Eclipse avn 726e review

Lets face it the stock stereos that come with our tacoma's aren't anything to write home about. I wanted a double din head unit with Navigation, Sirius Satellite radio, IPOD Direct connection, and Bluetooth. I looked at every head unit out there; Pioneer, Alpine etc but the Eclipse seemed to get the best reviews, here's my personal review of the ECLIPSE AVN726E;

Installation was a little involved as there are a ton of wires to run, i chose to put the included bluetooth mic on the drivers side pillar. The Sirius/XM requires an additional tuner and ECL-SC1 interface to work. I chose to mount them under the center console. I ran the Ipod connector wire inside my center console to be out of the sight of theives. The ipod is controlled by the head unit and acts only as a hardrive. I chose to mount the included magnetic GPS antenna right on top of the head unit. It is out of sight and the signal is full strength right through the dash. The Sirius/XM antenna was run through the third brake light and mounted on the roof. I know on the older Eclipse units people claim you don't need a harness adapter (direct connection) on the AVN726E, you need one. The Tacoma's factory steering wheel controls were retained with this head unit and all i had to do was splice the 3 wires, no adapter/interface needed!! I chose to go with a METRA dash kit (better quality than scosche)

Upon powering the unit on, i am connected to the bluetooth and ipod within seconds, No lag time. The satellite radio is crystal clear. The navigation is one of the best i have ever used. The Bluetooth is great.

Some of the neat features of this unit include; Backup camera monitor , DVD Player, CD, Memory card reader, Navigation, Bluetooth,Sirius/XM, IPOD Direct connect, AM/FM, USB Connection. I really like how you can customize the Backlight colors to match your vehicle with the push of a button. (RED,GREEN,BLUE,CLEAR). ECLIPSE is owned by FUJITSU TEN who makes all OEM TOYOTA head units. Here's some pictures i took;

 

Arent these guys putting all consumer products at end of life-cycle?

 

Unfortunately i think they are going back to just OEM Stereos, The AVN726E Is the last hoorah for ECLIPSE. Still the best unit out currently until it becomes obsolete.

 

Whered you buy it? I'm considering getting an Alpine IVA-W900, but I've always like Eclipses but couldnt find them brand new on ebay

 

I got mine used on ebay for $600.You can also get them new on EBAY for more $$. ive had it for several months and not one problem.

 

Ill keep looking, still debating on which one to get

 

What is the part number for the Metra Kit? (Can't find it on their site) Looks like it is the correct color and texture for my 11.

EDIT: FOUND IT!! Metra 99-8214TG

They also make it in a textured Black which I think looks cooler. Give it a nice two-tone look like the rest of the dash.