Stereo Suggestions

I am wanting to replace the stock 6 disc stereo in my 2008 Tacoma with one that has blue tooth or features that are similar to the stock Tacoma radio that is touch screen with phone sync and all the other good little features. I don't know if it would be better to try and buy the Tacoma radio or go with an aftermarket stereo. I would still like to be able to use my steering wheel audio controls as well. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Go aftermarket. I just put in Pioneer 3500. It has Bluetooth plus I bought adapter to keep my steering wheel controls. ********* has some good resources on how to install.

 

Definitely aftermarket. Lots of Peeps are going with the pioneer double din models. I have the 8500 and love it (except the screen is hard to see in sunlight or woth sunglasses on).

 

I have a Sony XAV-601BT and I really like it. (This year's model of it is the XAV-602BT) I like the menus and interface better than any Kenwood or Pioneer. It has all the features I was looking for so its perfect for me. If you look into this one, you can pretty much disregard all the MirrorLink stuff unless you have a phone that has MirrorLink. But I doubt you do since very few phones do.

 

Thanks for all the input. I think the aftermarket is going to be the cheaper route to go to. Now I just have to decide which one i want. I haven't ever heard of mirror link stuff but I'm from backwoods Arkansas so that's not a surprise to me. My main concerns are that I want to phone Bluetooth capabilities and I don't want my steering wheel controls to be useless. I have looked at all the units that you guys mentioned and I like all if them really, but the pioneer is a little more in my price range although I did find the alpine under 400 on eBay. At the least it's gonna take some saving and getting the old lady in good graces to let me pull the trigger on this little project.

 

You can't go wrong with either the Pioneer or Alpine. They're both really good units. And don't feel bad about not having heard of MirrorLink. No one has really heard of it. Sony just uses it as one of the main selling points for this head unit for some reason.

 

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_74578_Pioneer-AVH-X5600BHS.html
installed the avh-x5600 a week ago n its a 2014 HD radio

 

i second this....loving my 3500

 

I just installed avh-x5600. got it new on ebay for $340.

I like it so far. I finally figure out how to use hd radio, pandora, etc while using the waze navigation app at the same time.

 

So I just bought a Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS. I can't lie, I'm excited to get it in. I was wanting to know if someone could post a link where I could buy a dash kit and the steering wheel controls adapter for a 2008 Tacoma. Thanks for the help guys.

 

http://www.*********.com/

 

Well, got all my stuff in. Started the install and come to find out I didn't order the right harness from taco tunes. I didn't notice that I have the JBL system. I went ahead and installed the new head unit by splicing into the old one using a wiring diagram off the internet. I plugged in the radio to find out if the speaker wiring was correct. The head unit turned on and worked fine for about a minute. Then completely shut down and I cannot figure out why. I checked all the fuses, all the connections, went through trouble shooting the stereo, nothing helps. Any advice?

 

I know this isn't the information you're looking for, but I'm adding it anyway. You can't go wrong by upgrading your speakers. If you have an audio installer nearby that supplies Hertz (Italian speaker company), then you should really look into a set of Hertz HSK 165 components to replace your front sound stage. I installed them in my '09 Fit Sport and I will be installing them (and a JL Audio Stealthbox 10" sub) in my '14 DCOR.

You won't regret it.

 

Well, I decided to order the correct harness and just wire back my factory stereo. I wired it back up and now I have no radio or clock. I have no idea what I have done. I checked all my fuses and they are good. When I plugged the radio in I heard the CD player making noise but no power or anything. Any clues on what I should do now?

 

Has to be wiring or the deck is bad. I used a test light to verify I had the power wire (turns on with key), the back up wire (on all the time), and I used the existing ground.

I had a problem with my deck turning off, then back on while driving after about 2 weeks. Yurns out the piggyback connectors were not working as well as I had hoped. I hard wired them and black taped them and now all is good.

If you are 100% certain you have the correct 1 power wires and 1 good ground, then you have to assume it is the deck. Have you chacked the owner's manual troubleshooting section for the symptoms your HU is showing?

 

Well I figured out what happened. Long story short I popped 5 different fuses. I replaced all those and everything is back to normal. I ordered the correct harness. Which is about 88$ after shipping. And I tested the new head unit with the battery and it still functions. Now that I'm back to square one ill let ya know how it goes when the new wiring harness comes in. Thanks for the help again.

 

You saying you blew 5 fuses?

 

Yes. 5 different ones. Had my truck stuck in park no radio or clock and the check engine light came on.

 

Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS ALL THE WAY. Love the Pandora app! ! !

 

Those of u with this pioneer 3500 w/factory back up camera is the camera plug n play from mirror to hu? Mine is on order w/steering wheel control adapter and parking brake override so trying to confirm so its a 1 and done install. Any other install advice is appreciated!!