Compare package #4 vs #6

I am not sure if I am the one to really be replying here as I have only had my Prius for about 3 weeks. All I can tell you is that I love my package 6. The Nav system works great and I have found that the way to get your voice commands understood is to not try to make your voice commands understood. In other words if you just speak at your normal speed and tone it seems to work best. I do feel that the voice commands are more of a safety issue than anything else. I can access the vast majority of screens and commands without ever taking my eyes off the road. The points of interest come in real handy if you are in unfamilliar territory and need gas/ resteraunt/ Chinese food/ Fast food etc., etc. There are a ton of POI's that I think most people are unaware of.

I can't speak to the Bluetooth as I am awaiting my Motorola V551 from Cingular. I am looking forward to experimenting with it. Again, I see this as a safety issue. Being able to access the phone without taking eyes of the road. I will be getting the Bluetooth/ Nav upgrade from Coastal as soon as it is available.

To sum up, I feel like the package 6 is well worth the money. Having said that, I am not sure if I would have missed all this stuff if I hadn't had it in the first place. I am sure there are package 4 folks out there that will disagree with me on my opinion. I guess it all boils down to personal preference just like everything else.

Hope this helps,

Dan

 

Couple questions while I can grab this topic:

Given my pref to reserve allocation of a pac 4 (which I hope to acquire in about 2 weeks), I am wondering more about my eventual, custom upgraded audio system.

How many pre-amp outs does the non-JBL stereo have? (can it take an external amp plus extra speakers)? Can an XM radio be direct-wired with the non-JBL deck unit? Are the dimensions of the non-JBL Head unit cavity the same as the JBL unit's cavity (the JBL unit apparently being able to be replaced by upgraded receiver deck?)

These are Qs i'll definitely now have to pose to my sales rep, but In case we have any audio xprts here, I'd be grateful for any insights - thnx!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(leeskarha\";p=\"97908)</div>

You'll probably get a host of differing opinions on this issue but I'll set forth mine.

At the time I bought my 04, I figured I'd rarely use the NAV, if ever. Well, my (work-related) situation changed rather dramatically since then and I now use the NAV nearly every day and multiple times during the day at that.

I'll also say this; if you happen to have (or later acquire) a Bluetooth phone, then at some point you most likely WILL miss not having integrated handsfree in your Prius. Similar to the NAV, I didn't think I would utilize it all that often but, again, I was dead wrong about that and now use it extensively. Further, it works great for my purposes despite the fact that I own a V710 which is unable to effectuate a phonebook transfer to the car (but I worked around that anyway).

FWIW....

 

Lee, we wanted package #4 originally. We live in NJ where #4 allocation is rare; so we settled for #6. Then the dealer told us our #4 was due in. We were psyched up for the #6 but decided on the #4, because the Nav and Bluetooth are not needed in our case. We did install XMradio from PriusXM; we did it ourselves. It's easy. We didn't even have any left-over parts. Choosing between #4 and #6 is a very happy problem. You can't go wrong either way. Go for it!

 

The advantages of the Nav system and Bluetooth have been addressed and I agree with what has been said, especially if you travel at all. But I even consider the Homelink essential. That's probably because my last two Toyotas had Homelink and you grow to feel like what is supposed to be a luxury has become something that you must have. We haven't even started traveling yet and the Nav system has helped a lot.

 

Dissenting opinion here.

For me, the AM package was just right. It has all the safety features plus the Smart Key System (SKS). The added features of the BC package may be nifty but I have never missed not having them. The dealer says he's bummed whenever a BC comes in because they're harder for him to sell. It may be a Yankee frugality thing since I hear the BCs are all the rage elsewhere.

 

If I had the option I would have gone #4. VSC was necessary to me, and only #4 and #6 have it. I did have trouble rationalizing the additional features on the #6. #4 is not sold in NYS (#3 and #5), so I would have had to go to PA to get it. I was in contact with some dealers in Northern PA when a #6 became available. Between the nice loan %age I got from my local dealer and the extended warranty price I got, it covered about 1/2 the difference. Being able to buy from a local dealer (where it will likely be serviced) was an extra plus, so I went for it. In three weeks I've already used the NAV a few times, and the CD changer is "fully loaded" with CD's.
So, in your position, I would have bought the #4. But I am happy with my #6.

 

Despite what dealers may say, you CAN add the homelink. It isn't the dealer's fault when they say no, their paperwork says not to. The problem is that the wiring has to go near where the curtain airbags are. However, since the overhead console already has gnd and B+, only one wire, and not the whole harness, need be routed to the junction box to get ACC.

Also, there is a trick to get the alarm turned on. Some dealers don't know how to do it, some dealers won't do it, but instead will sell you the VIP option, which is nothing more than the GBS with added instructions to remove a yellow disabling wire and turn on the alarm and GBS. But it can be done without removing the yellow wire, as long as GBS is not added.

 

We too had this enormously difficult decision to make before we decided on our AM. I spent weeks on PriusChat and PriusOnline doing research and talking to friends who own Prius. My final decision sort of went like this:

1. Homelink - We live in a Condo without a garage. Hence, don't need this.

2. Autodimming Mirror - We planned from the get-go to get the Windows tinted so this was totally unnccessary.

3. Tape Deck - Haven't used tapes in 10 years.

4. In Dash-6 - This was a big issue. We wanted this feature and we mistakenly thought we could add it later, but it turned out that the "Option" you could purchase was an add-on single DIN in-dash changer, not the Factory JBL changer. In retrospect I don't think this is that big of an issue because my GF and I both have "CD ADD (Atention Deficit Syndrome)" and tend to go through CD after CD on long drives. Hence, we have nearly 100 CD's in the car that the passenger has the honor of scrolling through. Also, we plan to eventually get XM and/or an IPOD so we'll always have music anyways.

5. NAV UYnit - I really wanted this, but in truth I don't think I'd use this regularly on my daily 120 R/T commute - I know the way pretty well. Also, I think a portable mapping NAV unit might be better as then we'd be able to take it with us regardless of which car we take. A portable NAV would also be cheaper I think.

6. Bluetooth - Personally I try not to use my cell when I'm driving. My Samsung E315 also doesn't support Bluetooth but when i do upgrade I'll just get a wireless headset.

7. Voicecomman - Steering wheel controls work good enough for me.

-. Upgraded Sound - Thanks to many posts I read on Priuschat/online the JBL system doesn't sound that impressive. That and I've been working on my own custom set-ups for 10 years and had planned to transfer over most of the equipment from our crashed Prelude anyways (PPI A404, RF Punch 60IX, PG AX406, 2xJL 10W1, etc.)

--Overall, I was able to justify taking the $2000 I saved choosing the AM Prius and spending it on Tint, Flames and a little vacation.

--GD

 

When I was tackling this very question, I came to the conclusion that I needed the Bluetooth, but not the NAV. Had BT been offered seperately, I wouldn't have gotten NAV.

However, after having the car 5 months now, I must say I use the NAV as much as BT. At this point, it is indispensible. I'm finding I use it as a map more often than for directions. So far, it's been very accurate and easy to use.

The BT works excellent with my Moto V505. Coupled with the speed sensor defeat I installed, I have had no problems with it.

Homelink is a must for me. I had a loaner car for a couple days and hated fumbling around for the remote.

The audio system seems rather difficult to upgrade, so I wanted the "best" they offered (note the quotes). Since adding a sub, I'm very happy with the sound quality.

I hardly ever use the voice commands. It's not that it doesn't work right, but I haven't found too many things I can't do easier/faster manually. The only one I ever use is "POI OFF".

Remember, upon resale it's very likely that you'll recoup most of the price of the #6. Loaded cars are much more attractive on the used car market , trade-in or otherwise.


DGStan

 

The only thing I'd miss between a 6 and a 4 is the mirror.

The JBL is a questionable upgrade unless you have to play cassettes.

The nav system has some nice features, but there are aftermarket ones just as nice. Far cheaper too. $3K difference between the two packages is a lot for what you really get.

 

I was able to get the AM package in NJ even though they are, for some weird reason, not delivered here.
I love the smart key thing. I wanted all the safety features, the vehicle stability control, etc.
I didn't need nav or bluetooth. I saved at least $3k. I am happy.
Alan

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(deh2k\";p=\"97972)</div>

deh2k,

That's funny, I just bought my #5 recently. It was the only Prius the local Manchester dealership was getting within the next couple of months that wasn't already sold. It was also what my wife and I were looking for and it arrived 2 days after we put down our deposit . Anyway, all the dealers that I talked to said that the #6 had the longest wait time and were the most popular right now. Actually, I wouldn't have minded getting a #6 if one had been available, but we still love our Prius the way it is!

Are you enjoying the 35 degree temperature drop today?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jfh3\";p=\"98469)</div>

Forgot about the voice command - if you don't have package 6, you'll miss the entertainment value of what the car THINKS you are saying when you hit the voice button.

Either package is fine - I think #4 is the better value and wouldn't buy a Prius that wasn't a #4 or #6.

 

I had much the same dilemma.

I had actually ordered a "bare bones" Prius (which was still a nicely equipped auto), but I happened to be at the dealer a day after our local auto show ended. The regional Toyota rep showed up with a silver 2005, loaded down with package #6. The dealer mentioned that since no one had their name on this particular car, it would probably just go on the lot. I said "gimme."

Since getting it, I've been very glad that I had the Nav system and phone setup. I'm not one to get lost, but the Nav system can be very nice to have when winding through unfamiliar city streets. The integration between Nav and phone is also something that I would have never pictured using before getting the car, and now would be hard pressed to go without. Type in the name a nice restaurant, have the car plot a route, press the little green "phone" icon, call them up, and either make a reservation or place your order. Whether it's takeout at the local BBQ joint, a "eat your heart out Giordano's" pizza from the new place on the hill, or a good table on a crowded Saturday night, this thing has been invaluable.

 

What a magnificient problem to have. Me?, I just walked in , said give me your next Prius in (my wife wants one NOW!!!) and it was a pkg #6. Love it to death. I feel like I am in the lap of luxury.

 

I am not sure it is worth it, but a #6 becamse available just as the tranny of my American car despite it's (according to some) allegedly above-Japanse quality .-)

So I went for it. This is a techie car so it may add resale value as well.

 

I went out of my way to get a #4 instead of a #6. For some reason, Toyota does not and will not deliver #4's to Southern California. #6's are available in abundance (as well as #1's and #3's). I guess their market research shows that if we want a Prius down here, we'll buy all the options if we have to.

Well, apparently I didn't fit their market research. After an attempt by a local dealer to order a #4, which was rebuffed by Toyota, I looked for alternatives. This board helped a lot. A member here pointed out that they *do* get #4's in Northern California! So after calling several dealers up there (only working with the ones that sold at MSRP or better), one came in in the color I wanted, red. I only had to wait about two weeks. I flew up the next day for $100 on Southwest Airlines to San Jose, and drove my new Prius AM (#4) package back down the California coast. Nice day, really nice drive. Made it all the way on the dealer's tank of gas.

In case anyone's curious, the dividing line for #4's is somewhere between Santa Cruz and San Jose. None ever delivered to Santa Cruz, many delivered to San Jose.

So now to address the original post: why did I want a #4? First off, I definitely wanted the stability control for safety, leaving the #4 and #6 as my only options. The smart key is cool, but was not a driver in the decision. (I do really like it though, and now I'm starting to get annoyed at the front door of my house for not knowing I'm there.) As to why not a #6, which I could have bought immediately from any of several SoCal dealers, I simply did not want to pay $3000 for a GPS and some other stuff. The $3000 seemed way overpriced to me for a GPS and some better audio equipment. I can buy a full-featured aviation/marine/auto GPS for less than $1500, and I can upgrade the maps which I doubt I could do with the Toyota GPS. I wasn't all that keen on better speakers or a 6-CD changer. (There's a nice little tray under the audio for CD's, and I have found that my right hand is quite adept at changing CD's for free. And I'm sure I could put in much better speakers than Toyota has for a lot less than I'd pay Toyota.)

As it turns out, for other reasons I bought the $1500 Garmin 296C GPS, plus $200 for the auto kit, and it works great. It's very accurate, the directions it gives are as good as I could come up with for areas I know, it has a very complete database of business and other destination types, of course you can enter addresses directly, and it has a little speaker on the lighter plug for audio instructions ("turn left in 300 yards", "TURN LEFT NOW DAMMIT", "For crying out loud, you missed the turn you idiot, recomputing route". Just kidding -- she's more polite than that.) And I can update the maps by connecting the thing to a PC.

I also use the GPS when flying small aircraft, where it works great as well. I only occasionally use the GPS in the car, but when I do, it is really handy. I often use it to find the nearest Wendy's when on a long trip. I always use the GPS in the plane, and is the main justification for that expense. Though if I really wanted a GPS for the car, the Garmin is better and cheaper.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(madler\";p=\"99467)</div>

I think you may be mistaken here... I was able to get a #4 (AM) at Toyota of Santa Cruz (In Capitola). We wouldn've also gotten this from Toyota of Seaside (Near Monterey) but we like Santa Cruz better. We did quite a bit of research and talked to both of these dealers, neither of which had problems with the AM package.

Also, just so nobody get's confused, the commonly accepted dividing line between Northern California and Southern California is just north of San Louis Obispo. The Monterey Bay region is fully in N. California, even if AAA doesn't agree.

--GD