Aftermarket / Portable GPS in Non-Nav Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by telefrog, Jul 8, 2009.

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  1. telefrog

    telefrog New Member

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    I thought I would share my "install" of a Garmin Nuvi 265WT in my 2010 Model III.

    Overall I am fairly happy with the results. It is obviously not nicely integrated like the factory version, but the location keeps it from being too obtrusive.



    I ran the power cable (and integrated FM traffic antenna) through the dash by pulling off the left vent and feeding the cable up. There is enough space near the tiny triangle-shaped window to feed the cable through without destroying or significantly bending the trim. The cable plugs into the cigarette outlet under the buttress... but eventually I'd like to hard wire it somewhere to free up the outlet.

    As a side note, I decided on the 265 WT because of the free lifetime traffic. I have several routes to and from work, and like to pick the fastest based on current traffic conditions. :D
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 telefrog, Jul 8, 2009
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  2. DeanFL

    DeanFL 2010 owner - 1st Prius

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    Great install job!
    I assume you remove it when not needed / parked. How much was the unit? 4.3" screen?


    I'm going to install a backup camera system with a 3.5" monitor. Plan to put the monitor in the lower console - angled up a bit just under where the seat heater switches are on the V. Decent view for the occasional backup. Like your location for a new GPS. Thanks!

    Oh - do you have misty gray interior? Seems as if your top dash panel is lighter than the dark gray of my bisque.
     
    #2 DeanFL, Jul 8, 2009
  3. telefrog

    telefrog New Member

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    I found it for $200 at Circuit City... and it looks like Amazon has it for around $220. Yes, it is the 4.3" widescreen, but I have to admit I miss the center screen I had in my Gen II. I just couldn't bear shelling out a couple thousand more for the nav.

    So far, I've kept it in the car at all times... garaged at home, and in a secure area at work. It is easy enough to remove, just unplug and unsnap from the window mount. Next time I am in a "rough" neighborhood it's probably a good idea to remove it.

    I have blizzard pearl paint... and I am pretty sure I have the dark grey trim with that. Maybe it's the garage lighting?
     
    #3 telefrog, Jul 8, 2009
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  4. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

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    Nice installation. How well does it work in that location? Did you need to install an external antenna? Looks like that location blocks the internal antenna from having a clear view of the sky.

    Keith
     
    #4 Tech_Guy, Jul 8, 2009
  5. telefrog

    telefrog New Member

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    It seems to work fine. No external antenna needed. Most of the time it is synched as soon as I turn the car on. Occasionally it takes longer when I leave the garage (10-20 seconds), but when parked outside it always instantly connects. Accuracy seems to be right on par with my old Gen II factory nav.
     
    #5 telefrog, Jul 8, 2009
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  6. ceric

    ceric New Member

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    Garmin 265WT is available for $180 on Amazon/EBay with free shipping.
    Watch dealsea.com regularly. Sometimes, 265WT can go as low as $130.
    http://www.dealsea.com/exec/search/?q=265wt&x=0&y=0 (from Dell)

    The real-time traffic (used to own a Navigon with it) has at least 15-20 minutes delay.
    The delay could get you trapped (too late) or give you false alarms (accident cleared already, for example).

    Besides, as expected, it only shows traffic on highways and expressways.
    I personally don't find it so useful. A simpler 205WT/225WT w/o real-time traffic for $130 or less would be my choice if I am getting one today.

    Your mounting location is interesting to me.
    According to CA vehicle codes, one can mount stuff at the lower two corners (within 7") area of a windshield. Where you mount the Garmin is not the windshield, but a side window (or part of it). CA codes do not allow anything attached to side windows (w/ some exceptions).
    You may want to check OH vehicle codes.
     
    #6 ceric, Jul 8, 2009
  7. RickFlashman

    RickFlashman New Member

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    I have my TomTom One (3rd Gen) installed in the same place! Works awsome and is hidden enough I never take it down. Really nice installation point.
     
    #7 RickFlashman, Jul 16, 2009
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  8. SoTex

    SoTex New Member

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    Actually, per most states' department of transportation, any glass in front of the side view mirrors is considered windshield even if separated by a sail panel. Here in TX, you aren't suppose to get that glass tinted as it is considered part of the windshield. Weird, but true.
     
    #8 SoTex, Jul 26, 2009
  9. SoTex

    SoTex New Member

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    I mounted mine using a Garmin dash mount kit and adhered it to the dash just above the left vent. Similar in location to this one but a little closer to the driver.
     
    #9 SoTex, Jul 26, 2009
  10. jm1515

    jm1515 New Member

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    Excellent job, TFrog...........:rockon:
    That's exactly where my Zumo is going..........
     
    #10 jm1515, Jul 27, 2009
  11. MidWestGirl

    MidWestGirl New Member

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    I hope it's OK that I pose this question here. I have a Prius II and am interested in getting a portable GPS. Can anyone recommend a good GPS? There are so many that for me it's overwhelming and I'm not exactly sure what's a good one and what's a bad one.
     
    #11 MidWestGirl, Aug 1, 2009
  12. CAR4TWO

    CAR4TWO New Member

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    We have a Garmin touch screen Nuvi with voice directions. It is easy to use and we rarely miss a turn. Plus, you can look ahead at rest stops, places to stay and eat. I flew some GPS approaches with my Garmin 296 in the airplane with stunning accuracy just today. Garmin is simply the best!
     
    #12 CAR4TWO, Aug 1, 2009
  13. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    I have a Garmin & used a TomTom. Get a widescreen. They are comparable so you should be happy with either one.
     
    #13 JimN, Aug 1, 2009
  14. MidWestGirl

    MidWestGirl New Member

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    Thanks Car4Two and JimN. I've been leaning towards a Garmin and definitely want one with voice directions.
     
    #14 MidWestGirl, Aug 1, 2009
  15. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

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    We have 2 Garmin Nuvi's. A lot of performance for the price. Would suggest one of the 4.3" wide screen models (700 or 800 Nuvi series).

    Costco.com has some pretty good deals

    Good Luck,

    Keith
     
    #15 Tech_Guy, Aug 1, 2009
  16. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    Here is a pic of my current GPS mount. I am still tweaking it. My plans are to velcro the remote radar module next to the heated seat switch and hard mount the GPS close to where it is in the pic.

    [​IMG]
     
    #16 Judgeless, Aug 19, 2009
  17. JasonPro

    JasonPro Junior Member

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    I take it that you don't ever look at the GPS while driving. If so, that location is awful.
     
    #17 JasonPro, Aug 19, 2009
  18. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    With the GPS in that location I have 100% view of the screen when I look down.
     
    #18 Judgeless, Aug 19, 2009
  19. Jim Calvert

    Jim Calvert New Member

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    Of course you do, and you have a 0% view of the road.
     
    #19 Jim Calvert, Aug 19, 2009
  20. Judgeless

    Judgeless Senior Member

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    You do not have to stare at a GPS to follow it. I drive 35,000 miles a year and never had an issue with the GPS down low. I used to use Windows Mobile Phones for my GPS. Like this one.

    [​IMG]

    When I moved to Garmin I mounted it behind the transfer case control on the 4Runner. That 2000 4Runner has 305,000 miles on it.

    [​IMG]
     
    #20 Judgeless, Aug 19, 2009
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