I am looking to buy a head unit for my 99 4Runner. I really know nothing about this at all, but I can tell you I dont need something really powerful since I wont be getting subs or anything like that.

The main thing I want is something that has Sirius Radio built into it.

Any recomendations?

 

I think alot here like the Alpine and Pioneer headunits. I have a Kenwood in my 2002 that I love so far. Go use Crutchfield to look at them and read the reviews...then buy it someplace else.

I bought mine off of Ebay quite cheaply. Definitely use a factory wiring harness, makes it VERY simple to install.

 

this one is awesome http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_6982.html

 

I love my JVC, I bought it for 80bucks used. The rest of my stuff is pioneer though. I love pioneer

 

buy my scion one

 

I'd 2nd guess that... Short of running a HU with a pop-up screen, the displays and navigation on a HU don't come across well for sat radio. You'll end up with scrolling Artist/track names, and usually aren't able to do things like browse by music category or song title, and if so, then definitely not 4-5 stations at a time (possible on the larger stand-alone display units).

I'd instead suggest that you look for a HU with an aux-in, then look at all the display unit options that are available for sat radio.

Know also what you're asking about isn't that Sirius is _built in_, it's that the HU is sat radio _ready_. You'll still have to buy a sat receiver and of course the subscription.

 

aux in is the way to go... then if you have a little portable dvd player you can run that through the car stero or laptop with 100,000 mp3s on it or something....

im a die hard alpine fan (put one in the 4runner and have one in my BMW that KICKS A$$) but wouldnt give up my older JVC Kamelon in my truck for anything.

 

Id do something with an AUXin. Even if you have to use the company's propriotary aux in adapter. (alpine aux in to ai-net adapters can be found for 20 bux, same with pioneer)

I light of playing with eclipse, sadly I'd avoid them unless you wanna drop 500+ on a deck , as far as entry level quality pioneer is where its at.

 

Thanks for the recomendations, these are the two I am considering:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-sm7XTDK...00&I=113MP4032
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-sm7XTDK...0&I=130DEHP480

Where should I buy from? I could probably find a new set on ebay for cheaper than that.

I am leaning towards the Pioneer btw. . .

 

I've been looking for a new headunit as well, after 7 years, my Sony CDX-M750 is getting a bit long in the tooth. It just so happens that Pioneer is at the top of my list. it's an awesome deal, and actually has a better _included_ feature list than the next model up, the 5800.

Anyway... I like buying from Crutchfield 'cause they're just INCREDIBLE about returns and give incredible servce in general. But, you pay a premium for that. The cheapest I found that Pioneer was here:

http://buyriteelectronics.com/Mercha...ode=DEHP4800MP

BUT! They NAIL you with a $30 shipping & HANDLING fee, so beware. It could STILL be cheaper than someone else though.

Car Domain does real well, and they'll even do a 105% price match (they won't match the Buy Rite Electronics price btw, but they'll get to $129 I think it was).

Buy where you're comfy. If you think you need support, and/or one of Crutchfield's famous wiring harnesses (they're AWESOME) then do it. Pay the premium and get it from them. If you think you're okay and aren't affraid about returns even for changing your mind, then buy elsewhere.

I don't often pay premiums for support, but for some reason I like to on car audio gear.

 

Does the one on Crutchfield have EVERYTHING I need to hook it up?

 

Yes... If you define your vehicle to Crutchfield before you order, then you will get the HU, a detailed set of instructions for pulling the dash apart, and most importantly, a cable that will fit the output of the HU to the _factory_ cable used on your present HU.

If you're not running a factory HU now, then you'll want to pull the dash apart now to see if it was hacked into the factory harnesss. if it was, and the original factory plug is missing, then the Crutchfield cable will NOT help.


In terms of physical mounting, it's REALLY straight forward. You'll pull the present HU out, bolt a "DIN adapter" in it's place, plug the cable in, and slide the HU into the adapter. That hardware comes with the Crutchfield price.

The DOWNSIDE here is that if your present HU is "double DIN" (bigger than what you'rel looking at) then you'll have a hole above or below the new HU. You can get a plate to cover it up at a local auto tunes shop.

 

Alpine Is what I have now. I had a couple kenwoods before but they had flip down faces and the flip down face is something you DO NOT want. They will go out every year or two and it's a pain. I can't think of any specific models you might like, but I'd look into alpine.

 

I can agree to not being a fan of the flip-down face (my Sony has one) but even through 7 years of use, and 3 years of dust, it still works.

I don't like it 'cause it's kindofa pain when you want to use the controls. I generally only use my wired remote (it sits at my fingertips if I rest my arm on the center console) but every-so-often....

Sony's marketing angle is that the "black face" deters theft... Yeah, or... not.

 

Yea but crutchfield is a little pricey. Get it somewhere else and then go to best buy or radio shack and get a mounting kit and get a wire harness and thats all you really need

 

Update!

Crutchfield _does_ include this with HU orders:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wPAPIsp...sp?i=081TOYPOC

That's a bit more something to justify the additional $$$ to buy from them...

 

I have "one more reason to buy from Crutchfield"...

I ordered some stuff, I changed my plans after said stuff had already shipped, and said stuff showed up today.

So, by their "no questions, FREE returns" policy, I called them, spent less than 20 second on hold, gave them my order number, told them the two items that I was returning, and they gave me an RMA. Took less than 3 minutes.

I put the items in a box, taped it shut, attached the PREPAID UPS shipping label that came WITH the order, and dropped the box off at a local UPS store. (you could technically drop it _ANYWHERE_ that you know UPS delivers to)

No hassles, no cost, more incredible customer support from them.

 

For a autosound newbie I always point them to Crutchfield. They are a little more expensive, but the included install kits, wiring harnesses, and detailed install instructions are VERY helpful for a new person.

For $149 total from Crutchfield, this weekend I installed a basic Panasonic unit from them into a 2002 Camry and got it done in about an hour, it looked factory and was a snap. My lady friend was extremely happy with it.

 

I have always liked alpines. They have always served me well. I just purchased a 9857 and ive used it in the store and i like it a lot.

i order all of my car audio stuff from hookedontronics.com they ahve good customer service and GREAT prices..i got 5% off on my headunit it was like $271..its $400 from crutchfield...

 

I'm in the same boat of looking for an updated head unit to replace the stock double din in my 2002 4Runner. I've decided on the Pioneer 4800. My question is how is the stock amp handled? I've installed stereos before, and understand you get a wiring harness and harness adapter, etc, but I've never had a vehicle with a stock amp.

Is it used, unplugged, additional wiring required ?

I've looked at the tech write-ups and unless I'm blind no one really mentioned what is done with the stock amp.

Bob's write-up seems to suggest removing it.

http://www.4runners.org/articles/headunit/

However, he also suggests running a power wire straight to the batter? I wouldn't think that necessary?? Shouldn't the factory harness supply power?