Stereo Help/Suggestion

[heger]

I have recently purchased a 2008 Limited. I love it. its my 2nd 4rnr. My only issue is the "high-end" JBL stereo/nav. I find the user interface to be horrible. My old garmin is far better and simplier. I cant learn how to put in a destination/address to save my life. The radio controls are awful. The display is weak. That said, I do like the bluetooth phone connection (never had that before)...and I like the back-up cam.

Im seriously considering replacing it with after-market...BUT #1...I don't know what to buy...And #2 I am afraid I am going to lose a lot of features. Steering wheel controls, satellite and stuff like that.

I went to a local car stereo outfit yesterday...and they had 1 option by kenwood. but they werent confident about the backup cam and a few other things. that leaves me worried.

So I am looking to all of you for some advice? Do I suck it up and sit in the car until I learn it? I am pretty good at learn electronics. Is there a more current model made by toyota or lexus that is better and would be a plug-n-play? Do I need new software?

I welcome any advice. And my apologies if this topic has been covered on other threads. Cheers.

 

[Eastcoastrunner]

whats wrong with kenwood? some on here have indash ones and say they are great, but $$$$$

 

[heger]

I was told with Kenwood...i'd lose the back up cam. theyd have to install a new camera. and same for the phone mic. the existing would need to be pulled out and have to use the kenwood one. ugh. that seems like too much hassle. I still wonder if there is a lexus stereo and nav that I could buy plug right in. Anyone know if thats possible?

 

[Asmara]

I was told with Kenwood...i'd lose the back up cam. theyd have to install a new camera. and same for the phone mic. the existing would need to be pulled out and have to use the kenwood one. ugh. that seems like too much hassle. I still wonder if there is a lexus stereo and nav that I could buy plug right in. Anyone know if thats possible?

Check my sig for a Kenwood DNX series radio install. I put in the DNX-6960 which is the same as the DNX-6160. It's a nice unit and who doesn't love the Garmin.

You can retain steering wheel controls. I thought I'd seen a thread on the Tacoma site using the factory microphone but can't find it now. I could see them having to replace the backup cam and maybe even the microphone but if they did it right, I'd assume they could use the factory wiring which should save some labor charges.