I am trying to buy a modern head unit to replace the radio in my 03 Corolla. Specifically one with car play and rear view camera. From what I've read, people have been complaining about how the bluetooth connectivity is not reliable and some have to used a wired connection, which would be a dealbreaker for me. Anybody have experience with them or reccomendations of specific ones?
almighty
Stick to legacy car audio brands and purchase from a vendor with good customer service and support like Crutchfield.
Brands to look for: Alpine, Kenwood/JVC (JVC is the budget line, same parent company), Pioneer and Sony.
I have a Kenwood DDX376BT in my Corolla and S10. It doesn't have Android Auto or Carplay but it has some great audiophile features like 4V preouts, active crossovers and time alignment. I think the next rung up model has the Android/Apple capabilities.
Mine took less than an hour to install with the provided instructions that Crutchfield includes.
Brands to look for: Alpine, Kenwood/JVC (JVC is the budget line, same parent company), Pioneer and Sony.
I have a Kenwood DDX376BT in my Corolla and S10. It doesn't have Android Auto or Carplay but it has some great audiophile features like 4V preouts, active crossovers and time alignment. I think the next rung up model has the Android/Apple capabilities.
Mine took less than an hour to install with the provided instructions that Crutchfield includes.
I buy my head units through crutchfield. Last one I purchased was a Sony single din with a 7” touch screen. Has android auto and apple car play. The connectivity for AA and ACP is Bluetooth and wired with the usb a female outlets. There’s 2 total.
I tested mine and was able to use a usb memory stick loaded with music and left it plugged in. Worked awesome.
Nice thing about buying from crutchfield, the enclosure is manufactured better. It fit perfectly and was not warped. They also supply a harness to splice or solder to plug into the stock harness. For $10, they can do it for you. I used butt splices to assemble my wiring for the stock harness and it interfaces with the head unit.
They have a wide selection and price ranges. Hope this helps.
Here’s my install.
I tested mine and was able to use a usb memory stick loaded with music and left it plugged in. Worked awesome.
Nice thing about buying from crutchfield, the enclosure is manufactured better. It fit perfectly and was not warped. They also supply a harness to splice or solder to plug into the stock harness. For $10, they can do it for you. I used butt splices to assemble my wiring for the stock harness and it interfaces with the head unit.
They have a wide selection and price ranges. Hope this helps.
Here’s my install.
I installed this while waiting on drum parts (my previous post). I didn't buy the one with the camera but here is the link with the camera. Installation wasn't bad at all. It was my first time installing a head unit. She took it for a short drive and really loves it.
This unit has wired Android auto or Apple car play. Since she plugs in her phone to charge anyway, apple car play comes on when she plugs it in.
www.crutchfield.com
It has two USB cables, one for carplay/AA, the other for charging. I attached the two USB cables using this:
The USB port was attached to the plastic shifter trim using a Dremel cutter right at the center of it for a clean look.
Btw, I didn't crash and burn if you are reading this username @Bitter
This unit has wired Android auto or Apple car play. Since she plugs in her phone to charge anyway, apple car play comes on when she plugs it in.
BOSS Audio BE7ACP-SD
Digital multimedia receiver with backup camera (does not play discs)
www.crutchfield.com
It has two USB cables, one for carplay/AA, the other for charging. I attached the two USB cables using this:
Amazon.com: BATIGE Dual Ports Square USB 3.0 Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable with Buckle for Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard 1ft : Electronics
Amazon.com: BATIGE Dual Ports Square USB 3.0 Panel Flush Mount Extension Cable with Buckle for Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard 1ft : Electronics
www.amazon.com
The USB port was attached to the plastic shifter trim using a Dremel cutter right at the center of it for a clean look.
Btw, I didn't crash and burn if you are reading this username @Bitter
According to Crutchfield that unit requires a "hardwired connection to parking brake" for the install. Did you do that, and if so, was it difficult; can you briefly describe that process? Tia!
The parking brake wire is only for the media to be played while driving. If your head unit doesn’t have this feature, then no need to go further.
The deck I bought is both AA and ACP. I could easily watch YouTube while driving as a passenger. Please don’t do this while driving.
The deck I bought is both AA and ACP. I could easily watch YouTube while driving as a passenger. Please don’t do this while driving.
Good to hear. That Natika camera got a great reviews on the Honda Odyssey forum I'm on, so that was my plan for the camera.
The Boss units at Crutchfield are right in my price point wheelhouse, so I'm likely going to go with one of those too (though my wife didn't like the look of the floating screen, so I'll go with one of the flush mount version).
Thanks again for the follow up, you're validating my decision making skills.
The Boss units at Crutchfield are right in my price point wheelhouse, so I'm likely going to go with one of those too (though my wife didn't like the look of the floating screen, so I'll go with one of the flush mount version).
Thanks again for the follow up, you're validating my decision making skills.
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