Which Models Have the Backup Camera?

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It's only the base model with no options that doesn't have the backup camera in the present (07) model year. All option packages (they start at #2) have the camera.

I think it's probably pretty hard to find any 0 option cars for sale!

 

You can buy aftermarket cameras. After the first couple of weeks, the camera lost its "wow" factor for me, and now I hardly ever look at it. Thats what mirrors are for.

 

Don't listen to him. The backup camera is great!

It makes it a lot easier to parellel park and back out of parking spaces when you're trying not to hit something behind you.

I have no depth perception while backing up and while I used to always back up into a curb, or not back up as far as I could have because of fear of hitting a parked car behind me, now I don't ever hit curbs, and I don't have to do a 50 point turn when leaving a parking space because I don't have to make so many small adjustments when pulling out.

I now habitually check my surroundings to the right and left, then look at the backup camera pretty much the whole time I'm in reverse.

 

The backup camera is a nice feature - especially as you get closer to the object you're reversing towards. But if you're using it more than the mirrors it's only going to be a short time before you scratch the side of your car on something.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tenor1 @ Jul 12 2007, 04:28 PM) [snapback]477683[/snapback]</div>

There is what amounts to package 0 (no packages or options), then (in the current model year), packages #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6. Package #2 and up all have the backup camera.

The list can be seen at http://www.toyota.com/prius/options.html

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(subarutoo @ Jul 12 2007, 02:14 PM) [snapback]477635[/snapback]</div>

I still back up the old-school way (mirrors and turning around to look). It's much quicker for me.

However, the camera is good for seeing if there are any objects (or small children) behind the car.
That peace of mind is what I find most beneficial about the camera (w/out the freaking beeps, that is!)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jul 12 2007, 03:44 PM) [snapback]477694[/snapback]</div>

Maybe it depends on the part of the county you are in but we have Package 1 available here and it comes with a backup camera. The only difference between it and package 2 is the traction control.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tula @ Jul 12 2007, 04:55 PM) [snapback]477710[/snapback]</div>

Same here in SET territory. Back in December of '06, the dealer I ordered from had a handful of Pkg. #1 on the lot. I wanted Pkg. #2 and a different color though.

- Justifyd

 

I think the #2 with traction control is worth the step up from the safety standpoint and more significant than the camera, although you may be just looking for the camera.