Double Din head unit with CarPlay

[Jamie-x17wt]

Can anyone recommend a double din head unit that is equipped with CarPlay?

Are the newer models worth the extra money?

I need to be able to attach a rear camera.

Looking to put it onto a mark 1 Kuga.

Any advice appreciated

[Dog Star]

I fitted a Sony XAV-AX3005 unit to the OHs SLK a few months ago. It's got DAB and camera connections (I also used it with an antenna splitter so it uses the cars existing aerial so no ugly stuck on thing).

Got a proper colour matched surround for it as well as all of the gubbins so it works through the steering wheel controls - there is an excellent company called Incartek who really know their business and what cage and other parts that you will need. It was pretty well plug and play.

Very slick and also very fast startup, doesn't hang or crash.

[sjg]

Been shopping around as I need the same.

Sony XAV-AX1000 is about as cheap as it gets outside of dodgy Chinese units, very basic but if you use Carplay for everything there's not much you'd miss. Has a rear camera input, interface for steering wheel controls - downsides: tuner is FM/AM only (no DAB), no Android Auto, and USB input is on the front only - it's a bit messy compared to a rear one that you can then run to a socket somewhere neat inside the car - makes for a quick and easy install however. Currently £223 in Halfords easter sale.

There's a XAV-AX1005 out very soon that should be around the £260 mark, exactly the same but with DAB.

Spend more and you get any of:

- built-in / standalone navigation
- CD / DVD support
- rear USB or AUX that can be installed more neatly
- extra camera inputs (some cars have a front camera)
- extra video inputs (eg. from games console)
- extra video outputs (eg. to a roof or headrest monitor)

If you just use Carplay all the time then the basic Sonys look good. I'm just weighing up whether to get the 1000 now or have the wait and extra spend for DAB - I'm leaning more towards just living with FM for the odd time I listen to the radio.

[sjg]

Actually, 1000 is same price on Amazon and they have the 1005 in stock too at £260.

[Tyre Smoke]

Apologies for the slight hijack. I have a 2006 Range Rover Sport with a decent original Harmon Kardon Logic 7 set up. I've seen a company that will supply a replacement for the satnav unit that plugs into the Aux In on the original system.


This

Which looks pretty good. I can use Android Auto with it, whatever mapping I want and loads of other stuff. Sort of drags the Rangey into 2019.

A couple of questions:

1. If I fit a reverse camera, will it automatically display over anything that's on the screen at the time when I engage reverse? Bit pointless otherwise.

2. Is there anything else out there that's better for the same or less money?

Thanks all. The fitment in the Merc looks ace by the way!

[sjg]

All the stereos I've seen that support a rear camera have a separate wire that goes to gearbox or reversing light - when on it tells the stereo to display the camera.

[urquattroGus]

The pioneer ones are very good.

Have one retro fitted to a range rover.

[Tyre Smoke]

Fitted instead of the original stereo? Because I'm quite happy with my Harmon Kardon. I want to upgrade the satnav, and while I'm at it, have all the toys.

[devnull]

Yep, have a Pioneer SPA 230DAB in my CLK. Excellent units.

I would say that most third party car units have terrible user interfaces, but that all goes away with CarPlay.

[Stiggolas]

I have an ebay special android head unit. Simple interface, big icons and does everything well. I have co-pilot installed as the sat nav and spotify for when the radio is crap. So far really impressed, especially at £130.

[paul.deitch]

Stiggolas said:

I have an ebay special android head unit. Simple interface, big icons and does everything well. I have co-pilot installed as the sat nav and spotify for when the radio is crap. So far really impressed, especially at £130.

Is that a sorento? I'm looking for a replacement so interested in what worked for you.

[Stiggolas]

Hi, yes it is a Sorento, 2008 vintage. Once you get the OEM JVC stereo out, there's an ISO wiring setup wrapped in foam. This plugs straight into the harness for the head unit with no modifications. Everything works including the electric antenna. There are loads of different inputs on the back for reversing cameras, dashcams, DAB units and even a TV input. Wifi is handy too for connecting to my phone to download apps.
That particular head unit is an Xtrons TS708L. Mine is set back slightly, I could bring it forward a bit if I could be arsed

[p1stonhead]

I just got an alpine ilx700. Seems to be a great bit of kit.