Stereo Upgrade Suggestions?

Hello Tacoma Team!

Been wanting to upgrade the head unit for some time and I've got a week long road trip vacation coming up, so perfect time to pull the trigger.

I don't need anything too fancy - bluetooth and an auxiliary port are must-haves to play music/podcasts, as well as am/fm radio signal.

Don't need HD or satellite radio. Don't need a fancy touch screen or wicked cool LCD display.

I would prefer a single DIN with a empty bin for phone storage underneath, but I could be persuaded to go with double DIN. Bonus points if I don't have to trim the bevel or any other modifications.

I'd be willing to spend up to $200 on the head unit. Running stock everything in the cab atm.


P.S. I know there's an A/V subforum, but it doesn't seem to get a lot of traffic, and what traffic is there is nearly all 2nd and 3rd gen specific.

Thanks for any input!

 

Just installed a Kenwood Excelon X302 CD/Bluetooth/Aux In Single DIN with no problems. $70 refurbished. Previous sony tape deck was in there with a black plastic pocket attached to the metal bracket underneath the head unit. I simply just swapped the head units in the bracket. I don't think the Bevel was trimmed.

 

I’d check out Crutchfield and definitely buy from them. They will make your install super easy and they include plug and play connectors.

 

I have a Kenwood single din that has perfect bluetooth and a decent built in crossover https://www.bestbuy.com/site/kenwoo...hable-faceplate-black/6168617.p?skuId=6168617. I had bestbuy price match walmart.com and walked out spending >$75.00. I upgraded my speakers first because they had 6.5" pioneer coaxials on sale for $39.99. I'd upgrade all 4 speakers and the deck in one go.

 

Thanks, looking at the 303 right now, apparently it's the newer model? The 503 looks nice as well, but all of the inputs are in the back of the unit which I don't care for. I'd rather have the USB and AUX inputs in the front.

 

Thanks for the suggestion! Not sure I want to upgrade the whole sound system - I have the money but don't NEED new speakers. Can't say the same for the head unit...it drives me crazy being out in the middle of nowhere and not being able to connect my phone for music or podcasts.

I will probably end up having some shop like Best Buy do the install, or another shop. I don't have the time to do it, but it hurts paying some high school kids to do it and try to upsell me some dynamat at the same time lol.

 

That was my preference as well, inputs on the front. If you are moving from a previous aftermarket head unit you likely wont need to buy another wiring harness.

 

If the speakers on on sale just get the fronts, trust me it's such a difference compared to the stock speakers.

 

FYI GTA Car Kits make a Bluetooth and aux kit for our trucks. You can keep everything stock, simply pull out stock head unit, attach GTA unit, insert it behind and put back together. Takes 30 min.
Step by step video.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b8qYQjNpLxs
Just installed one in my 2004. Love it!

 

Thanks, appreciate all the suggestions. Will update when I make a decision in the next couple weeks.

 

If you go with Crutchfield, you get install directions and install kit (with most head units). Super easy to do. Doesn't take that long either.

 

Finally got around to taking a real shitty pic of my installation. Thanks to whoever suggested the Kenwood from Crutchfield, was super easy. Works great too.

I've since moved the microphone and run it under the carpet and up the A-pillar to the top of moulding there next to the sun shield.

 

I agree with Crutchfield for shopping around. I put door speakers and a head unit in my dad truck. Super easy comes with everything you need and great instructions. This is the radio we put in my dads 98

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-cAg6rD9ibQ9/p_105KDR370/JVC-KD-R370.html

 

Hey man just got this Sony single din unit about a month ago from crutchfield and love it. Plus, the Bluetooth mic is in the unit itself, so you don't have to route that little microphone anywhere
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158DSXA41B/Sony-DSX-A415BT.html?tp=72430&avf=Y