I'm unskilled. Can I install a new head unit on my 09 Tacoma from a kit?

I'm replacing the head unit on my 09 Tacoma.

There's already good quality aftermarket preamp/speakers/subwoofer in the vehicle, but a 2007 Pioneer head unit that is not phone compatible.

I have a back-up camera installed, with monitor on the rearview mirror, and no need to change that.

I have 0 skills with electronics and wiring. I can get a kit from Crutchfield. I can get the same unit at the same price from Best Buy, with free installation. But next available slot is mid-May.

Any reason why I shouldn't just buy from Best Buy, with free installation?

 

Not really. Only if you’re in a hurry. I do my own work because I have major trust issues, and can tell the difference.

 

You can do this. I have a 2010 with same mirror view camera. I added a Kenwood unit and mirrored the backup camera to the Kenwood headunit so it shows in both locations. Granted i worked in an audio shop over 20yrs ago but its really not that bad if you take your time. I would suggest getting a Maestro RR harness to make it easier. Check my thread in here for some info.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-2010-dc-audio-build-chronicles-kenwood-hertz-more.719743/

 

If you want to learn about it, do it yourself. If you just want it done, get it done at Best Buy.

 

The biggest tip to doing it yourself is getting the correct tools. You can absolutely do the work yourself, if you have (or are willing to buy) the tools for the job.

for an 09 Tacoma, you’ll need

-a 10mm socket and an extension (or a 10mm magnetic bit for your drill, or basically anything 10mm with a few inches of length to it
-Philips screwdriver or drill bit
-a thin pry tool of some sort. I prefer a sheet metal skin wedge, but the cheap plastic panel tool set from harbor freight will work too.
-the CORRECT butt splices. You want the red/pink ones, 22-16awg. Not blue, not yellow. They don’t need to have heat shrink
-a crimper. This is the way to make long-lasting crimp connections. Don’t use pliers or a tool not made for crimping wire connections.


You can get them at any lowes, Home Depot, harbor freight, or Amazon.

or in place of butt splices and crimpers, you can solder. But chances are, you don’t own a soldering iron or know how. So no need to buy one and learn for this project.

The install itself is extremely easy.
And I think you can even pay crutchfield a small charge and they will actually build the harness for you, saving you the cost of butt splices and a crimper tool.

 

I wouldn't let Best Buy flush my toilet

 

Depends on the location honestly. I was a Best Buy installer for 3 years and I know my personal quality of work lol. There were some guys in the company I looked up to and had been doing it 20+ years and more master techs inside the company than the rest of the world combined. Some of them did CRAZY good work. And then some of them were absolute trash and made a bad name for the whole industry.

But the same can be said for all the “pro” shops in my area as well.

 

Best Buy came up because that’s what OP was trying to decide on. Showing up to only drop a quick BB bash with no other input is just being a dick.

 

+1 on the BB install. Wouldn't go anywhere near that.

Nothing difficult about installing head units. Just take your time and get it right the first time. There are probably some great tutorials from the usual Youtube suspects...5 star, Car Audio Fabrication, etc

 

Yeah I’m pretty sure Five Star has done multiple videos on 2nd gen Tacoma’s

 

What’s the problem with installation at Best Buy? Had bad experiences?

 

It’s a lottery.

Best Buy is a big company so you have recourse however. It’s just always better to do it your way if you have the ability.

 

Personally no. I don't let anyone install my stuff. But they aren't known for consistency. A buddy of mine just wrapped up a 2 week ordeal with them in Nashville. They installed the wrong deck, botched the install, then apparently one of the store managers got a little mouthy with him. That's just the most recent one. I've helped a few friends over the years clean up BB hackjobs and seen many more examples. Not to say they're all bad. I know some great installers who have worked at BB at some point, but you really never know what to expect there.

 

Yeah that makes sense. If they aren’t trained properly and are expected to do that kind of work I could see how you could end up with serious problems. I do my own work also so have never had any dealings with them. I don’t think I’ve ever really bought anything significant there come to think of it.

 

I think it can be hit or miss either way. You can go to a specialty audio shop and get a hack job as well if they weren’t trained or taught what and why to do things a certain way. Same goes with car mechanics. It can be hit or miss.
I always prefer to talk to the person doing the work on my vehicles in any capacity to get a feel for them and their expertise. A few mins can tell you a lot so you know whether to run or not. If they are doing the job because they are passionate about it and enjoy it, you will get a better result vs someone doing it for a check.
My brother was an installer at our local audio shop for about 10yrs and when he moved he became a head installer for the circuit city in his area. I know his work cause he still helps me with my stuff to this day even though he is an electrical engineer now