I'm interested in having a unit installed in my '10 Corolla. I want an indash touchscreen, bluetooth and ipod capability, and perhaps even a back up camera option. I don't know much about systems/ car electronics so how much should I reasonably expect to spend? I figured it's bound to be cheaper then installing an Ipod interface, Toyotas bluetooth system, AND a portable Navi...cleaner as well.
I've looked briefly on Crutchfield, is that the best place to shop or is there a better option? Any sites that would help me do research?
Crutchfield's website can help you to determine what fits and what needs to be modified and the website will actually provide the installation instruction and wire harness that's needed for OEM hookup IF you purchase the parts from them.
So I guess if you have never done the installation yourself, it's better to buy from them. Maybe they cost more than other merchants, but their staff is really helpful and knowledgeable (yes, I called a few times, and they did help me troubleshoot), and they will provide everything you need to get the stereo installed.
Yes, Crutchfield is good.... but very $$. I got a JVC recently and paid $300 less somewhere else. Too much savings to ignore....
One other thing to consider is that these navi units restrict operations while the vehicle is moving. Some make sense, like cutting off video playback and manual GPS address entry. Both are highly distractive. But newer systems also block access to all/most of saved phone numbers that you could dial with one press.... if they allowed you to navigate to them. That I could not live with.
On *most* of these systems you can ground the interlock wire that would connect to the parking brake switch and it will enable full functionality. But some that use GPS to provide speed sense might continue to lock out certain menu functions. It would be good to find out how the unit/brand you are interested in is set up.
So... if this is a concern it would be easier to bypass if you did it yourself. I don't know if shops would assist you in bypassing interlocks for liability reasons. Another strategy might be to get the installer to point out the PB interlock wire on the navi unit to you so you can cut it and connect it to ground yourself later.
I am not sure about other Navi's but I have the Pioneer AVIC-F90BT in my car, and it was pretty easy to bypass the restriction of videoplay while driving. There is a great website, www.avic411.com, to get information how to hard/soft mod to bypass and tweak the Pioneer Navi's. I heard alot of good thing about Kenwood Navi, so I may go with Kenwood in my Highlander.
Here is a picture to show what the Pioneer F90BT looks like in my car.
es, video playback is pretty easy to bypass with grounding the PB interlock wire. And usually the same bypass works for the other critically useful GPS and BT functions that are restricted. But not always......
I've been doing some research and coincidentally, I chose the AVIC-F90BT. It was nice to log on today and see a intalled pic! My next question is... it's listed on several sites as being a fit for my 2010, but how do I know how *well* it fits? Will some simple measurements tell me if I need to get a trim ring or any of that stuff?
I looked at avic411.com and found the hack to have playback while in motion... I will probably either try it myself or see if I can scrounge up a friend from the track to help me out. I'm sure someone I know can do simple installs. I'm still looking around but so far this seems like the way to go... and yes I did find it much cheaper at somewhere other than crutchfield. I'll need to get the bluetooth and ipod adaptors though, right? Looks like a nice little unit...
I've been doing some research and coincidentally, I chose the AVIC-F90BT. It was nice to log on today and see a intalled pic! My next question is... it's listed on several sites as being a fit for my 2010, but how do I know how *well* it fits? Will some simple measurements tell me if I need to get a trim ring or any of that stuff?
I looked at avic411.com and found the hack to have playback while in motion... I will probably either try it myself or see if I can scrounge up a friend from the track to help me out. I'm sure someone I know can do simple installs. I'm still looking around but so far this seems like the way to go... and yes I did find it much cheaper at somewhere other than crutchfield. I'll need to get the bluetooth and ipod adaptors though, right? Looks like a nice little unit...
I am not sure if 2010 Corolla is the same as my 2009 Highlander, but for the Highlander, I want to get something with 7" LCD instead of the 5.8" LCD on the F90BT. I believe F90BT is also discontinued so you may want to look into the new AVIC-X910BT (big brother of F90BT).
As far as install, I know 2009 Corolla have Double Din but does 2010 Corolla have Double Din opening? If it does, then the install shouldn't be bad at all on the Pioneer Navis.
I bought my F90BT from 6ave.com when they had the "name your own price" promotion for $470 shipped. Bluetooth is built-in, and the package includes an ipod adapter so it's ready to be installed out of the box. I've updated my maps (March 09), and the firmware to 3.0, and it's running smooth in the car. Hope that helps!
BTW, C5BlkVette, which Kenwood are you interested in? I'd like to check it out before I make any decisions.
If you can fit a 7" LCD in, check Kenwood Excelon DNX9140 out. If you are going to stick with 5.8" LCD Pioneer, then Pioneer AVIC-X910BT is the way to go
If you can fit a 7" LCD in, check Kenwood Excelon DNX9140 out. If you are going to stick with 5.8" LCD Pioneer, then Pioneer AVIC-X910BT is the way to go
Andy
I'll check out the Kenwood as well...looks like I still have research to do. The Tacoma also needs a new muffler so I'm not going to buy just yet anyway. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone.
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