Can't decide whether to replace the stereo head unit or not

[amheck]

Hi all,

I realized this may be a bit of a silly question, but I'd like to get your opinions.

I have a 2004 Limited with 135k miles. I'd ideally like to keep the truck for another year or two to keep enjoying the lack of car payments. Although I realized I'd like something new again sometime soon.

Anyway, I have been looking around at head units to modernize the truck a bit. I have some prices around $525 to install the Pioneer 2700bs head unit. This includes the steering wheel and JBL integration and labor.

I've got some other stuff I need to do to the truck, too. The dash is badly cracked, but the warranty program will take care of that. The AC system has a slow leak and the compressor sounds horrible when running, so I'm thinking about having that system replaced when the dash comes out. I also think my XREAS system is about done, so new shocks would be nice, although maybe not a requirement. My sunroof is also stuck shut and the drain tubes were clogged, which resulted in water in my passenger side floor every time it rained. I found a shop who removed the headliner and cleared the tubes, but I think some new carpet is in order.

All that being said....I have some money that needs to go into the truck. I'm just not sure about $500+ for a radio. I would like a touch screen and bluetooth (audio and phone), but I just can't decide if the $500 is worth it to me.

Thoughts/comments/suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[acronin2]

You could do the install yourself.

There are plenty of write-ups and how-to's if you search the forums. It's really not as difficult as you might think.

 

[amheck]

Yeah, I've thought about that. The head unit and module (Crux SWRTY-61J) are $410 from Crutchfield, so I guess that would save $100. I guess that's a decision, too. I've never done an install before. Some reviews make it seem really easy and then other reviews make it seem like there's a mess of wires that need to be spliced and connected and all that. I just don't wanna give myself a headache over $100.

To expand on the question - I have a 10 year old stereo. Are the new ones that much better? Were you like "wow, this stereo was the best thing I did to my truck" or was it more of a "yeah, ok, now I have a new stereo. Cool".

 

[li_runner]

Depends on your expectations. It is nice to have Bluetooth and hands free, but you will not hear it and be overwhelmed. That only happens when you go deeper down the rabbit hole (subwoofer, amps and or new speakers, backup camera).

When you go down that route you learn how good a car can sound and can get hooked. $$$

 

[acronin2]

Yea it really depends what your looking for and how much time/money you are wiling to invest. Like the previous poster said adding a function like Bluetooth is more for convenience than sound quality. IMO you'll hear the most improvement in sound quality by eliminating the JBL amp all together. That seems to be the weakest link.

 

[mjosco]

I added new Double Din DVD touchscreen headunits to my previous 4Rs.

This time, I kept it simple with the Grom Bluetooth adapter hooked into the stock JBL system. Calls sound great as does streaming audio from my phone. I always thought it was a PIA to touch the screens on the radios while driving with my previous 4Rs. Kept it simple this time and glad I did. Works great!

Here is the Grom BT unit:

Toyota Scion Lexus 98-11 Bluetooth Hands Free Car Adapter Kit

 

[amheck]

That's an interesting solution....thanks.

So basically you just have to pull out the factory head unit and plug this thing into the back? And then find a way to route the mic wire?

 

[robaroni]

The stock stereo is crap. I got a pioneer avh-x3600bhs for about $270 on amazon and installed it myself. Bluetooth works great. You just have to decide it it's worth it to you. Sound like your ride need some maintenance first.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

The features and sound are definitely a lot better than the stock systems. I love having bluetooth, and streaming capablities from my phone, and a double din touchscreen. It really depends on what you are looking for.

 

[amheck]

I like gadgets and tech, hence why I've been sorta wanting a radio that looks like its from this century. no tape decks!!!!!!

When going to sell, do people care whether or not the originalhead unit is installed? I suppose I can always put back the stock unit.

Another option would be to put in something like the Pioneer 729BT. It's almost $150+ cheaper, well reviewed, but not touchscreen.

 

[M1911]

Depends on your expectations. It is nice to have Bluetooth and hands free, but you will not hear it and be overwhelmed. That only happens when you go deeper down the rabbit hole (subwoofer, amps and or new speakers, backup camera).

When you go down that route you learn how good a car can sound and can get hooked. $$$

Last year I looked into this. I wanted an Apple CarPlay head unit, new amp, subwoofer, speakers, etc. When I saw the proposals from the car stereo shop, I decided to live with what I have a little longer. Too much money for my taste.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

^That's why I buy everything at cost and do the installs myself

 

[Ventil8]

Yeah, I've thought about that. The head unit and module (Crux SWRTY-61J) are $410 from Crutchfield, so I guess that would save $100. I guess that's a decision, too. I've never done an install before. Some reviews make it seem really easy and then other reviews make it seem like there's a mess of wires that need to be spliced and connected and all that. I just don't wanna give myself a headache over $100.

To expand on the question - I have a 10 year old stereo. Are the new ones that much better? Were you like "wow, this stereo was the best thing I did to my truck" or was it more of a "yeah, ok, now I have a new stereo. Cool".

I was in the same boat you were back in feburary. My 2005 Sport had the same stock stereo since I bought it. I bought it new and have been free of a car payment for 5 years. I wanted bluetooth, backup camera, front facing camera, and GPS to bring it up to date to todays standards. So I splurged and went with a kenwood 891HD unit that I bought from a forum member and had a professional install it. Total came out to be around $1600. If you ask me, it's money well spent. I'm also replacing the front driver side and passenger side wheel bearings/hubs/rotors/pads. The parts/labor ~$1150. So this year I'll spent about $3000 on my 4Runner. If you ask me, $3000 in one year is better than being stuck with a 5 year car note of $35,000 for a new 4Runner. I love my 4runner so trading up for a new one isn't an option for me right now. I love my golf days and my free time. When my mortgage is paid off in 7 years, I'll consider buying another new 4runner.

 

[Sisente]

It is super easy to do. 10mm socket, screwdriver, and the radio.

This is a pretty popular one for runners.

http://www.customsounds.com/product/10851/Pioneer-FH-X720BT

Bluetooth, mic, no touchscreen, but the radio is pretty cheap, and easy to install. $140

 

[Sisente]

Here is my install

 

[Ventil8]

^where were you when I was looking for someone to install my unit bro, I'm in the ATX area!

 

[M1911]

^That's why I buy everything at cost and do the installs myself

I don't have the time, location, patience, or skill to do it myself.

 

[mjosco]

Yes, That's all there is to it.

 

[JOsnipes]

I installed a Pioneer AVH-X5600 under 4 hours, Fits Perfectly!

I installed a Pioneer AVH-X5600 in my 08' 4Runner about a year ago. I love the unit and it allows the use of DVDs, Handfree Bluetooth, and Music Streaming. I completed the install myself and was done within 4 hours. If you know how to splice wires, you buy the harness kit, and have patience you should be able to get it done within a weekend. I used the following videos to help me with the install. I included both the parts list below and the videos I used to help me off youtube.

All Parts Off Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064J4LOM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

Amazon.com: Metra 95-8202 Toyota DDIN Multi Dash Kit: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: DB Link CCC1614 Clear Nylon Crimp Caps, 100 Pieces: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface: Car Electronics

Amazon.com : Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display : Car Electronics

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEQJ8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01

Amazon.com : MicroBypass Automatic Video in Motion Interface for Pioneer Models AVH-X1500DVD AVH-X1600DVD AVH-X2500BT AVH-X2600BT AVH-X3500BHS AVH-X3600BHS AVH-X4500BT AVH-X4600BT AVH-X5500BHS AVH-X5600BHS AVH-X6500DVD AVH-X7500BT AVH-P8400BH AVH-X85



Guide to Remove Stereo:
How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

How to do Wire Harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTti_HuKkV8

Parking brake bypass for DVD player:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwS53ZuKun0

Steering wheel controls for Taco/4Runner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sas1jTJ-gw

 

[marc_l71]

I installed a Pioneer AVH-X5600 in my 08' 4Runner about a year ago. I love the unit and it allows the use of DVDs, Handfree Bluetooth, and Music Streaming. I completed the install myself and was done within 4 hours. If you know how to splice wires, you buy the harness kit, and have patience you should be able to get it done within a weekend. I used the following videos to help me with the install. I included both the parts list below and the videos I used to help me off youtube.

All Parts Off Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064J4LOM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00

Amazon.com: Metra 95-8202 Toyota DDIN Multi Dash Kit: Car Electronics



Amazon.com: DB Link CCC1614 Clear Nylon Crimp Caps, 100 Pieces: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface: Car Electronics

Amazon.com : Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display : Car Electronics

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEQJ8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01

Amazon.com : MicroBypass Automatic Video in Motion Interface for Pioneer Models AVH-X1500DVD AVH-X1600DVD AVH-X2500BT AVH-X2600BT AVH-X3500BHS AVH-X3600BHS AVH-X4500BT AVH-X4600BT AVH-X5500BHS AVH-X5600BHS AVH-X6500DVD AVH-X7500BT AVH-P8400BH AVH-X85



Guide to Remove Stereo:
How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

How to do Wire Harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTti_HuKkV8

Parking brake bypass for DVD player:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwS53ZuKun0

Steering wheel controls for Taco/4Runner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sas1jTJ-gw

JOsnipes- if you have S/XM and lose sound there is an update for it. I found out the hard way. Radio was showing good signal, station and band with song but no sound on the same unit as your, AVH-X5600BHS.