Scion Headunits

C

claytonb78

New member
I was just curious...for those of you who have Scion headunits (HU) in your 4Runners...what do you think of them? If you have ipod control, how responsive is controling your ipod from the HU? I'd appreciate any feedback as I am seriously considering buying a Scion 1808 or 1809 HU. Thank you and have a great day.
 
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Thank you for the link to the other post and I actually read in another post someone who put the antenna in their spoiler. Sounds like a very cool place to have it on top of the car and yet have it stored away protected. I have XM in my 4Runner through one of the older Roady2 units and it has always worked great. Right now it is FM modulated into the factory 4Runner stereo, eek I know. I love XM and when I return to the US and have to drive to Saint Louis...I'll definitely want XM and my ipod.

Can you please tell me how you like the ipod navigation on the Scion deck? I am very curious how you surf through songs/artist, if it is even possible. My best guess is that you cannot with a single line display but I am probley wrong. Thanks again.
 
scion ipod

The strength of the scion unit is you can directly connect the ipod and control through the head unit. The downside and this is my opinion is that navigation is slow and a bit of a pain, I would almost prefer to control the ipod at the ipod but display tracks etc on the headunit. Overall I am not hot on the user interface between the headunit and the scion. Better than nothing, but...
 
While the IPOD is plugged into the Scion can you still navigate using the IPOD? I read in another post that the newer Pioneers allow you to control from either the headunit or the IPOD. Really for me I prefer to select my playlist and then just shuffle through the songs. Skipping until I find a song I like.

Also, how do you like the display on the Scion unit (i.e. with song title/artist, navigation, etc). I apologize for all the questions but I am really trying to decide between the Scion 1808 and the Pioneer 8000BT (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37892&perpage=15&pagenumber=1). Obviously the Pioneer 8000BT has a lot more features but all in all...I really just want a unit to use my IPOD with, listen to my XM with, that's fairly clean looking/straight forward to use, and lastly...sounds very good with my factory speakers.

Thank you again for all your help.
 
You know, I don't know it well enough to say. I installed it all for my wife, and she and the kids use it. I think it works fine with playlists, and that's the most convenient way to get what you want. And you'd do that on the iPod before plugging it in. But the right-most knob on the T1808 is also like a joystick, so it's easier than you might think.
 
i am planning to buy a scion headunit with ipod connectivity, preferably the T1808 or T1806, i was wondering 2 things. Does the steering wheel control still control the head unit, and would this be good to add a subwoofer to? The reason i wouldnt want to change the headunit to an aftermarket is to keep that stock look, thanks!
 
Chris,

From what I have read, everything is plug & play. All the way down to the CD changer and steering wheel controls. I can't answer the sub question however I know a lot of scions have subs in them so I wouldn't be surprised if it has a sub pre out. But I do know your steering wheel controls will work just fine with this unit.

Clay
 
Thank you very much Clayton.
Is it me or is my speakers in the front have way more bass then the 2 in the back? In my opinion the front speakers have more bass and the back sound cheap as hell
 
Chris,

You're right but that's because of the different speaker sizes. In the front you have 6x9s which are known to produce fairly decent bass while the backs are 6 1/2" which are more known for their mids. So better bass up front is correct but you'll likely have better mids in the back.

Clay
 
Clay, thanks for all your help. I am planning to buy it soon. Do you know how much and if toyota will install the stereo?
and will it sound better with the new head unit?

also will they be able to run the Ipod wire thru the glove box?
 
Chris,

Long story short...I would avoid having Toyota install the 1808 if you go with this unit. Mind you, I am no expert but I've researched the 1808 heavily. IT literally fits right in the factory slot and all the cables (except the diversity antenna) plug directly in the back. I'm talking literally 10 minutes max to swap them out (from what I've read). Only trick is your 4Runner will likely have a second antenna cable known as the diversity antenna. It basically boost the antenna strength. The 1808 does no use this cable and if you do not splice it into a power (or maybe the ground) cable...you'll have bad FM coverage and some do not have AM at all.

Ok, so maybe not a long story short. As for it sounding better than another headunit...I'd say no. It will sound a lot better than your factory and from everything I've heard...people love it. It's a very simple project you can easily do yourself and makes a big difference. However a new headunit is made to do so much more, especially if you want to add new speakers, an amp, subs, etc.

Simply put, if you do not want to replace the factory speakers and want a cheap but effective upgrade, go with the 1808. I've been told the IPOD controls are nice if not a bit slow and you can get an AUX or XM/Sirus adapter if you really want.

Me personally, I really struggled between the 1808 and a newer headunit and in the end I am going with a newer headunit. I just want more and the capability to expand later if I so choose. I hope this helps.

Clay
 
I just bought a brand new Scion T1808 off ebay for $60....The Ipod cable cost me more than the unit $70....LOL

The guy must work for Toyota or took it off the shelf cause it came in a brand new box all wrapped up.

From what I have read sounds like a great swap for the SR5 non JBL 4Runners.
 
Installed it over the weekend, took about 1.5 hr's.

Sounds Great. A big difference over stock radio. Ipod control is fairly simple, overall i'm pretty happy.

The T1808 does not have the diversity antenna hole. Just tied up the wire off to the side. All stations FM & AM come in crystal clear.

Thank you forums for another great upgrade idea!!!
 
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