Need help with picking a New Headunit for my 4,000 mile road trip!

[4Runners]

So i'm taking a long 4,000 mile road trip out to Yosemite National Park from Texas and was looking into a new headunit. Basically the setup i got now is the factory radio (i dont think it's JVC audio) with the tape deck that i use to connect my ipod too. And i have a Garmin 1690 which i love but will probably sell to pay for this unit.

I already know how to take out the radio, but i dont know how to unhook it or what wires are what. Also which headunits are comparable with my 2004 sr5 4runner? I heard kenwood is good and they use garmin maps. Would this unit do? Amazon.com: Kenwood DNX5140 6.1-Inch Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Nagivation with USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver: Electronics

That's around my budget and all i need are the maps and ipod connectivity! Also if any of you guys find links or diagrams on how to install this stuff please link! Thanks!



EDIT: I did find this third party off brand one that has the toyota symbol and everything. It has the gps screen, bluetooth, ipod connectivity and everything and is $399 but i dont know how reliable this would be and the gps is probably crappy. Anyways here it is: 03-09 TOYOTA 4RUNNER GPS NAVIGATION DVD RADIO 04 05 06 | eBay
Dont know if this one is a steal or no deal.

 

[galactic_04]

I have the clariopn cx-609 and love it, but whatever you get I'd recommend getting something that'll to bluetooth and stream music off the phone over it. You wouldn't think hands free for the phone was a big deal, but its a REALLY nice feature.

Check the link below for the details on the radio

 

[gaterose]

I have the Kenwood DNX9960 with Garmin and it's great although the Kenwoods are a little slow to start up compared to some brands. The GPS interface is exactly the same as Garmin handheld units. For me, when I looked at the features and reviews for similar HUs it seemed I found the best reviews for the Kenwood and Alpine (even though both of those also had bad reviews), I chose the the Kenwood because Alpine doesn't seem to have a great GPS.

IMO Kenwood and Alpine make the very best head units.. I don't trust many of the others and Sony is the only other brand with a "name brand" nav system (TomTom in the Sony).

The bottom line is that all of these in-dash DVD/GPS units have their drawbacks (really, we are asking a lot of out of these small full feature in-car music systems); it's a give and take purchase. But I think you should read reviews and pick the receiver with the best reviews (or least bad reviews) for the features you'll use most.

 

[Goatdog]

My 5140, bought and installed 22 months ago, has been flawless. The Garmin is accurate. Updating the map is more of a pain then it needs to be, but that's about all I can fault.

 

[4Runners]

I have the clariopn cx-609 and love it, but whatever you get I'd recommend getting something that'll to bluetooth and stream music off the phone over it. You wouldn't think hands free for the phone was a big deal, but its a REALLY nice feature.

Check the link below for the details on the radio

thats not bad but it doesnt have the gps screen, and is it ipod compatible?

 

[4Runners]

I have the Kenwood DNX9960 with Garmin and it's great although the Kenwoods are a little slow to start up compared to some brands. The GPS interface is exactly the same as Garmin handheld units. For me, when I looked at the features and reviews for similar HUs it seemed I found the best reviews for the Kenwood and Alpine (even though both of those also had bad reviews), I chose the the Kenwood because Alpine doesn't seem to have a great GPS.

IMO Kenwood and Alpine make the very best head units.. I don't trust many of the others and Sony is the only other brand with a "name brand" nav system (TomTom in the Sony).

The bottom line is that all of these in-dash DVD/GPS units have their drawbacks (really, we are asking a lot of out of these small full feature in-car music systems); it's a give and take purchase. But I think you should read reviews and pick the receiver with the best reviews (or least bad reviews) for the features you'll use most.

oh wow! the Kenwood DNX9960 is the top of the line dream unit! but $1,200 is so much! Kenwood probably would be best for me since i use a garmin unit now but their older models are more affordable ($600) like the DNX5140

I did find this third party off brand one that has the toyota symbol and everything. It has the gps screen, bluetooth, ipod connectivity and everything and is $399 but i dont know how reliable this would be and the gps is probably crappy. Anyways here it is: 03-09 TOYOTA 4RUNNER GPS NAVIGATION DVD RADIO 04 05 06 | eBay
Dont know if this one is a steal or no deal.

 

[4Runners]

My 5140, bought and installed 22 months ago, has been flawless. The Garmin is accurate. Updating the map is more of a pain then it needs to be, but that's about all I can fault.

Cool! You got the Kenwood 5140? is $600 new on amazon a good price? With all the great reviews i'm willing to invest in it. Did you install it yourself? If so i might need some connecting help. I already know how to disconnect everything, just need a picture guide on installing or something.

 

[Gatafly]

The 5140 is a discontinued model just so you know, but seems like a good one none the less. Just a little word of advice, which ever you choose I would seriously consider buying one from Crutchfield. I say this for a couple reasons. First, you can get a direct hook up to the factory wiring harness from them for just about every application. Secondly, they have the BEST CS around. They will be there to help you in anyway, shape or form with your install. For example, several years ago I bought from them a set up for my Honda civic si. I got it from the factory with no sound system. I was installing the antenna and could not find where the end of the cable was suppose to come out. I called and they instantly knew the answer and helped me out. I have heard this over and over about them. Their people are trained in about every vehicle to know everything about the install.

 

[gaterose]

I agree the 9960 is expensive (and dreamy), I wouldn't have bought had I not found it on amazon (through Car Toys) refurbished with full warranty for $809.

I looked into one of those knockoffs but everything I read seems to say those are crap and suffer a ton of software (and a few hardware) problems.

edit: btw if you think $1200 is expensive, they wanted $1600 at my local audio store for the 9960!

 

[Mike07SE]

I've got the Kenwood DNX9980HD, and I love it! It does everything and then some. I love that I can stream YouTube or Netflix through the unit as well. Navi works great to boot. Garmin is one of the most intuitive navi's that I've used.

 

[4Runners]

I have the Kenwood DNX9960 with Garmin and it's great although the Kenwoods are a little slow to start up compared to some brands. The GPS interface is exactly the same as Garmin handheld units. For me, when I looked at the features and reviews for similar HUs it seemed I found the best reviews for the Kenwood and Alpine (even though both of those also had bad reviews), I chose the the Kenwood because Alpine doesn't seem to have a great GPS.

IMO Kenwood and Alpine make the very best head units.. I don't trust many of the others and Sony is the only other brand with a "name brand" nav system (TomTom in the Sony).

The bottom line is that all of these in-dash DVD/GPS units have their drawbacks (really, we are asking a lot of out of these small full feature in-car music systems); it's a give and take purchase. But I think you should read reviews and pick the receiver with the best reviews (or least bad reviews) for the features you'll use most.

oh i just saw your build thread and the picture you have of the kenwood is so nice! Looks very flush with the interior.

 

[4Runners]

I've got the Kenwood DNX9980HD, and I love it! It does everything and then some. I love that I can stream YouTube or Netflix through the unit as well. Navi works great to boot. Garmin is one of the most intuitive navi's that I've used.

Wow. That's a very very nice headunit, but it's about $2,000! Netflix and youtube streaming? If i had that i would never keep my eyes on the road :lookout:

 

[4Runners]

The 5140 is a discontinued model just so you know, but seems like a good one none the less. Just a little word of advice, which ever you choose I would seriously consider buying one from Crutchfield. I say this for a couple reasons. First, you can get a direct hook up to the factory wiring harness from them for just about every application. Secondly, they have the BEST CS around. They will be there to help you in anyway, shape or form with your install. For example, several years ago I bought from them a set up for my Honda civic si. I got it from the factory with no sound system. I was installing the antenna and could not find where the end of the cable was suppose to come out. I called and they instantly knew the answer and helped me out. I have heard this over and over about them. Their people are trained in about every vehicle to know everything about the install.

Crutchfield is also an authorized kenwood dealer. Thanks for the site i'll look into it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_700X418610/Kenwood-DDX418-Navigation-Package.html?tp=20212
this one looks good!

 

[4Runners]

I agree the 9960 is expensive (and dreamy), I wouldn't have bought had I not found it on amazon (through Car Toys) refurbished with full warranty for $809.

I looked into one of those knockoffs but everything I read seems to say those are crap and suffer a ton of software (and a few hardware) problems.

edit: btw if you think $1200 is expensive, they wanted $1600 at my local audio store for the 9960!

yeah, i'd rather spend the extra couple hundred on the more reliable kenwood. BTW i messaged you on your awesome build thread. Have a look!

 

[4Runners]

Cool! You got the Kenwood 5140? is $600 new on amazon a good price? With all the great reviews i'm willing to invest in it. Did you install it yourself? If so i might need some connecting help. I already know how to disconnect everything, just need a picture guide on installing or something.

aw great i just ralized that the 5140 unit in the amazon link for $600 doesn't come with the navigation module which is very expensive. :cry2: this might end up being too much if i can't find the right thing.

 

[4Runners]

Crutchfield is also an authorized kenwood dealer. Thanks for the site i'll look into it.
Kenwood DDX418 Navigation Package Includes DDX418 DVD receiver and KNA-G610 add-on GPS navigation system at Crutchfield.com
this one looks good!

ok here's the 5160 on the crutchfield site: Kenwood DNX5160 Navigation receiver - Reviews at Crutchfield.com it's $700 and comes with everything.

 

[Ducman]

Kenwood

Another vote for the Kenwood. :bigok:

I've had mine for 2 and a half years now and no complaints. I paid $600 from Crutchfield and the nice thing when you buy from them is you get the installation kit for free including the mounting kit, trim ring, and wiring harness for your vehicle.

Installation was a breeze.

I recommend installing a USB extension cable to the rear of the unit when you are installing it. I ran the cable through the dash into the little hatch/door thing under the climate controls and I keep a 16GB USB thumb drive plugged in thats loaded with tunes. Makes it easily to get to if I want to take it in the house and add music.

I've only noticed a few annoyances with my DNX5120.

1) Using album art really slows down switching songs when using a USB thumb drive so I rip out the album art.

2) The interface/menus look pretty dated and some areas are clunky... they could be laid out a little better I think.

My favorite features are the Garmin NAV which is awesome and the ability to do a custom boot screen.

 

[4Runners]

I actually ended up getting the Pioneer 3300bt and love it! I hooked it up to two headrest screens too. Check out the pictures here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/91473-headrests-screens-them-2.html

 

[4Runners]

Ahh, I'm looking at that third party off brand one too. It's very tempting but I can't be so sure..they only refund as store credit. and who knows what the GPS is like. But it looks nice and simple, just what I want with all the features.

Don't do it. I ended up getting the pioneer 3300bt and kept my garmin nuvi, but if you really want a good gps too then save the money for the kenwood! Last thing you want is to spend that money on the off brand one and have it fail on you in the middle of a road trip 3 months from now or something. With my pioneer head unit i was able to hook up and completely control my ipod, attached two headrest screens, and with a simple bypass allow for the head unit and two headrests to play the same dvd on the road. All-in-all the proper head unit is the basis for the rest of your in-car entertainment system and should be the best you can purchase. Also with this head unit i can add xm or hd radio or gps later if i want! Check out the pics of my system playing a movie:

 

[rockwall]

I am heading to Yosemite myself, but we're flying. I highly recommend an Alpine head unit. My has served me well and is matched up with an Alpine sub and a Kenwood amp.

They are very reasonably priced as well.