New 2011 Prius without camera - mistake?

Get and aftermarket BU camera system - can be had for less than $100. Easy install or have a place like pepBoys do it.
Better than getting ripped with a $2K Nav you didn't need.

 

Whether or not is was a "mistake" depends on how much you wanted to spend on the car, and how well you know how to drive.
A lot of people trade in high dollar cars for Priuses for various reasons, and Toyota makes up-optioned cars with them in mind. It helps soften the landing for Mercedes and BMW drivers who are looking to roll a little greener.
I usually drive more humble vehicles, and so I've learned to live without back-up cameras, auto-parking, etc... I’ve opined that the up-optioned vehicles are a bit pricy for what you get---especially the NAV system, but this offends the sensibilities of some of the owners of said vehicles. Like I said…it depends on what you’re willing to pay for a car.
Mistake?
For me…no.
For you maybe.
The G3 does have appalling rearward visibility, and it can be more challenging for less experienced drivers to park. A $250 aftermarket camera is cheaper than having body work done---and even though it doesn't look as 'clean' as an OEM system (to some) it looks better than a damaged rear bumper...

 

I never use the back up camera. I learned to back up using my mirrors a long time ago. I am too old to change now!!

 

I've managed to reverse without a camera for 20 years so I'm sure I can manage a little bit longer

 

If you're set on a back up cam your best bet, which has been stated before, is to get an aftermarket camera... It's great if it's in the rearview mirror because it still forces you to use that mirror, plus the clarity is REALLY great. Also, with some of the backup cameras in the rearview mirror come with homelink, so you could sync your garage door with your car!

 

People have been driving cars for decades without back up cameras. My son's 2004 doesn't have one. My daughter's 2007 does. She never uses it. Me? Traded a BMW for a Prius and bought the top of the line as a reward for being a little bit greener. Right now, the back up camera feels a little like a new toy but I really depend on my mirrors too.

 

I hate backing up in general, and I was worried about the rear visibility when I first got mine about a month ago. But now, I've adjusted to it. Personally, I think a back-up camera would be a distraction rather than a help. Unless it can help you see around the big trucks and SUVs that tend to park next to me.

 

I use mine only 10% of the time while backing out of the garage just to make sure I'm not running over any toys (or kids) I can't see directly behind me.
I do like having it, but it's not essential.

 

We added a Kenwood radio with Garmin Navigation,blue tooth,DVD and rear camera.It was professionally installed and works very good.
I agree the rear camera is something most of us have lived with out,in my case going on 50 years.But my wife injured her shoulder and has a hard time turning around to look behind the Prius. She has driven many years and used the side mirrors very well. But I do feel the way the Prius is designed it is hard at times to see directly behind the car.The camera helps her a lot.
I am also considering a rear camera for my pick-up. I think it would really help backing into a parking spot. Also I can see it really helping when I hitch one of my trailers up.
I can remember driving cars with vac.wipers and no turn signals. How many would go back to manual windows and locks. Cruise use to be a stick wedged between the seat and the gas peddle. We do not need any of those things,but it sure is nice with them.

 

I wanted the navigation system. the backup camera was just an "extra" I didn't care about. I still use the mirrors. The cameral helps when I am getting close to an object while backing. I think using the backup camera in place of mirrors would result in a disaster by not being aware of your surroundings.

 

I have had a back-up camera on our 2008 and now on the 2011.
Once when I was backing up in our 2008 I happened to notice a little girl in the camera who was about 2 years of age leaning against the rear of our vehicle while her mom was loading groceries in her car next door.
Without the camera I could have knocked her down and ran over her.
It only takes once to have me justify having this technology.
I do prefer the one on the 2008 over the rear-vew mirror on the 2011.
Whatever turns your crank as they say.
Gary

 

I just don't back up

 

I'd hardly call it critical. Dare I say literally 99% of the cars on the road don't have a backup camera. I think you'll make it.

 

ETC...you nag more than my mother! Geez, typical jealous response...the sad part is that you keep on expressing this over and over and over again...dude, get over it!

Yup, with two toddlers running around, i like the backup camera.

 

Per other responders, I think the main purpose for the camera is to check for something or someone, right behind the car. For the most part I use it simply to verify I'm in reverse. I find it's angle of view so wide that it's near impossible to gauge distance when backing up, so instead mostly rely on shoulder check and glances at mirrors. Our model has the camera display in the mirror, it works fine.

 

I have a Gen 3 V model, no Nav.
Installed a backup camera system purchased from PepBoys - I think it was $80.

Easy install although they would have installed it there as well.

I use it when backing out of the driveway and parking lots - sometimes I flick it on when a pretty gal is driving behind me....

Opened a thread (att) showing the install. I find, with the slot rear window the Prius has better visibility than many sedans/SUVs - but still has blind ares that the camera is so helpful, esp in parking lots etc.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ons/65354-installed-backup-camera-system.html