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CarPlay CarPlay - Aftermarket System Suggestions - Please Help!

C

Coffee50

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 23, 2015
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Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for an aftermarket CarPlay unit?

I've done a little bit of research, but somewhat still at square one & was hoping to hear from users on MR on what their thoughts & experiences are.

I saw that Best Buy has free installation, & I'm looking for the most "economical" model, i.e. a unit tunder $400...

It would be going in an 08 Prius. Thanks for your help!
 
Thanks! I saw that & was comparing that to the JVC. The price is perfect. I’m planning on checking out the song at Best Buy.
 
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I'm trying to determine if CarPlay is worth the money to buy an aftermarket system with installation (I've watched installation videos, and it's beyond my comfort level). I had CarPlay in a rental car, and I enjoyed it, but if it typically introduces problems (Bluetooth connection, steering wheel controls, etc), I'll probably pass. I much prefer Apple Maps over my Jeep's Uconnect mapping.
 
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Most of the issues I read about are with factory units, Aftermarket know they have to get this right to preserve their market, the Kenwood I referenced has already had a firmware update, that is part of the solution in keeping things working, a colleagues VW with factory unit was fubar'd after an iOS update, no doubt due to the older and/or non updatable firmware in the head unit (or exorbitant cost to update it via a dealer).

Just find an aftermarket that lists compatibility with your steering wheel controls, they normally have their own BT as well as wired/wireless CarPlay.

Real risk is in buying a car with a non-DIN factory setup, when that goes south you are stuck...
 
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I got the Kenwood DDX9905S installed yesterday, and it's a very nice unit. I really like the higher resolution screen and the extensive audio customization options. CarPlay and Sir integration is pretty great. I'm enjoying having Tunein Radio, Overcast, and Spotify accessible on the screen along with steering wheel control functionality. It's only been a day, but I'm happy so far. :)
 
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Pipper99 said:
I will, thank you! (I noticed that it's possible to mess up a firmware upgrade and brick the unit: hopefully, that's rare)
:)
Click to expand...

When I did it, it didn't like it if the USB was formatted on a Mac (even as FAT), formatting on a pc it was all fine - I actually used a factory-fresh USB stick and just added the files to it as instructed.
 
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I have installed Pioneer 4200 NEX into two of our cars last year and it has definitely been worth it. Even though Pioneer stopped updating the units already, CarPlay and overall Bluetooth functionality still works just fine.
 
The AV-IN mirroring doesn’t work, though. I connect my iPhone X with the Apple HDMI adapter to the HDMI port that was put in place during the installation, and I get a garbled mess on the head unit. Ive tried changing settings, but no luck. I assume that it wasn’t installed properly. I don’t relish having them pull my dash apart again to fix it.
 
I installed the Pioneer 1300nex in my car, I have a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek.

I wanted an inexpensive but reliable unit for my car. I think all in with the unit, fit kit, steering wheel harness, wire harness, and USB adapter cable, I was at about $300. I installed it myself, it wasn't too hard, maybe half a days work.

The 1300nex doesn't have the biggest display out there, but I just wanted an inexpensive solution to getting Carplay. I have been happy with the performance and integration. It is great having the Maps navigation on the headunit and having a easy way to navigate all my podcasts.
 
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Odd question, lol. Where does put / place their phone when it’s connected to CarPlay?

One of the reasons I would like wireless is the abilty to just leave in my pocket, but curious for wired where people put the phones.
 
Mine is in a windscreen suction mount where it was before CarPlay, it still needs to charge on long jounrnies anyway, you get additional turn info if you light it up and being a RHD car with it mounted on the right side of the windscreen its somewhat easier to operate if you need something that isn't on the CarPlay screen.
 
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