2011 Sienna LE - Pionner AVIC navigation

[jm98]

Hello Newbie here...
I am torn between spending $550 on China 8 inch unit or install current Pionner x710bt unit.
Hopefully other members may have some feedback...

I ordered Metra kit and wire harness from ebay for Pioneer AVIC to prepare for AVIC install. I think I have six speakers configuration but not feeling it with stock radio. (LE 4-cly with pref. and conv. package).

Pros on Pioneer:
- I like my AVIC audio quality (MOSFET).
- I like over all integration - 800x480 resolution and good screen
- Excellent FM/AM radio reception

Cons on Pionner x710bt:
- 5.8 inch screen
- MAP feature SUCKS... I like 50/100 mile overview when browsing maps.
- Have to purchase external XM module (same on China unit)
- Weak CPU for any hack
- USB interface hidden/SD limited
- CD player

China unit Pros:
- 8 inch screen 800x480
- Most of all Sienna control features integrated in to unit
- MAP options (IGO and TomTom) ... Big+ for me...
- dual 8GB SDHC space for MAPs and MP3 files

China unit Cons:
- Quality and warranty
- Audio processor may be not as good as Pioneer
- AM/FM reception may not be as good as Pioneer

- weak 500Mhz Samsung cpu

I like to use Pioneer for next year or so and may be China units or Sony/Pioneer or other brand names in 2012/2013 time frame.

what do you guys/gals think?

[padard]

go for pioneer is the best and for steering wheel control buy swi-ps (pac-audio.com) and anjoy ! i'm installer and very good product on pioneer .


have a nice day


pat

[mtimmy]

i installed Z130BT , I had the same dilemma before, I end up with the pioneer because the china unit have a bad Ad2p bluetooth chipset,. which gave bad quality sound while playing over bluetooth

[jm98]

Sounds like bit work for 5" Navi screen. I have decided to keep factory radio and plan to install a tablet mount for short term until better solution comes along. Once I do I will post the pictures.

Thanks for your suggestions and heads up.

[darrenmason]

Can you post a link to the Chinese head unit you were considering? I'm debating about same thing myself. Quality of Chinese units has increased in last couple years - some companies are offering 2 year warranties on them (and they've been in business for 5+ years).
Thanks!

[jm98]

Here it is but I was considering without the bottom DVD part.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Headunit-DVD...item3cbe47fae5

Cheers,

[darrenmason]

Thanks for sharing the url. I know all these units are coming from China, but after seeing this I'd still learn towards the Eonon system - unless I went middle of the road name brand. Ugh decisions, decisions.

[grandpapa]

I think even pioneer are make in china this day.
I have seen "OttOnavi" from toyotanation and they are doing some sale but not sure they carry unit for Sienna. I saw one for Highlander it's around $400.

I google it but not much showing up other then a couple youtube, but do go to the top of the forum and see the sale section they have pictures as well

[jm98]

This 8" navi also being sold under Koolertron re-badged brand via Amazon store. There are some Koolertron car navigation unit reviews on various automotive forums.