2008 and later radio in my 2007

I’m looking for ways to get an AUX cable in my 2007 Tacoma. If I buy a radio from a 2008 will it just drop in to my 2007 and retain the AUX or do I need to look at other ways to connect my phone? I’ve been using an FM transmitter for long road trips but it’s just such a headache to set up. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

I'd suggest you go with an aftermarket head unit. The choices are almost limitless, and the OEM head units are crap. You'll be amazed in the audio quality difference even with using the stock speakers.

 

@UnloadedRex If you go OEM, I think you’re good from 2010 to 2014 head unit. You do need to run the USB out from the OEM head unit to a USB port somewhere, IE taking out the powerport and replacing it with an Amazon unit like this,

12V USB Outlet, Ollcuz 12V/24V 36W Aluminum Waterproof Dual QC3.0 USB Fast Charger Socket Power Outlet Adapter w/LED Digital Voltmeter for Car, Marine, Boat, Motorcycle, Truck, Golf Cart, etc

https://www.amazon.ca/SunnyTrip-Aluminum-Waterproof-Voltmeter-Motorcycle/dp/B07GTZ89NH/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2UYHFJHNRJHVE&keywords=12v+usb+outlet&qid=1649253275&sprefix=12+v+usb,aps,112&sr=8-4, then getting the adapter to convert the output from the headunit to one that can be used by that outlet. (That can be found on Crutchfield depending on the year of headunit)

The other option is the aftermarket unit with wireless CarPlay or Android Auto(or both). That’s what I have, and once paired, all controls are on the headunit. For that, Crutchfield is your friend, as has been mentioned, the options are almost endless.

 

I think this is what OP is trying to get away from when he said:

 

Mostly it’s tuning it to a frequency that won’t get interference and isn’t being used, it feels like every time I plug it in it needs a new station. The problem compounds on road trips where an empty frequency in Jax will not be empty in Tallahassee, Orlando, Lake city, etc. and I just seem to have bad luck with picking them.

 

Think about a Sirius satellite radio. Once you get past the dodo's that set up your account and at renewal...it's a pleasant listening experience. I pay about $10 a month

 

I use a

$20 Nulaxy KM18 Black Matte

Nulaxy KM18 Plus transmitter. Has bluetooth and dedicated buttons to change the frequency. Because I use data cards to play my music, I do have to toggle between phone mode and data card mode, a long press on one of the buttons. Im usually at the high end - 106.9 and rarely change it from there. But if I have to change it, its not too difficult. Its a tradeoff I suppose, convenience vs price. I would like to get a new radio unit to add Carplay.