Need recommendations for new radio w/ bluetooth

DaveK22

New member
I have a stock radio in my 04 SR5. I would like to replace it with a radio that has bluetooth...mainly to connect with my iphone (phone & music). I don't need anything too fancy...no GPS, backup camera, etc. needed.

Also, I would like one (if even possible) to be as plug n play as possible. Ideally, the new radio would pop in, use same oem wiring plug, & fits back into the dash mount with little to no modifications.
 
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i dont think you'll find any radio that has the bluetooth capability to be plug and play. that being said, if you purchase an aftermarket head unit through crutchfield, they provide absolutely everything you need to install it. if you can use butt connectors and crimp together wires you can install an aftermarket head unit.
 
JBL system or Non JBL? Non JBL is a little easier, but wither way its not bad when you order though Crutchfield as mentioned before me.
 
+10000 for Crutchfield I had them on speed dial when I was putting my Pioneer AVIC-6000 NEX system in my 2003. They are great. Still working with them on the speakers. Some of the wiring was not right and they have been excellent to work with.
 
Crutchfield FTW!! I was dumb and ordered the wrong bracket. Called them, they helped me figure out what I did wrong, and sent me the correct bracket free of charge!

And a few years ago I got a Pioneer AVH-P2400BT and I love it! Full of features and rarely has bugs
 
Get the Pioneer 2700BS, it has a lot of high reviews. Its what I have, as you mentioned I don't need all that other stuff like you said.
 
I know crutchfield stands behind there products pretty well, but remember you get what you pay for. A DVD bluetooth deck for $150 seems awfully cheap. If you want to spend $150, just get a classic single din one. You can get a nice Kenwood or Pioneer single din for $150.
 

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This is a popular one here. I like it. It was real easy to install, and runs about $150.

I second this unit as I have it myself and love it!
I'd also like to note this unit comes with a mic for phone integration which I mounted behind my rear-view mirror.

As for crutchfield they are great at listing all the (Metra) parts you will need. In turn I ordered everything off amazon (prime) for significantly less.
Regardless of what head unit you choose you WILL have to do the wiring harness yourself, which is not bad at all.

In case you are interested here was my parts lists...
Bluetooth HU - Amazon.com : Pioneer FHX-720BT 2-DIN CD Receiver with Mixtrax, Bluetooth® for Hands-Free Calling and Audio Streaming, Siri Eyes Free, USB Playback, Pandora, Android Music Support : Electronics
Wiring Harness - Amazon.com: Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker: Car Electronics
Antenna Adapter - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEQN4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00
Antenna Cable - Amazon.com: Metra 40-UV43 Male to Female Motorola Antenna Cable: Car Electronics
Dash Kit - Amazon.com: Metra 95-8202 Toyota DDIN Multi Dash Kit: Car Electronics

From there follow the directions to pull apart your dash - How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner
<br>
 
I was thinking about ordering a BT system, too, to put in my 2004 Limited, but maybe have someone else install it.

Anyway, I have the JBL system with the steering wheel controls. Will Crutchfield be able to list all of the adapters to ensure I get all of the right parts the first time around?

Edit to add - I just went over to Crutchfield and it does look they recommended all of the wiring you'll need. So my next question is are their instructions made for someone who's never put in a radio before? Or do they assume some experience with the directions?
 
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I second this unit as I have it myself and love it!
I'd also like to note this unit comes with a mic for phone integration which I mounted behind my rear-view mirror.

As for crutchfield they are great at listing all the (Metra) parts you will need. In turn I ordered everything off amazon (prime) for significantly less.
Regardless of what head unit you choose you WILL have to do the wiring harness yourself, which is not bad at all.

In case you are interested here was my parts lists...
Bluetooth HU - Amazon.com : Pioneer FHX-720BT 2-DIN CD Receiver with Mixtrax, Bluetooth® for Hands-Free Calling and Audio Streaming, Siri Eyes Free, USB Playback, Pandora, Android Music Support : Electronics
Wiring Harness - Amazon.com: Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker: Car Electronics
Antenna Adapter - Amazon.com: Metra 40-GM10 GM Antenna Adapter: Car Electronics
Antenna Cable - Amazon.com: Metra 40-UV43 Male to Female Motorola Antenna Cable: Car Electronics
Dash Kit - Amazon.com: Metra 95-8202 Toyota DDIN Multi Dash Kit: Car Electronics

From there follow the directions to pull apart your dash - How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner
<br>

Excellent post! But can anyone elaborate on the need for the "Metra 40-GM10 GM Antenna Adapter"? Crutchfield makes no ref to needing it...but neither do they for the "Y" cable but I saw the 2 antennas cords for my self.
 
Excellent post! But can anyone elaborate on the need for the "Metra 40-GM10 GM Antenna Adapter"? Crutchfield makes no ref to needing it...but neither do they for the "Y" cable but I saw the 2 antennas cords for my self.

So there are 2 different antenas, and they have 2 different types of plugs. You need the adapter for one of the plugs in order for it to plug in to the Y-adapter to splice both antennas off of the 1 plug in the head unit. Here's a picture of the Y-Harness and you can see the adapter on the right end as well.
IMAG1259.jpg~original
 
So there are 2 different antenas, and they have 2 different types of plugs. You need the adapter for one of the plugs in order for it to plug in to the Y-adapter to splice both antennas off of the 1 plug in the head unit. Here's a picture of the Y-Harness and you can see the adapter on the right end as well.
IMAG1259.jpg~original

Thanks for the clarification. Someone ought to tell Crutchfield about needing the antenna adapter & "Y" cable lol
 
I considered doing that after I got my unit installed, but it doesn't seem to have affected reception adversely so I never got around to it. I still have the second antenna unplugged. It would probably bother me a lot more if I could see it.
 
I have a 2004 with the non-JBL sound system. I installed the USA Spec Blu tooth several months ago and have been very happy with it. Last weekend I installed a Kenwood 150 watt subwoofer under the passenger seat. Sounds awesome.
 

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