Radio/NAV option. Your thoughts?

[CookieRoe]

Hello All,

I'm a stickler for OEM, including the factory NAV I installed years ago. I love it, BUT it's starting to get long in the tooth. Display is fuzzy (compared to today's displays), NAV is blah (I already knew that going into this way back in 2010) and its functions are very limited. Yes, I've been on Crutchfield's page to see what's out there, but I'm not impressed. Why? I'm a fuddy duddy, I want to traditional volume and tune knob. I'm no audiophile, so top end sound isn't what I'm looking for. Anyway, the units in CF are expensive for the features I'd like to have. I've seen $800+. Yeah, no thank you. "You get what you pay for", yes, I know.............. anyway..........

I've shopped on Aliexpress in the past and have had luck....... so far. Saw this unit and laughed at first (infamous shoddy craftsmanship reputation), but then started reading all the features it had. Android Auto, BT, twin camera (optional), parking sensor plug in (optional), TV antenna (optional), Video in (I have twin headrest DVD/monitors in the back), OBDII diagnostics, , etc etc. Only thing lacking is SiriusXM, but that is not a dealbreaker.

It's cheap enough for me to try, but parts of me know not to trust it for the long term. I just wanted to know how many of you guys have gone this route or purchased something similar (albeit on ebay, amazon, whatever).

Pretty sure these units sell well in Asia, I've seen MANY chinese products (mirror monitor with GPS, BT, NAV, etc etc) online. Disappointing to see our choices so limited. Having that said, I'm sure these electronics are made to a different standard, I know if I go with a Pioneer, Clarion, JVD, etc, the quality and longevity will/should be superior............. or am I wrong?

link for those interested:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32860541752.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.51962e0eLPFZ1z

 

[CookieRoe]

From what I can gather, there isn't much interest in this, but I'll continue to feed this thread with pertinent information.

This thread will send to the units that will fit our Runners (1996-2009). I know there are units for the 5th geners, just look around.

https://www.seicane.com/android-car...er/car_fit_years/2005/car_make_toyota/4runner

This company is direct (manufacture to customer), so no Aliexpress or fleabay, amazon, etc. From youtube videos and whatnot, most are very happy with them. Very interesting alternative to getting a "traditional" head unit.

Latest software is (as of today) Android 8.0. I want to say it works with iPhones, but it is more expandible (more software) if you have an Android powered phone.

 

[Ausumm]

I bought my replacement head unit off Amazon.
I specifically searched for a Plug-N-Play unit, and found one from Otto Navi.
I too, didn't wanna spend a $1000...
and this one was less than $300.
Definitely not as nice as more expensive units, and the navigation can be slow...
but it had everything I wanted, and I don't regret buying it.
If my 4R didn't have +250,000 miles on it,
I probably would have gotten a better one.

 

[CookieRoe]

Mike,

Really cool to see someone else has something very similar. I noticed your unit isn't an Android powered one (Windows CE, for non-limited model). Wow, I thought these thing were only andriod powered. Did you install it yourself or have someone else do it?

FYI, I'd install it myself. There are installers where I live (close to Exton, but they normally don't install anything they DON'T sell) and I don't trust any installers where I work (Allentown), LOL.

 

[Ausumm]

Mike,

Really cool to see someone else has something very similar. I noticed your unit isn't an Android powered one (Windows CE, for non-limited model). Wow, I thought these thing were only andriod powered. Did you install it yourself or have someone else do it?

FYI, I'd install it myself. There are installers where I live (close to Exton, but they normally don't install anything they DON'T sell) and I don't trust any installers where I work (Allentown), LOL.

I did install myself.
THAT is why I searched Amazon specifically for a "plug and play" unit
that would fit MY 4Runner.
Installing it was literally un-plugging the old radio and plugging in the new one.
It took more time to take the dash apart than it did to switch plugs.

As far as Android/Windows/etc.
I honestly didn't even check when I bought it.
I wanted a USB plug, navigation, Bluetooth, and input for a backup camera.

Nice to find someone else from my area! (sort of)

 

[CookieRoe]

I did install myself.
THAT is why I searched Amazon specifically for a "plug and play" unit
that would fit MY 4Runner.
Installing it was literally un-plugging the old radio and plugging in the new one.
It took more time to take the dash apart than it did to switch plugs.

As far as Android/Windows/etc.
I honestly didn't even check when I bought it.
I wanted a USB plug, navigation, Bluetooth, and input for a backup camera.

Nice to find someone else from my area! (sort of)

Were you able to program your steering wheel controls with the head unit? It's my understanding that a separate unit (PAC unit) is not necessary.

How long have you had it? My only concern is that these unit can't take the abuse of the cold/heat/etc.

 

[Ausumm]

Were you able to program your steering wheel controls with the head unit? It's my understanding that a separate unit (PAC unit) is not necessary.

How long have you had it? My only concern is that these unit can't take the abuse of the cold/heat/etc.

I have an '04 with NO steering wheel controls.
I've had it since 2016....and haven't had any issues with it due to temperature.

Not saying it's the best...
but it's more than good enough for what I need.