This might be a stupid question but this is the first car I have bought. A week ago I bought a 2010 Model III Prius without Nav. After being introduced to these forums after the fact I have come to the conclusion that the extended warranty from Toyota that I bought for $1500 probably was not smart. Now I kind of want to take that back and get a refund on that and possibly put in the navigation system into the car which was to expensive because of my limited budget. Would it be possible for the dealer to install the navigation system into the car? Or would that be wishful thinking?
I hate to say this, but installing Nav is probably wishful thinking. I'm fairly certain that it's not available, and even if it was, the labor would make it cost-prohibitive. I know that the factory Nav comes with much more than just Nav, but if it's solely navigation features that your after, why not install a top of the line Garmin or Tom Tom for 1/4th of the cost? Bryan
definitely return the extended warranty, you have 30 days to do so from time of purchase. I don't think it would be possible to install the rearview camera/navigation system onto a gen III w/o it. Depending on how many miles you put on it this first week, your dealer should allow you to return it for a more loaded prius. stop driving your prius & contact your dealership immediately. if your toyota dealership also has a lexus dealership then you know they have met the strict customer satisfaction requirements to obtain the lexus franchise, so a toyota/lexus dealership would definitely allow you to exchange the car.
Definitely cancel the $1500 warranty, you have 3 years or 36K miles to decide if you want to buy one or not. The Toyota Platinum Warranty is sold through this site for $1055. You didn't do as bad as some have even at that, I talked to a guy in a store parking lot yesterday that had a new Prius V and he paid over $2000 for a warranty and wasn't even sure it was a Toyota warranty. As bps said it is beyond the capabilities of a Toyota dealer to install a factory Nav system. Get a good after market system, they are a lot more user friendly and map upgrades are much cheaper anyway.
As far as the Nav goes, the others have answered your question about the install of the original Nav. But you can get your $1500 for the warranty and buy a garmin or tomtom for $200-$400 and bank the rest. Plus you have a portable GPS that you can take with you.
I just bought a Garmin 255WT for my new Prius. Got it for $210 and it comes with a free map upgrade. It has been dead-on accurate so far. Has many great features. Free lifetime traffic updates is one. I especially like the speed limit indicator which works for most major roads. It also seems pretty accurate with feet above sea level. Has 3d view and overhead relief view that shows topography. It is portable as well and has city touring maps available for $9.99. I love it so far. Best of all I can use any function any time I want.
I didn't get the Toyota NAV either and purchased a Garmin nuvi 255W. Even compared to Delorme Street Atlas USA on a 17" laptop screen with a USB SiRF star III GPS puck that I used for years, I like the Garmin better. $169.41 on line with free shipping and it's movable to other vehicles.
Better yet, if you want the other advantages of a built-in nav (backup camera, radio, bluetooth, iPod, full integration with car controls, looks, etc.) then wait a few months for the dashboard adapter kit (or whatever it's called) and get a Kenwood for the same price as Toyota's or less (depending on the model).
This has nothing to do with wasting money on Toyota's Nav System, the OP has already bought a 2010 without Nav and ask if he could have one installed by a dealer. Since he can not he is better off buying a good after market nav system. I don't "hate" extended warranties but I sure don't agree with the prices some dealers charge for them. I don't buy them because I don't need them and for me it would be a waste of money. What I told the OP was to take back the one he paid way to much for and wait untill just before his 3 year/36 K mile warranty runs out before deciding if he wants one or not. Then if he does he could get it here for a lot less money. BTW my new Prius will have a factory Nav System.
Basically it's a bracket that will let you install a double-DIN (which is standard) aftermarket navigation system. According to my dealer this bracket is not available yet (in Canada anyways). The Kenwood is a standard double-DIN navigation system. As for dealer installing the original OEM NAV. They will not install the same NAV that comes from the factory. They install a different unit (also made by Toyota) which is made for retrofitting existing cars that didn't come with NAV from the factory. Update: I started a thread earlier on installing the OEM NAV. It contains information that other users and myself have gathered so far: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...nstalling-oem-nav-non-nav-equipped-prius.html
just a quick question on the placement of the Garmin Nav that everyone seems to have where did you place them and can you see them in bright sun ?
Where you place it is personal preference. There are many posts related to this. Most people put it above the MFD, some put it behind the steering wheel (mounting it on the dash), and others put it on the small window beside the windshield. I personally put it above the MFD (mounted on windshield). As for glare from the sun, the screen can be tilted until it doesn't reflect the sun.
I haven't decide on a permanent placement as of yet. Currently I have it mounted on the center of the windshield so that looking at it from the driving position the top of the unit is just below the rear view mirror. It's working but I may try some dash positions before deciding to leave it there. No problem viewing the screen at all.
