Is there an attractive "integrated looking" Navigation system for a 1st gen Prius?

Thanks!
Hmm, I think this will have to be an upgrade soon...

Though I just went looking through the voice command list... What can you access while driving that you can't normally? Or is it a matter of once the mic/button are plugged in that you can select those options from the screen?

What I usually notice I can't do is enter an address... But I don't see that listed in the voice commands... Does it become unlocked on the screen just by having this plugged in? Or did I overlook it? Or is it other functions?

Thanks!

 

Address entry via voice is the only thing that does not work. Only Generation 6 units found on the newest Toyota's and Lexus' do that. However, all other functions work via voice. However, you do know that you can override the in motion lockout for your nav right? This is listed all over the place on Prius chat. In a way, it kind of obviates the need for the microphone, but at least with the microphone, you don't have to keep entering the override when you shut off and start up the car.

 

And can I take it that Gen6 units aren't plug and playable with our setup?

 

Yes, the Gen 6 is hard drive based, and is totally incompatible with our cars. Generation 5 is also incompatible. Totally different communication parameters. The connectors and harness are completely different. Besides, its so black and dark, and does not look as colourful as Generation 4 units!

 

I'd guess that to buy the Nav unit from the dealer would be in the $2K and higher range, since car-part lists some used ones in the thousands...

Let me know if you find a gen4 nav unit for like $100 or less... I'm doubting if my nearby Pick a Part would have one as they are rather smaller in size...

 

If you could find one for $100, I would be amazed if it had anything inside it! LOL! I don't know if you could, but as I said, look at Lexus' or Toyota's for it, don't just look in a Prius. It was not the only vehicle that used it.

To unbolt, you will need either a 8 mm or a small stubby phillips screwdriver. There are four screws the secure it to the brackets. Removal of passenger seat is highly recommended as it allows far easier access to the 4 screws. (Trust me its worth taking the passenger seat out!) Simply backout the 4 screws, unclip the two connectors (if it has bluetooth it may have three!), then the reverse is same for your car. It should take you absolutely no more than 30 minutes.

 

I'd guess it depends on the yard... Last time I was at my closest yard some years ago, it was pretty common to walk up to them with stuff, they'd give it a glance and say something like "eh, $10". But maybe nowadays they're being more careful...

 

Toyota in their effort to be consistent Toyota enjoys putting the nav in various locations across many vehicles (sarcasm intended!!). Here is a list of vehicles and locations:
Toyota Prius: (2001-2003) Under Passenger Seat
Toyota Prius: (2004-2006) Under Driver Seat
Toyota Highlander: (2002-2006) Under Drivers Seat
Toyota Camry (2002-2005) In The Trunk on Left Side
Toyota Landcruiser/Lexus LX470 In trunk area under parcel cover
Toyota 4 Runner (2001-2005) Covered with interior plastic on right rear wheel well. Requires removal of entire plastic panel to remove nav.
LEXUS RX300/RX330/IS300/IS350/LS430/GX470/SC430: In Trunk under cover, or off to the left side of the trunk.

 

Just the thread that I was looking for

 

I installed a Garmin nuvi 265W with Bluetooth in our NHW11. I've used plastic tie wraps to hold the mounting clip to the top of the steering column. So now I can make hands-free phone calls; GPS for navigation; and GPS for electronic speedometer (eliminates wheel/tire errors.) It also provides a speed log so if I'm ever pulled over for speeding, I'll discuss my data with the officer.

Bob Wilson

 

Can you share a picture of the setup? It doesn't sound like it looks too integrated. I assume it needs to be plugged into the lighter for power? If so, how did you hide the wiring (if at all)?

 

I'm more interested in functionality:




If I wanted to make it look nicer:

1. Use cardboard and scissors to cut a cardboard template that conformally fits on the dash.
2. Use the template to cut coroplast (the stuff used to make political signs) and assemble with hot-glue.
3. Mount the 'clip' in the assembly.
4. Run a 'snake' down steering column and pull the mini-USB connector up to the dash area.
5. Options for mounting housing: machine screws and epoxy, machine screws and hot glue, other. BE VERY CAREFUL TO MAKE SURE ALIGNMENT IS RIGHT.
6. Put a black, dense foam backing in with cut-outs for wiring and plastic clip to reduce vehicle noise to GPS.
7. Connect mini-USB to GPS and snap into holder.

Bob Wilson

 

Ain't nothing wrong with functionality being your main goal

So, do you unplug and place the unit out of site frequently? One of the reasons I would prefer integration would be to avoid that hassle.

I checked underneath both front seats in my 03 prius and there are no "boxes" under there. I assume this means I would have to spend a few thousand dollars to get the oem integrated nav system? Ummm, yeah, I think a Garmin is looking much more attractive now

 

Junkyard or otherwise used parts should be significantly less than a few thousand...

 

Not really but I live in North Alabama and seldom park in areas with car thieves. But a hood that looks 'permanent' on the dash would serve these purposes:

• out-of-sight - the less it looks like a GPS, the safer so matching the dash contour and color would make it look more substantial
• reduce sunlight reflections - although at a shallow angle, it is easier to read if the overhead sun is blocked
• make removal more 'time consuming' - if it doesn't look like the cheezy Garmin mount, the 'bad guys' are more likely to move on to another

One thought is to make the mini-UPS plug a permanent part of the Garmin and then run the USB end to a USB plug wired for just power. Then when I need to update or download from the Garmin, bring a laptop out to the driveway and keep the Garmin in the car 24x7. A nice metal frame then becomes more desirable as theft defense.

My wife's Garmin only goes in the house when I get an annual message that the maps are a year out of date. Otherwise it remains in her car 24x7.

Both Garmin's have a passcode enabled. When the cars are in the driveway, no passcode is needed. But when I start somewhere else, I have to enter the four digits. This is not a big deal because I also select my display, usually electronic speedometer, and then go on my way.

If I really wanted to make it into a project, I'd fabricate a template and cut out the dash behind the wheel and have the Garmin holder recessed with no gap for fingers or screw drivers. Being a little 'geekie,' I'd have a motor/solenoid that would work as a lock unless the ignition and some other control were activated. <GRINS>

I'll have to add that to my 'to do list.'

Hummm, I also need a better mount for my iPod Touch . . .

Bob Wilson