new vs old, any way to upgrade the option package?

Hi cjcathey, welcome to PriusChat! It's very difficult to upgrade "package" options with Toyota gear. You could always buy third-party GPS and Bluetooth accessories for a Prius model that didn't come with those options, but the wiring harnesses in that car wouldn't support a Toyota nav or Bluetooth upgrade. The Prius is a great car, as most here will agree, but upgrades to a particular model are pretty limited.

But don't be tempted to buy more car than you can afford. Get what you can now, and save your gas money for a new model in a few years that has lithium batteries and plugs in to recharge...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cjcathey @ Aug 22 2007, 12:52 AM) [snapback]500147[/snapback]</div>

You'll be getting in the upper 40s when you start out and once you master P&G you can easily get upper 50s to low 60s - that's when it gets real satisfactory!
Anyway, to answer your question, if you want built in Navi aftermarket, it would cost you too much money. You could get a Magellan or one of the cheaper ones for as little as a couple of hundred bucks off Ebay, second hand. It'll have to hang off your windshield and wont'be as pretty, but still does the job (in fact better than the stock Navi, since their CD hasn't been updated in over 2 years).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cjcathey @ Aug 22 2007, 12:52 AM) [snapback]500147[/snapback]</div>

hi Chris,

First of all, you are lucky to be in California as that seems to be the hottest market with the best deals on Prius. For example (from the hours of reading this forum):
07 Prius Basic + Pkg 2 best price $20,700
+ Pkg 3 $23k
+ Pkg 4 $23.5k
+ Pkg 5 $23,988
+ Pkg 6 $24,975

07 Prius Touring
+ Pkg3 $24,800 out-the-door
+ Pkg6 $26k

You have to really be honest about what would be nice, cool versus easily upgraded. From reading here, the JBL Premium upgrade is not so hot. It would be hot if it was only $200 upgrade as it was when I bought my 07 Corolla S.

Bluetooth can be easily handled with a less expensive device. I prefer to use my Blackberry's speakerphone and still rely on the old wired head piece if really necessary.

The Toyota Navigation system looks cool but again, there are better (regular updates, tied to traffic systems) and less expensive solutions available from several sources including: Garmin
Tom Tom

Leather would be nice. Some dealers charge anywhere from $1200 to $1700 for dealer installed (they hire an upholstery shop). You can hire the same upholsterer for about $700 to $900. Or be different and get Wet Okole which slip on easily over the seats and give a way different look.

Going with the Package 2 will save you money that you can use on modifications, upgraded tires, TRD suspension or even buy the Toyota Premium 7yr/100k miles extended warranty.

good luck,

Al