I have questions on aftermarket car audios, Oppo

Kinja'd!!! "KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt)
06/16/2020 at 17:51 • Filed to: car audio, Aftermarket, Audio, Ask Oppo

Kinja'd!!!0 Kinja'd!!! 30

I don’t know a lot about his topic so looking for some help. My current infotainment system looks like this-

Kinja'd!!!

It’s a relic from 2007 - 7" touchscreen with Navigation. I play music from a USB, but I use my Android phone on a vent-attached holder for Navigation and streaming through Bluetooth that doesn’t sound all that good. I was looking up aftermarket units specifically at Best Buy (I read they install for free) and I am seeing units from $299 to $999. I really like Android auto and that is all I need. I’d go for a cheaper option with no navigation and smaller 7" screen to fit in the current console. Something like this-

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Questions:

1. Will the new unit overwrite the original OS and screens or can I still access them?

2. Will putting an aftermarket system hurt the resale value? I mean it’s no Toyota Tacoma but I don’t want it affect it too much. I plan to keep the car for a couple of years. Honestly though, I’d assume the next buyer would appreciate the upgraded infotainment with phone connectivity.

3. Will it increase the resale value by any chance? If I traded it in?

4. Has anyone had aftermarket audio installed at BestBuy? do they do a good job? One of our friends upgraded their car and they highly recommended it. or do I go independent Audio shop?


DISCUSSION (30)


Kinja'd!!! citrus > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 17:54

Kinja'd!!!2

if you put an aftermarket head unit in all the oem screens are gone. those touchscreen headunits are basically a tablet with its own OS

unless its really nice stuff, i don’t see an aftermarket headunit adding to a resale value, sometimes i’ve been turned off from a car because of aftermarket stereo stuff so ymmv (a clean reversible install and retaining the stock headunit will make sure your resale v alue isnt hurt)

i’ve never had one installed, i’ve done like 6 of them. its actually quite simple if you can get a plug and play harness for your car (this helps revert it when you want to sell it)


Kinja'd!!! Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 17:57

Kinja'd!!!4

If you do purchase one, check out crutchfield. I have bought two stereo’s from them and they supply an adapter pig tail, tools and very good instructions on how to do it yourself. It’s very easy and I think I take more care than an installer at bestbuy. I’m probably going to replace the factory stereo in My Mazda3, they have one that will even keep the steering wheel controls functional.


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > citrus
06/16/2020 at 17:57

Kinja'd!!!0

Thanks. 


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 17:58

Kinja'd!!!0

Aadditional question on brands Alpine/Pioneer/Sony/JVC/Kenwood- what’s the best and does it matter?


Kinja'd!!! lone_liberal > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:02

Kinja'd!!!0

Ah, Infiniti. Have they stopped using that screen yet?


Kinja'd!!! Averyrm - GTI YUP > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:03

Kinja'd!!!1

Something I’ve always wanted to try is the add on integration like this:

https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/infiniti-2007-2015-vline-carplay-android-auto-infotainment-system-navigation-upgrade-for-no-nav-stereos.html

Keep the stock look, but with better (and reversible ) guts.


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Averyrm - GTI YUP
06/16/2020 at 18:05

Kinja'd!!!0

Interesting. But $599 ouch!


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > lone_liberal
06/16/2020 at 18:05

Kinja'd!!!1

They finally stopped in 2014


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/16/2020 at 18:06

Kinja'd!!!1

Thanks let me check it out


Kinja'd!!! lone_liberal > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:13

Kinja'd!!!0

In some cars. It was still going strong in 2017 in the QX50.

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Kinja'd!!! Just Jeepin' > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:18

Kinja'd!!!0

Let me second that recommendation. Crutchfield knows all. 


Kinja'd!!! avalonian > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:20

Kinja'd!!!0

I wanna get this for my Lexus, its a tough pill to swallow but it's super worth it and you can't even tell it's there. And you can access the oem stuff too


Kinja'd!!! Mid Engine > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:24

Kinja'd!!!0

It probably doesn’t matter but my go- to is Pioneer, it has a good value offering. Not the cheapest, but a wide range of choices and overall decent quality. I put a Pioneer in my Cayman years ago and regret it (the OEM radio quit working) , I can’t hear a damned thing cuz the engine is directly behind me. I still consider popping in a new un it every so often though.


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > lone_liberal
06/16/2020 at 18:32

Kinja'd!!!2

I underestimated Infiniti LOL


Kinja'd!!! Tripper > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:36

Kinja'd!!!0

+1 for crutchfield, they’ll even walk you through install!


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:37

Kinja'd!!!0

I think you are going to have trouble with this if its an integrated infotainment system (i.e. controls more than the radio).  This is the same problem I have my with Lexus, it controls the climate controls too so I can’t replace it.


Kinja'd!!! CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > lone_liberal
06/16/2020 at 18:48

Kinja'd!!!1

jesus.  I thought Ford’s MFT was bad 


Kinja'd!!! The Snowman > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 18:57

Kinja'd!!!1

You either need to do research on your model of car or go to an audio shop and ask what all runs through that unit. Lots of the tim e you will lose other function that are controlled through it. Also some times there is a separate amp that runs the speakers and they can be an odd impedance and you get into a rabbit hole of replacing more stuff just to lower your resale value because it's no longer stock.


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > HammerheadFistpunch
06/16/2020 at 19:22

Kinja'd!!!0

It doesn’t control climate, there’s a separate bank of buttons for it. Only audio, navigation, vehicle information, fuel economy,some settings like interior lights, auto door locks etc .


Kinja'd!!! This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 19:42

Kinja'd!!!0

I bought a $20 bluetooth receiver from Aliexpress and the thing sounds as good as any CD.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32716816422.html?spm=2114.13010708.0.0.1f064c4dPa0rqr


Kinja'd!!! Thisismydisplayname > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 19:44

Kinja'd!!!1

Go to a dedicated audio shop and have them help you figure out what you need and what will work, in the meantime, search the forums for info as well. You’re not the first person to install an after market unit in your type of car.  If the car uses functions that route through that screen, you may end up with issues.  But the forums will be your friend here.  And don’t go to Best Buy for install.  That is all.


Kinja'd!!! Under_Score > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 20:10

Kinja'd!!!0

My sister had a touchscreen with a backup camera installed in her old Rogue. When it got totaled, the screen added to the value of the car.


Kinja'd!!! Discerning > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/16/2020 at 21:01

Kinja'd!!!0

Honestly? They all seriously suck. I’m working on a setup that involves: an HD touchscreen monitor, AUX default, and Samsung Dex. If it works correctly, then the moment I plug my phone in, I will essentially have a mini computer running off my phone.

Tota l inv estment? About $250. And the monitor will be removable if I want to take it with me to use a mini computer wherever I am. Best part is I want have to deal with stupid, slow, buggy, android auto


Kinja'd!!! 404 - User No Longer Available > lone_liberal
06/16/2020 at 22:28

Kinja'd!!!0

Isn’t that the final year of the EX?


Kinja'd!!! lone_liberal > 404 - User No Longer Available
06/16/2020 at 23:42

Kinja'd!!!0

The Google tells me that 2012 was the last year for the EX.


Kinja'd!!! i86hotdogs > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/17/2020 at 08:24

Kinja'd!!!1

Crutchfield all the way


Kinja'd!!! PlaysWellWithNOthers > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/17/2020 at 08:29

Kinja'd!!!0

Yes, Crutchfield would be a great way to go. They have good products, pre-made wi ring harnesses, installation instructions and a fter sales service.

I am not sure they have any units that w ould integrate your original car system, though. I have been looking for that kind of thing and could never find one that wo uld integrate to give me access to the original functionality .

There are some Chinese Android head units that integrate your original car systems and I have installed one in my 2009 Audi Avant. It has its quirks, but works well and makes the car feel much newer than it is. As a bonus you can install any online or offline navigation app that runs on Android (and any other android app like siriusxm, pandora, youtube, you name it ) and if you get a SIM card you can make a Wi-Fi hotspot in your car. It’s pretty neat.

Here’s a link to the thread on Audizine that covers my experience . I don’t know if they have anything for your Infinity, but they do have these units for a wide range of different manufacturer systems. There are different companies that sell these units and if you google “ android navigation for “ you’ll probably find something.

It’s not for everyone, but it works really well for me.


Kinja'd!!! dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
06/17/2020 at 09:30

Kinja'd!!!3

It’s a super difficult job to replace the “headunit” on the G37, as everything is super integrated into it, like climate controls and such. Grom Audio offers the Vline 2 which is a plug and play to add Android Auto/Apple Carplay for around $500. It’s pricey but I’ve had good experience with them on other cars and I’ve heard it’s a great upgrade. There’s also a variety of 12” screens that replace the center console, but I’ve heard nothing but problems from them. I’ve also seen a forum thread on MyG37 where someone used a raspberry pi to add android auto, but that took some technical knowledge. Personally, I’d search that forum to see what others have said and pose the question to them. 


Kinja'd!!! KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford
06/17/2020 at 09:40

Kinja'd!!!1

Good to know . Thanks!


Kinja'd!!! 404 - User No Longer Available > lone_liberal
06/18/2020 at 10:43

Kinja'd!!!0

Right but the first QX50 is just a rebadged EX.