Radio

That is pretty nice and I like the fitment! Any chance you can take more shots of the default UI? Though I assume it can be changed up with all the standard launchers.

 

This isn't my video, but that's basically the interface mine came with
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY8XI_yFEbc

If there's a specific screen you want to see maybe I can put something together. Again, Launcher is pretty much personal preference.

In my MR2 I run this launcher: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.autolauncher.motorcar.free&hl=en_CA

However, I really love the built in one on this new 7870 unit so I will be keeping it!

 

That's a really clean looking radio and the price is right too. How long have you had the radio? I'm considering an upgrade and I've read that some of the joying units last a year and some then crap out... That 7870 unit looks really tempting.

 

How reliable are these 7870 units? Do they retain all the features of the entune unit?

 

Man this unit looks good. When I click on the link they only have the radio. Do you have to order the Tacoma kit separately?

 

The trim is here and it's dirt cheap.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.23.543b1802xE816w

I purchased this 1st before I even picked out my radio...that way I could measure everything and figure out what specs I wanted.

Never buy a radio/trim in one unit, youll almost never get the newest specs this way

 

I can't speak for the 7870 because I've only had it a month...but it's my 4th android headunit (I have the older models)

I haven't had one fail yet and I've been using one of them for well over 5 years now still going strong.

Just remember, you should get the fastest one you can because buying something on android 9 (old) wont let you use newer apps going forward.
Buy an android 13 unit and you'll get more years out of it

 

I noticed this is a heavily returnee item on Amazon? Cool idea though. Also wondering if it's hardwireable through thr cup holder into thr power source below?

 

I use one as we speak in the cup holder under the manual shifter (because I cant put a cup there anyways because my hand hits it!)
This swc is low enough profile it's not an issue. Works great.

I originally purchased it for my MR2 which it was not a good fit in.

I suspect the return rate is because it doesn't work for all cars...but works great with the tacoma. I'll get some pics if you like.

Realistically, it is not needed because we already have steering wheel controls. It does allow you to map more buttons though (around 18 in total)

I say don't overthink it. Get a decent headunit installed first and go from there

 

I noticed Amazon had android 13 units for sale. Aliexpress kinda gives me the heebee jeebees.

Would this units be comparable to those that you linked?

$170 [2G+64G] Android 13 Double Din Vertical Car Stereo with Wireless/Wired Carplay & Android Auto, 9.7" Touch Screen Head Unit Radio, Hi-Fi/Bluetooth/SWC/GPS Navigation+ AHD Backup Camera

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPGG4FPH

 

I'm not sure about fitment......maybe? But I wouldn't buy anything less than 6GB of ram. That unit will be absolutely brutal to use. The newer units come with up to 12gb now (overkill though)

Google chrome can eat up 2gb and leave your maps with nothing.

I had an older unit with 4gb ram and it was pretty laggy, I can't imagine 2gb even being usable.

Another thing to check for is the DAC that is used on these units. The cheap ones have very bad sound and introduce buzzing on your speakers. It's quite a serious issue and a lot of people think it's a ground issue but it's not.

If the unit comes with coax or toslink, you should be good to go if you get a converter from Amazon for about 20 bux (convert toslink to rca)
There's a lot of options and it can be a bit overwhelming.

But get the proper radio off the get go and you won't have to worry about adapters or anything like that. IMO

Nothing wrong with ali express though, I've had hundreds of items shipped. Never had a problem! (I run a local RC race club at a local highschool and we get tons of ali express parts)

 

So what would be your overall recommended unit for a 2015 Taco?

 

My recommendation is anything with the uis7870 chipset (fastest headunit cpu currently) with a minimum of 6gb ram.

You could go more ram but probably won't see much in the way of gains.

Everything else after the above specs mentioned is personal preference.
Brand doesn't matter...most all come from same manufacturer.

Up to you if you want backup or 3d cams, odb add-ons, or whatever other features they offer.

I always email the seller first and ask a silly question about firmware updates or something... Just to see how responsive they are. Whoever seems the most helpful I purchase from them

 

SO you recommend searching for all this via aliexpress?

 

@amp3d

Is this something that would be good in our 2nd gen trucks.

There seems to be so many that I feel completed overwhelemed with a analysis paralysis.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806437163589.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

 

Awesome thanks! That launcher looks nice too. Do you know offhand if either the stock UI or that launcher has the ability to display the auto manufacturer logo on boot or a custom boot image? Also, last one, in the default UI is that cheesy 3D car removable/changeable? I know it's a dumb gripe, but that'd bug me.

 

Yes you can change boot logo to anything (I have a Toyota logo that's built into the os)

Not sure about the animated car thing I use different launcher.

 

...and yet another rabbit hole I just fell into.

 

A major problem with the trim for the UIS7870. This may be dependent on the radio, but there is a plastic piece that surrounds the hazard light/digital clock module that is required to be re-used from the factory trim. Mine is a 4-screw surround from an early 2nd gen (2008). Yes, I know this is a Metra dash trim, but the plastic surround for the hazard module is an OEM Toyota part that is re-used.



ALL of the UIS7870 trim pieces I have seen so far do not support the 4-screw trim, only a six screw. The screw posts on the 6-screw trim are too fragile for the larger screws, and NONE of them are in the right location. The 2 posts on either end are kinda sorta usable, but the posts are too short and when I tried to use them it caused binding on my hazard button and the button would not release when pressed. I ended up having to glue the plastic hazard surround into place, not an ideal solution.