What to buy?

[caboose]

Where do I start? This is my first post. The information here is incredible! I've done enough reading to throughly confuse myself.

I'm thinking about buying a 4runner for my wife. I'm looking at 06-07 4wd Limiteds. Her job keeps her on the road a big chunk of the day so I thought about finding one with nav for the bluetooth capability. She's on the phone all day!! The pickings for said vehicle are slim, unless I want to trade across the country, literally. So I thought about looking for one without it, and adding an aftermarket setup, thinking I'd have a better chance finding something I like MUCH closer to home.

Well after doing days of reading I'm confused about which route to take, and wanted to ask those of you with experience with nav (factory or aftermarket) which is setup is better from a features/operator perspective. I realize there's no perfect solution. I've been looking at the latest gear from all the big names (Kenwood, Pioneer, Eclipse), and don't mind doing the install work myself. The biggest thing for me is that if it's NOT factory nav, then I want a system that looks and works as close to factory as possible.

I even priced a factory nav system from a toyota parts web site, and that route is prohibitively expensive.

So what do you think?

Michael

 

[East Bay Runner]

I just got done installing an Alpine deck with Parrot bluetooth adapter. I also added a SWI-Jack so I can run the controls off my steering wheel. Got everything through Crutchfield and did the install myself. No and easy install but one I was able to handle with no major issues. The nice thing about crutchfield is they have phone support if you need it. I am not ashamed to say I did call for one question and I got what I needed. I have an 03' 4runner sport. Great sound and bluetooth addition for $500 total. Stay away from the factory NAV and bluetooth, I here its not that great. Good luck!

 

[Co.Ag.2005]

Stay away from the factory NAV and bluetooth, I here its not that great.

I have factory nav and bluetooth in my '06 Limited and love it! my iPhone syncs up nicely with my nav unit (via bluetooth) when I start my vehicle and calls switch over seamlessly if I am on the phone when I start the vehicle or am on the phone and kill the vehicle.

In my opinion, the nav unit does a great job with directions and even gives me 3 suggested routes and I can choose which one I want based on my general knowledge of streets, highways systems, etc. in Denver. Yes, my map DVD is a little out of date because a lot of the places I go are new developments (new within the last year even), but I have no complaints on the directions it gives me to a location.

All in all, I am very happy with my choice of purchasing a Limited model with built-in nav and bluetooth. I wouldn't trade it for anything right now. Plus my iPod hooks up nicely via the iPod connection kit that was already installed on it before purchasing the vehicle.

I think they changed the nav unit from the '03-'05 models with a newer, updated one in the '06-'09 models, but I could be wrong.

Good luck!

 

[Larry77]

I've used both aftermarket nav systems and now the stock one in my '07. If I were to choose one it would definitely be an aftermarket unit. The sound quality is extremely tinny and cheap in the factory unit (to be expected in most vehicles). I have the 4 disc nav with factory sub in the back...very disappointing sound quality.

In other words I would not let a nav unit cause you to drive cross country to bring your vehicle home...just get a truck with the right options and engine you want and add a much better aftermarket Kenwood/Pioneer/Eclipse unit.

 

[chaz]

i havent seen anything for less than a grand, but id go aftermarket, better quality & price.

 

[caboose]

So I guess my next question is, can any of the aftermarket units be made to work with the steering wheel controls, specifically the bluetooth controls? I saw bluemotev's thread about the E7008 from OEMValue, but will the K/E/P work the same? Thanks for all your input so far.

 

[JRich]

Where are you located? I bought a 4 Runner about a month ago and miss my Z71 already! I want to go back to a truck. I love my 4 Runner though. I am toying with the idea of selling my 4 Runner. It is an 06 Sport 2WD Galactic Gray with Charcoal Leather interior and sunroof. Everything power. I also have the Eclipse 726E Navi and DVD unit installed and it has bluetooth and all. PM me if you may be interested. I figured I would throw it out there.


- Jacob

 

[killthrash]

I'm in the same situation, and this is the route I'm taking.

The Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT is their "flagship" model - contains every possible feature you'd ever want. The install looks very clean (see link) and easy to perform. I'm also getting the PAC-SWI interface for steering wheel controls, and an iPod cable for direct control. I don't think I'll need a backup camera because I know how to drive a car, and I won't be hauling anything big.

Just installed an HID kit, skid plate, LED interior lighting, roof box and trim pieces to remove the double decker. Cost me about $1000 to do all this, so the nav will have to wait until next month.

If you're not a fan of Pioneer, then check out Eclipse's AVN726E. It's a comparable unit. Just make sure your new aftermarket nav loads the maps via Flash Memory and not an HDD like the older AVIC-Z models. The performance is much faster on a newer flash-based system.

Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT Install

Great demo of the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT

 

[caboose]

Where are you located? I bought a 4 Runner about a month ago and miss my Z71 already! I want to go back to a truck. I love my 4 Runner though. I am toying with the idea of selling my 4 Runner. It is an 06 Sport 2WD Galactic Gray with Charcoal Leather interior and sunroof. Everything power. I also have the Eclipse 726E Navi and DVD unit installed and it has bluetooth and all. PM me if you may be interested. I figured I would throw it out there.


- Jacob

If it was 4WD I be interested, but thanks anyway. So how do you have the bluetooth installed with the 726? Using steering wheel mounted controls?

 

[JRich]

If it was 4WD I be interested, but thanks anyway. So how do you have the bluetooth installed with the 726? Using steering wheel mounted controls?

No, there's a phone button on the radio that you press and can dial using the touch screen. I have it sync'd with my Blackberry and everytime I get a call it shows up on the screen and I can ignore or answer it.

 

[caboose]

Anyone else with any input?