Nav system worth 5k?

Bob, I have a classic, and considered having the Nav system installed in that. Due to the price, I elected to use my already purchased ($400) Garmin GPS V. I installed it on the steering column, where I can look directly at it whenever I need to. I can always load the detail that I need for the area that I'm going to. Basically, I can now take the other $4600 and use it elsewhere, while still having a perfectly functioning "nav" system - just with a little smaller screen, and no colour.

 

What!?!

You are grossly overstating the price. Quite a bit more than just the NAV system comes in that $5K package. See:

• - Rear Wiper
  - Anti-Theft system
  - Homelink
  - Driver & Passenger & Side Airbags with Curtains
  - JBL AM/FM/Cassette/CD changer with 9-speakers
  - Smart-Entry & Smart-Start
  - Bluetooth capability
  - VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
  - HID Headlamps
  - Foglamps
  • 
    And of course, there is a package with NAV that is only $3K too.

 

Garmin has a dash mount pad that uses a removable residue free sticky mount that worked as advertised when I pulled it off of the dash of the Daewoo. Unfortunately, I got impatient and stuck the already used once tape and it's moved around a bit and made a slight mess (moral here is do not recycle the tape). I'll have to rectify this before the texas summer does it's thing. I bought a twin jack and plugged it directly into the power point on the dashboard, along with my Valentine One radar detector. I have another mount for the truck, and a third one set aside for when the diesel version of the Jeep Liberty is released. I can simply click the GPS into place in any of my vehicles, and have an instant NAV system.

If you want to be able to store more memory and have a bigger and colour screen, Garmin has the Street Pilot out, which is made for car use. It uses the same mounts, and holds more information, and also has swappable memory. The caveat is that it's twice the price.

When I get home, I'll take a picture of my setup, and post it here.

 

I have package #9 mostly because I wanted the compact disc changer and the safety items (headlights, foglights, extra airbags, VSC ...). I feel that having all of the electronics on board integrated from Toyota may look like alot, but would be comparable to finding something aftermarket that would give me all of the same features. This system is at least rolled into my car loan where the interest is less than credit cards used later.

Being a software engineer who has been researching Geographical Information System technology for use with a GPS receiver for route guidance, the NAV system isn't going to be 100% accurate because the necessary data would not fit on the DVD that the Prius system uses. The system is going to have to take an educated guess, but will get you on the correct road close to your destination. I have driven a few newer roads in my area which the system does not know about, but I expect there will be update DVDs we will be able to get on an almost yearly basis.

Overall, I've found the NAV system to be helpful. I have also found the VSC to be just what I need to bridge the gap between my winter driving experience and a guardrail. The auto-dimming mirror is nice. Package #9 has alot of conveinences and the NAV system is just one part.

Mike

 

As I ran towards my Prius in pouring rain this morning with my arms full of packages I was very happy with the Smart Entry system. I just grabbed the rear hatch and it opened. Then I ran around to the driver's door and hopped in. With my package #8 I am delighted to have the NAV since I drive a lot of back roads, still looking for the right bluetooth phone and really appreciate the Smart Entry. I would gladly pay the $3K again for the package if I had to replace the car.

 

> I would gladly pay the $3K again for the package...

After having had to listened to horsepower & speed obsessed enthusiasts for years, it brings joy to my heart that other specialty components are now catching on.

Though, since SE/SS is completely technology based, there is a possibility that costs will drop to the level that it becomes a standard rather than an option... especially since this particular one is so darn handy.

 

Query: Have you seen the photos (posted by Wayne on the YG) of the hybrid Highlander and RX400H models? I could swear there were ignition keys in both of them.

I find it strange that Toyota wouldn't utilize this technology on those models.

 

My dashboard as promised

Here's the setup for my GPS in my classic.

 

My chords are out of the way. They are still a cosmetic issue though, and I'll be installing the permanent wiring for the Valentine One. I'll be looking into adding an XM system to the car as well, and will look to clean up the chords a bit so that I don't turn into a huge wiring mess.

 

NAV Worth the Money?

I purchased package #9 because I wanted the CD Changer and safety features. The toys, such as the NAV, were not an insignificant part of the decision.

I've since changed my thinking about the NAV as a toy. I've had 4 occasions to use it since purchasing my car a month ago. Realizing that I don't need to try and look at maps while driving was a great feeling. I'll still have them in the car but I've been pleasantly surprised at how useful the NAV is. Finding addresses is now an adventure.