Need help choosing a 2010 Prius this weekend!! II or III with no nav?

Some thoughts:

• Garmin GPS - under $200, easily software and map upgradable, some models include Bluetooth. If it doesn't work, TomTom or Magellan. You have options.
• Bluetooth - in car requires matching to cell phone, it took me two tries to get one that worked. But bluetooth via Garmin can be more easily tested. Still the Prius matched fine with the Sony Ericsson bluetooth
• I don't trust bluetooth . . . too many incompatible versions floating around and wretched reviews or mapping.
• Fired satellite radio over a year ago and only use iPod Touch with downloaded podcasts and home CDs. Satellite radio is 'tone deaf' and seems to change programs without my input. In contrast, I can find worthwhile content via podcasts.

GOOD LUCK!

Bob Wilson

 

The Nav in the Prius and all new cars in outdated. Not the maps the software. Get a Garmin.

 

Hi -

First, glad you're OK after the accident. (You didn't mention getting hurt, so I hope I'm correct here).

Re the II vs III - I'd say spend only the money to get what *you* want--if the extras in the III are worth it to you, go for it, but technology ages so fast (not to mention the depreciation in any car) that you shouldn't view it as an investment.

Re. the bluetooth, mine (albeit a IV) is non-nav, but has bluetooth, and I've been happy with it. Toyota dealers here are advertising that they're installing it in all their cars and trim levels, after our hands-free cell phone law went into effect, so I imagine you could get it in a II even if it doesn't come standard (which it may).

I agree with others here that the aftermarket nav systems are better if you want one--the only disadvantage is that they're easier to steal (and sometimes thieves will break in just upon seeing the suction cup marks).

Color - any way you can see them right next to eachother to help you decide? I originally wanted a winter grey (I think they're really nice looking) but wound up with a black one; when I was buying, the supply was a lot less than it is now. The black does show scratches and dirt more, no doubt, but everytime I see a winter grey one it looks a lot like a kinda-dirty black car to me. And I've come to really like the black. Especially when it is clean. Which it is for about fifteen minutes after I wash it. Eyes of the beholder as they say.

Good luck, enjoy it, and don't let the salesperson know you're buying it this weekend--be prepared to hold out an extra week if need be and don't let them pressure you--it's a buyer's market now.

Cheers
Tim

edit: yes, on the non-nav bluetooth, you can make voice-activated calls.

 

Color is too subjective. I got winter gray and like it; it's very sharp. I think perhaps the best color.

II vs III typically options depreciate quickly. I got a II. I might have bought a III for $900 more but probably not.

True but with them costing $100 who really steals these anymore? I don't live in an area it's relevant, but still there cannot be much money to be made.

 

Get a III with Nav and pimp it out. The II radio interface is lame and outdated. You need the LCD screen.

The winter gray is dull and looks like clay compared to the Gen II Magnetic Gray. Get the black or blizzard pearl.

I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I speak the troof.

 

Agreed about the cost of the GPS--it's the damage they do to the car in the process that's the real concern. And, unfortunately, around here they still do it a lot. $100 on the street market translates to a momentary fix, I guess. If you live/park in a safe area, you're right, no problems.

btw I still sometimes wish I'd gotten a winter grey. They are sharp. I'm also surprised how nice the white looks. Esp. w/ the solar roof as contrast.
~T

 

my 2 cents:

I have the nav w/bluetooth and use a garmin. Love the built in bluetooth, but hate the nav.

 

Buy low, add value...

Get a base II, add:
Leather ($1K - Katzkin - same as dealer installs - and I've heard adds on radio - so you probably can get a deal - research it here).
Radio with GPS and BT ($1K max) - again do you research...

The cloth on the stock stuff wears really fast - feel it. Leather lets you choose a color...

The radio hasn't even been fixed yet for FM (meaning very poor reception). Swapping this out is easy, and really in theory, you could buy a used Pioneer x910 (or whatever) for like $400, and have GPS, DVD et al... Many many threads to read on the choices....

Read up... III adds JBL - which is a lot for what you get...

 

I bought Prius II and installed a Kenwood DNX-6960 unit in place of the factory radio. Pioneer also makes a nice unit. They cost about $1,000 installed.

These units have the big touchscreen with radio/cd/DVD/gps/Bluetooth/iPod/USB, with options for satellite radio and a backup camera.

Now, there are much cheaper/simpler Bluetooth-enabled car radios out there. The deal with Prius III is that the $900 also includes an amplifier and upgraded speakers, which is nice, except that they're difficult to replace later. I'm happy with the route I took.

 

My only issue with the grey color is that I previously owned a grey Toyota pickup and it seemed that other drivers had difficulty seeing me. I was constantly getting cut off on the freeway. I'm also too lazy to keep washing my car, so a black one isn't in my personality. I got the dark blue one. I really like the color, but it needs to be washed more than I like. Again, I'm lazy.

I gotta hear more about the aftermarket radios which include GPS, Bluetooth, etc. That might be a better idea (though it seems to cost about the same as factory). Better?

And I'm not sure you'd be getting value with the Prius if you plan on selling it within a few years. Actually, I don't think you'd get value with any car that you sell within a few years. I'll let somebody else crunch the numbers for you.

Dumb Mike

 

I have the nav/jbl/bluetooth package in my III and it works seamlessly with my iphone. It has no issue recognizing the phone instantly upon entering the car and it routes both pandora (sounds better than SAT) and incoming phone calls through the audio system via bluetooth without a hiccup or drop.

The nav doesn't mute or lower the volume of the sound system when giving voice directions. I find this to be a major flaw; however, when I am really depending on directions I do keep the music volume low anyway.

Remember, stock components are covered by the 3 year warranty whereas aftermarket stuff is usually a year at best and some just 90 days on labor.

 

Turn off the bloody phone, drive safe and save money.

 

For what it's worth...stay away from the Prius III JBL system. It's junk, and so is there Nav. Buy a Prius II and take it to your local hack shack and get the sound system, with or w/o Nav, you want. Use Parrot Blue Tooth.

Find a good Trim Shop and upgrade to leather seat covers, door inserts, center armrest and the back seat outer trims. Also heat the front seat backs and bottoms. Factory cloth is also junk.

Aftermarket is better and cheaper and "you" have the choice.

Whether you buy the base Prius II for $23,500 or the Prius V fully loaded for $35,000, it's a great car you still get over 50 mpg. My first two tanks are 53.9 and 54.7 combined regular driving. None of that pulse and glide stuff, which is not practical.

You will enjoy this car.

 

For the back-up beeping, see http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...sabling-reverse-beep.html?highlight=back+beep. Just make the dealer do it for you at no charge. They will jump through hoops for a short while.

 

I just bought a Winter Grey and brought it home last night and I love the color!