Reversing Camera For 2011 Prius T4?

[stevechelt]

Hi, I am a new member in the process of buying a 2011 Prius T4 from my local Toyota dealer (my first hybrid!). The demo car they let me have a go in was a T-Spirit, with the head unit incorporating the reversing camera screen, which I found very useful, the T4 of course does not have this feature, neither does the one I'm buying have parking sensors. I was on the lookout for a T-Spirit but this T4 came up and being a year newer than I could manage for a T-Spirit (and nice low mileage) I decided to go for it.

Can anyone advise me on the best reversing camera setup to buy for a T4 2011 Prius? I see many options on Amazon and eBay but it is hard to decide and what may fit or work well! I've also found a website (reversingcamerasuk.com) who stock a good range of options but again it's difficult to decide what may be the best option for a Prius, especially in terms of screen size/fitting.

Initially I thought I'd just buy a highly rated set of parking sensors from Amazon and have them fitted, which would not cost much, but a camera would be nicer and make it simpler to reverse up my drive into a tight gap.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Steve

[johalareewi]

You can fit a reversing camera to gen3 T3 and T4 (2010), but you need something to display the camera image.

I chose a new head unit. Another option is a new rear view mirror with built in video display.

If you go for a new head unit, note that the OEM head unit comes in LHD and RHD variations.

Getting the signal from the back of the car to the display at the front can be a pita. You can have a go at a wired solution (better) but I went wireless (easier).

Have a look over on Prius Chat:

http://priuschat.com/threads/new-camera-install-cheap-ebay-cameras.80721/

My write up in that thread is here:

http://priuschat.com/threads/new-camera-install-cheap-ebay-cameras.80721/page-5#post-1398818

Head Unit swap info:

http://priuschat.com/threads/2010-toyota-prius-model-ii-head-unit-upgrade.73884/

[Devon Aygo]

Toyota do offer a rear view camera kit that can display via a nav system or rear view mirror see: http://www.toyota-tech.eu/aimuploads/%7B8B4217EF-FF93-B048-7933-AF7A3CDFFF93%7D/Prius_Back_Camera_PZ473_G0140_00_AIM_001_911_2.pdf

[stevechelt]

Thanks Alan, I have been thinking of a new head unit but the ones I like all seem to be more than I can justify spending. It's certainly a possibility in the future though. An Android one would be nice as on my drive it'll be near my wifi and it should sync nicely with my phone and google account, also it should work fine for sat nav.

Lee - I looked up the costs of the parts for the Toyota kit and it is extremely expensive, with the camera at £180 and the mirror/screen around £300, plus other parts and fitting!

Today I phoned around a few recommended local car electricians and found someone who seems to be very familiar with fitting reversing cameras. When I have the car next week I will call around to see him to discuss the options, he also has a number of screens and cameras in stock he can show me.

I will update next week if others are interested. Looking forward to my 'new' Prius, after 15 years driving a Seat Alhambra it's going to be quite a change!

[johalareewi]

Thanks Alan, I have been thinking of a new head unit but the ones I like all seem to be more than I can justify spending. It's certainly a possibility in the future though. An Android one would be nice as on my drive it'll be near my wifi and it should sync nicely with my phone and google account, also it should work fine for sat nav.

If you dig around a bit on Prius Chat you will find a poster (or two) who has mounted a 7inch android tablet in place of the head unit.

If you do go for a head unit replacement in the future, or your installer has some questions, the best information is on prius chat. They are very helpful.