Help with best affordable radio replacement

Hey guys - I'm pretty new here. I've tried searching threads, but can anyone recommend a quality, but affordable replacement head unit? I have a 2018 Tacoma SR Access cab. No rear speakers. The stereo works fine, I guess. Bluetooth is a little iffy at times. I have seen some used stock ones on ebay, but didn't want to pull the trigger without some input first. I would probably take it to have it installed, I haven't messed with any car audio stuff in 20 years. Thanks y'all.

 

Recommend hitting Crutchfield. They have head units starting less than $100, up to those exceeding $1,000, and a bunch in between.

Just a heads up, if you want to use the steering wheel controls with an aftermarket head unit, you will most likely need an additional module, which costs extra.

 

Crutch field is for sure the best, great options and awesome customer service.

 

+1 for crutch field. Used it for my last car.

 

Thanks guys. Is the steering wheel control module something crutchfield will have/suggest? I'm looking at their site now.

 

I realize the screen size stock is 6.1", should I be wary of one listed as 6.2 on crutchfield? I'm assuming I'd need to find a replacement faceplate thing?

 

Amazon has a pretty good selection for all budgets. I had to buy the install kit from Crutchfield though. Very knowledgeable folks. They helped me a couple times by phone on the install.

 

The kit will have a faceplate that fits your specific truck.

 

Nevermind - I see they suggest the kit.

 

Get one from crutchfield that utilizes the maestro adapter.

When you go through the “what fits my vehicle” all the adapters and stuff will be part of the suggested items. If you have questions, they are very helpful if you call or do a chat with them.

 

Thanks so much y'all.

 

Would you recommend a noob try and install rear speakers, or just pay someone to do it correctly? Back when I messed with car audio, I was hiding wires horribly, etc...

 

My 2cents...

Walking into a shop with all the product in hand is a slight slap in the face for the shop.

Just helped out on a Ford Raptor project.. Dude came in with everything purchased online.

Better front speakers were suggested... Dude jumped online and bought them!

Then we were stuck making his Cluster Fuck of equipment work....

Point of My Rant...

Let the Little guy/Audio Shop make a little money too....

Sidenote: Also do research on the shop you're taking it too.


Zen, 3 amps, Epicenter and a Stand alone processor.... Same(Possibly Better) result could have been accomplished with half the equipment and footprint.

 

Hey - thanks for that view - I hadn't thought if it that way. Kinda like walking in a fly shop, and asking where to go fishing without buying anything. I'm really glad you pointed this out.

 

Does anyone have any opinion on a complete newbie attempting to replace the two front door speakers? Is removing the door panel really tricky, etc?

 

Crutchfield kits come with detailed instructions for the amateur to do the install. If you have the OEM stereo, and none of the wires have been chopped, I highly recommend you do the install yourself. If you go to "installers," you never know if they'll install an adapter to plug into the factory wiring, or if they will chop the harness to wire directly into the wiring loom. Once the factory wiring has been chopped, you're screwed if you ever want to upgrade it yourself.

 

Compared to 20 years ago, these cars' trim pretty much unsnaps with only a minimum of hardware holding things in place.

Door skins are only held in place by 2 or 3 screws. Then lift and it should pop right up.

It really isn't that hard. And if you want to make it truly plug and play, have crutchfield make the head unit and adapter splices.