Joined Oct 2004
Professor Fishslapper!
Forum Thread
Replacing the head unit in my new (to me) car
October 26, 2018 at
06:59 AM
I'm not sure if this should go here or in the Tech Support forum, so if it's better off there, mods please feel free to move it there. I just bought a 2016 Camry XSE and I am looking to replace the stock head unit with something that will give me some more functionality. Unfortunately I can't seem to find a good aftermarket head unit that will give me all the functionality I want. I was wondering if I could get some recommendations from people here who have replaced their head units with good results. I'm looking for something that will do the following:
1) I want to be able to link my phone to the head unit such that it can display navigation from my phone on the head unit screen. I also want it to be able to display/read messages other than SMS, primarily Facebook messenger. I think I need Android Auto for this but I'm not sure. I have seen some head units with a feature called Mirror Link that I think would provide this functionality but I'm not sure.
2) I want to keep the ability to have my backup camera automatically turn on when I put the car in reverse.
3) I would like to keep the connection to the steering wheel buttons.
4) I would like at least a 7" screen, 10.1" screen preferred.
5) It has to have radio functionality, but I don't care too much about the sound output. I don't listen to music much in the car, mostly just talk radio, so it doesn't have to have the best, fanciest, sound output.
I found this unit on Seicane [seicane.com] and it checks off a lot of my boxes but it doesn't appear to have Android Auto so it won't hit the first thing on my list. If someone who has this unit or has seen it in action in someone else's car could let me know how well it works I would really appreciate it. Thanks Lounge hive mind!
1) I want to be able to link my phone to the head unit such that it can display navigation from my phone on the head unit screen. I also want it to be able to display/read messages other than SMS, primarily Facebook messenger. I think I need Android Auto for this but I'm not sure. I have seen some head units with a feature called Mirror Link that I think would provide this functionality but I'm not sure.
2) I want to keep the ability to have my backup camera automatically turn on when I put the car in reverse.
3) I would like to keep the connection to the steering wheel buttons.
4) I would like at least a 7" screen, 10.1" screen preferred.
5) It has to have radio functionality, but I don't care too much about the sound output. I don't listen to music much in the car, mostly just talk radio, so it doesn't have to have the best, fanciest, sound output.
I found this unit on Seicane [seicane.com] and it checks off a lot of my boxes but it doesn't appear to have Android Auto so it won't hit the first thing on my list. If someone who has this unit or has seen it in action in someone else's car could let me know how well it works I would really appreciate it. Thanks Lounge hive mind!
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I'm not sure even replacing with a higher trim level would be a guarantee as sometimes dash shape, etc also changes. It appears XSE was/is the highest trim level though.
I'm not sure even replacing with a higher trim level would be a guarantee as sometimes dash shape, etc also changes. It appears XSE was/is the highest trim level though.
A traditional double-din unit from one of the big names like Kenwood or Pioneer will definitely do what you want, but it'll be a little more expensive. For retaining your camera and steering wheel controls, you'll want an iDataLink Maestro [idatalink.com] and the appropriate wiring kit.
The Crutchfield website is a great source for information. Their prices tend to be on the high side, so I'm not sure I'd recommend buying from them but they do offer some nice advantages too.
The Pioneer 8400 and 4400 have shown up on Slickdeals a few times recently, either would be a good choice. I've got the older 4200 in my Jeep.
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A traditional double-din unit from one of the big names like Kenwood or Pioneer will definitely do what you want, but it'll be a little more expensive. For retaining your camera and steering wheel controls, you'll want an iDataLink Maestro [idatalink.com] and the appropriate wiring kit.
The Crutchfield website is a great source for information. Their prices tend to be on the high side, so I'm not sure I'd recommend buying from them but they do offer some nice advantages too.
The Pioneer 8400 and 4400 have shown up on Slickdeals a few times recently, either would be a good choice. I've got the older 4200 in my Jeep.
The Maestro RR model (most expensive) will also support car data interface capabilities with compatible HUs (including the DDX795). See the pictures in the "Maestro" section at the bottom of this page (under the "Highlights" tab):
That will require plugging into your car's OBD-II port. If you don't care about that feature, the RR is not worth the higher price IMHO.
Can you get a list of the specific harnesses and adapters that Crutchfield is offering? You might have to begin the process of placing an order (but without getting to the point of paying), or else call and ask. If you can post that, I can give you a better idea of whether and how well that will retain your OEM camera and other features.
URL for the DDX795 owner's manual: manual.kenwood.com/files/B5A-2145-20.pdf
The Maestro RR model (most expensive) will also support car data interface capabilities with compatible HUs (including the DDX795). See the pictures in the "Maestro" section at the bottom of this page (under the "Highlights" tab):That will require plugging into your car's OBD-II port. If you don't care about that feature, the RR is not worth the higher price IMHO.
Can you get a list of the specific harnesses and adapters that Crutchfield is offering? You might have to begin the process of placing an order (but without getting to the point of paying), or else call and ask. If you can post that, I can give you a better idea of whether and how well that will retain your OEM camera and other features.
URL for the DDX795 owner's manual: manual.kenwood.com/files/B5A-2145-20.pdf