (and I think Prius c too) because those were updated for 2015. They're flash-based and super quick to use. I think they're cheaper to update ($169 vs. $199). In addition, screen size is no longer correlated with the type of navigation (HK vs. Denso). The navigation system is still buried in the "Apps" folder but the maps use a more familiar Toyota colour scheme.

    Here's a link to my thread on the latest Entune Audio systems.

    New 2014 Toyota "Entune" Audio Systems | PriusChat



    As for audio inputs, USB was a dealer-installed option for 2010 and 2011 (even though some 2010s and all 2011 US models have USB from the factory). It's kinda slow based on PC member feedback. However, navigation-equipped 2010-2011 models have bluetooth streaming audio. For 2012, I believe any model with the touchscreen interface has bluetooth audio and USB. All 3rd Gen Prius have AUX Input. 2010 and 2011 models came with a single-slot CD except for JBL audio units that had a 6-CD Changer (unless equipped with JBL and nav, then it's down to 4 slots). Mine has some issues with skipping (right from new) but both CD changer units in the 2005 and 2010 still work. For 2012+, they're all single CD slots. The JBL Audio system was upgraded for 2012 to their new "GreenEdge" design which draws less power.

    If I were you, I'd just stick with bluetooth audio and use SIRI to navigate playlists/albums/artists. When you use SIRI, the car treats it like a phone call and you just speak to your phone via the car's microphone. That's why I never bothered installing USB input on my car.

    -----

    My experience with the moonroof is a bit different from David. I found it a luxury to not have to go into a stinkin' hot car. Like he said, the Solar Panel Ventilation System (SPVS) simply runs the fan to vent out the hot air, and draw in outside air (so be aware if you're parked in a dusty area or near ppl barbecuing as you'll draw in dust or the smell of charcoal. You can turn off the system of course). There's Remote A/C too but the limited range of the key fob limits its use. It does help further cool the cabin by running the electric A/C (e.g. if your car is on the street or driveway, you can turn it on before you leave the house). I, too, have the Tech Pack. I do love DRCC, especially on long stretches of highway (like driving in the States or QE2 btwn Calgary and Edmonton).

    If you don't care about the moonroof, would you consider the Touring package? It has LED lowbeam headlights w/ headlight washers, LED parking lights (boomerang shaped), 17" alloys, power driver's seat with power lumbar support and SofTex w/ heated front seats (helps in the winter as it warms up before the cabin gets warm. Saves energy).
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Oh and I have an Excel spreadsheet at the bottom of the first post in this thread that may help you track the differences between model years.

    3G Prius (2010-2015) Standard and Optional Equipment (Some Countries) | PriusChat.


    Navigate the years by changing the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet. USA is at the top of each spreadsheet, Canada is below that, so you may need to scroll depending on your window size. Mouseover each package to see the contents.
     
  10. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Wow. Excellent info. However, it will take me a while to digest all of that.

    If I understand it correctly though, the cut off for base model multimedia support is probably best at 2012+, if that's important for you for a used purchase.
     
  11. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Further after Tideland's reminder, couldn't remember the name, but the "Softex" seats are great. Best seat covering I've ever had (and I'm old ;) ). Worth the money in the option package to get it. And while I don't generally drive the Prius in the depths of winter, the heated seats are great.
    The Prius doesn't like Edmonton's ice pothole strewn streets, so I drive the FJ Cruiser, burning about 3 times as much fuel.
    Again, funny how Toyota does options, but the FJ doesn't have heated seats. It would be a "no brainer" to put them in it to me, but perhaps in 2007 they hadn't been invented yet. ;)
     
  12. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    I checked out the leather seats in a tricked out 2011 Prius a few days ago and they seemed good. I'll have to check out Softex, but in the past I've preferred fabric actually as compared to leather. Then again I've read that Softex breathes much better than leather.

    Heated seats are a plus for my wife, but I don't really care much about them for some reason. I have them in my rental car, and I never use them, despite the fact February was the coldest month on record for Toronto. Mind you, "coldest month on record" for Toronto is still warmer than an average winter month in Edmonton. :)
     
    #12 Eug, Mar 4, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2015
  13. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    Oh, just start passing kidney stones and you'll pay anything for the heated seats! Or a strained back.

    As far as Toronto being not as cold as Edmonton even now, not so much, though this morning maybe. We've been having a rather mild winter, with only a few single weeks of cool weather each month (-18C/0F). But this morning it was "nice and cool" at -18C but will warm to +5-8C by the weekend.
     
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    If you want a touchscreen, yes. 2010 and 2011 base & "Premium Package" models have a 2000s style radio. The only difference between the base and Premium Package is the addition of the JBL audio system with 8 speakers and a 6-disc CD Changer. (The front JBL speakers are great. The rear... meh)

    [​IMG]
    Example of a JBL Audio System on a 2010-2011 Prius with no navigation. The photo is the one with the JBL Audio (because of the LOAD button on the right, next to the TUNE-FILE knob. The base non-JBL audio with single-CD will replcae that LOAD button with a MUTE button (and of course no JBL logo at the bottom left)

    [​IMG]
    2010-2011 Prius w/ Technology Package (7" LCD Screen w/ DVD-Based Navigation & JBL). XMNavTraffic enabled.

    [​IMG]
    Example of a 2012-2015 6.1" Display Audio head unit (note the blue POWER button instead of black for 2010/2011 and a few other changes). The difference whether you have navigation or no navigation with this head unit is whether the "Maps" App is enabled. Traffic is enabled via your phone and Entune so no traffic available with this headunit in Canada.


    [​IMG]
    Example of a 2012-2015 "Premium AVN headunit". This is the 7" high resolution LCD with Harddrive-based navigation, DVD-playback capability and split-screen capability. XMNavTraffic and XMNavWeather enabled. Traffic works in Canada. I have no clue if weather works in Canada.
     
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  15. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    The bottom one is what I have, but I don't have the HUD buttons on the upper far left ;). And I will admit I haven't played with or tried to use most of the features in the unit. I don't like sitting in one place with the car in "ready" (waste of fuel), and when I'm driving that is all I'm doing. I don't listen to music, play with the tech, eat, drink, etc etc. Guess I'm -really- old. ;)
     
  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    We've got the top one. Still too much crap, would love if it was all tactile buttons you could put your hand to without taking your eyes off the road. Don't think you can even get it anymore, unless I'm misreading the brochures. :(
     
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Nothing new. Here's our 2002 Camry's JBL Audio unit (single CD slot version and without that plastic wrapping). At least it was mounted high on the dash (roughly where our vents are on the 2010 Prius) and the buttons and digital numbers are large.

    [​IMG]
    You can always sit in IG-ON instead of READY. Or even just in ACC. The HUD is only available in the U.S.. Canada doesn't offer a HUD. The navigation system has its quirks and because I don't use it often, I have to refresh my memory every now and then. I honestly don't know how older folks can remember how all of this works. It's not as intuitive as a smartphone or computer and you don't use it as often as a smartphone or computer. It's one reason why I left the Voice Recognition Guidance on so that if need be, I can let the car talk me through the commands I need to give when using Voice Recognition.
     
  18. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    NGcUN.jpg
    OK, not quite, but I'm not too optimistic about enTune either, after reading online about it.
     
  19. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    With Siri, you can use voice recognition via your iPhone through the car's microphone via bluetooth connectivity to navigate your playlists and albums.
     
  20. Eug

    Eug Swollen Member

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    Thanks guys. I limited my search to 2012 or newer. I started with the Prius v but didn't like it and immediately moved onto the regular gen 3 Prius. However, I ended up buying a low mileage 2012 Prius plug in with the full options upgrade package. It had the premium NAV unit. I guess I got seduced by the higher end interior. It was quite nice actually. Plus having the three door sensors for the Smart Key System was really nice.

    BTW, it took me a while to come up with an appropriate offer price because there are no comparables locally for the plug-in. I ended up comparing to US prices to come up with a starting point.
     
    #20 Eug, Mar 7, 2015
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2015