Poll: Toyota Prius hatchback owners...

[cransplash]

Is a backup camera necessary if you're on the shorter side (DH's intern is around 5'3")?

Backstory: DH's intern is looking at getting a new car. He is short (5'3") and he found a Prius he loves. The ad online says it comes with backup camera; when the intern went to look at it and close the deal today, the ad was inaccurate.

[havarti]

Hmmm...I do really like my Prius backup camera and rely on it a lot. (I am 5'2.5" FTR). I suppose I could drive without it, but I feel safer with it. I will say it can be pretty useless in the rain and in the dark when an overhead light is shining nearby, so you still need to physically look no matter what. Chalk me up as a maybe.

[krystee]

I feel like that is very bait and switch-y of them. I'd want the camera out of principle at that point.

[dutchgirl678]

I have an older Prius that does not have a backup camera and it is fine. It takes a little bit getting used to seeing out the back because of the design, and at 5'3" it may be more of a problem. My DH has a backup camera in his SUV and I love having it. But I wouldn't necessarily want one in my next car. Now the fact that the ad said it has one and on arrival it doesn't is more alarming to me.

[scout8]

I have the camera and I love it, but I parallel park multiple times a day. It is a nice feature, but it isn't necessary.

[gt7301b]

I don't think a backup camera is necessary in any car, but it is nice to have. Now I would be pissed if the dearership said the car had a backup camera and it doesn't acutually have one.

[CrazyLucky]

I have a Prius, but I'm not short. I have never thought that I wish I had a back-up camera in the Prius. I don't think it's a big deal that the dealer was wrong. It should be a good negotiating point for the buyer.

[dottyblue]

Mar 18, 2014 12:45:02 GMT -5 krystee said:

I feel like that is very bait and switch-y of them. I'd want the camera out of principle at that point.

This.  This is the bigger issue at this point.  That's a pretty significant cost item to all of a sudden say "Newp. Sorry.  Ad was wrong"  Legally they need to honor the ad.

[sporky]

My Prius has a backup camera, and it's a really nice perk. I use it way more than I thought I would.

[cransplash]

I haven't had a chance to respond back until now. I think the intern is going to go without it (albeit it is disappointing).

Lesson learned, he said- always verify the features!

[dbsk8dance]

We have had both a Prius and an insight. I think that the backup camera is really really nice to have. It makes things super easy.

I installed a after market camera in our insight and it's been great,

[audry80]

All new models come with a back up camera. I just bought the 2014 base model and it was standard.

It's my first car with the back up camera and do not think it's necessary. It's nice but I could survive with out it.

[cransplash]

Mar 18, 2014 16:19:25 GMT -5 dbsk8dance said:

We have had both a Prius and an insight. I think that the backup camera is really really nice to have. It makes things super easy.

I installed a after market camera in our insight and it's been great,

Do you mind if I asked you how much this cost, and where you purchased it?

[curbsideprophet]

We have a Prius v and I live our backup camera. I probably don't need it but it is a really nice feature. I would be more concerned about what else was different from the ad.