Camry HybridDiscussion area for the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving Americas favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I been looking at local dealer inventory on the TCH and have an order in for one. But I've been noticing, especially at two other nearby dealerships that they seem to have inventory of TCHs with the nav system that do not appear to be moving (one at one dealership three at another that have not moved in 2 weeks).
I have a portable GPS that I use primarially when I have to take my son to an away game (baseball) or for rental cars when I travel.
Wanted opinions as to whether the nav system was worth the extra cost rather than waiting at least 4 weeks for the ordered vehicle to come in.
We have 2 TCHs, one with Nav, one without. We use a Garmin Nuvi in the one that doesn't have Nav.
The Garmin is a better GPS unit in terms of functionality (speaks street names, better map options), but has a smaller screen. We also have to hide it and deal with the cables, mount, etc.
The Toyota Nav (if factory installed) has the neat energy displays, provides more options for controlling a bluetooth phone, doesn't get in the way of anything, and doesn't need to be hidden.
"Worth it?" Depends on how you value things. The one with Nav is "mine" and I wanted it that way. The one without is "hers," she doesn't value gizmos like I do, and she's happy with hers.
One thing to consider is how frustrated you would be with not being able to use the touch screen to change destinations while moving. This drives some TCH-with-Nav owners nuts. You wouldn't have that problem with a standalone GPS. However, I'm not bothered too much by this, and it's possible (though a bit cumbersome) to change destinations using voice commands with the Toyota unit.
Also depends on whether you want leather or not. She didn't. Hard to find cloth seats with nav. If you want leather, they come with and without.
Yes, having access to most of the screens blocked while the car is in motion is a major pain.
But as to the nav screen, you can enter a destination while rolling - at least to the extent that you can find it on a map. Just poke the screen to step the position marker to your destination, adjusting the map zoom in/out as needed.
Then then punch the set destination button.
It's all kind of silly, really. I can't dial a phone number on the vehicle display while rolling. So I have to flip open the cell phone and dial - a larger distraction than dialing on the vehicle display would be.
Need? No not really. Curious as to why these units aren't moving though and, as always, wondering if there's a deal to be made.
I'd be surprised if there were any deals to be made on TCHs right now. Those units will eventually sell. The fact that they have any inventory at all is probably an indication that they aren't dealing.
And having a few hybrids on the lot might help generate potential sales traffic that they could then divert to the conventionally-selling vehicles that aren't selling.
We have 2 TCHs, one with Nav, one without. We use a Garmin Nuvi in the one that doesn't have Nav.
The Garmin is a better GPS unit in terms of functionality (speaks street names, better map options), but has a smaller screen. We also have to hide it and deal with the cables, mount, etc.
The Toyota Nav (if factory installed) has the neat energy displays, provides more options for controlling a bluetooth phone, doesn't get in the way of anything, and doesn't need to be hidden.
"Worth it?" Depends on how you value things. The one with Nav is "mine" and I wanted it that way. The one without is "hers," she doesn't value gizmos like I do, and she's happy with hers.
One thing to consider is how frustrated you would be with not being able to use the touch screen to change destinations while moving. This drives some TCH-with-Nav owners nuts. You wouldn't have that problem with a standalone GPS. However, I'm not bothered too much by this, and it's possible (though a bit cumbersome) to change destinations using voice commands with the Toyota unit.
Also depends on whether you want leather or not. She didn't. Hard to find cloth seats with nav. If you want leather, they come with and without.
Great Post... The only way to get the Energy and Consumption Screens (that the Prius includes standard) is to buy the Navi Option (UT) - if you don't care then the $2009+ option package can be budgeted elsewhere , like just ordering the Upgrade package (UP) for $1200+- less. Same thought process can be applied to the Xm/Sirius Option - Factory or Aftermarket. Additionally if you desire a power passenger seat then it's got to be leather (at least in the USA)...
To me the Navi upgrade was worth the $1020 but to each their own...
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2009 BRM/Bisque TCH : UT w/Nav,LA,SR,CQ with PV50 and RX60. CoverCraft Evolution and UVS100; FormulaOne Pinnacle 35/15/15 Tint; LLumar Paint Protection; Vinguard; Mudguards; Silverstar Ultra 9005 & Silverstar 3457A. AMSOIL SS 0w-20 w/ EaO10 ; Shell V-POWER 93
Need? No not really. Curious as to why these units aren't moving though and, as always, wondering if there's a deal to be made.
Well most people would go for a portable nav for less money even if it is a hassle to remove each time you park the car. Also most wouldn't give a care in the world about the Energy Monitor.
But the small group of us would. I'd get the nav just for the hybrid info. The nav is a bonus
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2010 Prius Technology Package (Cdn)
OEM Cargo Mat, OEM All-Weather Mat, LED ext/int lights, 5000K HID, OEM Fogs, Euro Mudguards
I really wanted the NAV for my new 09TCH, but it would of added almost another $5,000 to my take home cost. It seemed like a luxury that wasn't economically right for me.
I'm really like the standard features on the 2009 model, like the bluetooth, the JBL sound system, the upgraded plasmacluster air system, and the moon roof. Toyota really made a good car. Too bad their production is so backed up I'm still waiting on delivery. On Saturday it will be two weeks since I purchased the car.
If I had it to do over, I would not buy the nav. The option is overpriced and lacks vital functionality such as maps that can find just about any road constructed within the pas 7 years.
I think if I did not have the nav, I would be much happier with the car now.
I don't think it's really worth it, I find my $120 TomTom to be more then enough for me, and it allows me to easily move it to other vehicles or even portable if I'd like (built-in battery).
Having a navigation system also makes your car/stereo more prone to theft if you live in a high crime area.
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