Affordable head unit?

I've been upgrading my speakers via @james@tech12volts group buys and really have been impressed thus far. I do realize and amp will really bring everything together. My issue is I cant see spending $255 on the dsr1 when that 255 could be put towards a good headunit. The factory unit to me is terrible.
That said I would like to be able to retain all my functions I have, bluetooth, steering wheel controls....
Would I still need to buy the idatalink maestro? Also I know head units can get very expensive and also very very nice as far as function. I dont really need anything fancy, like navigation, I can just use my phone like I do now.
What I would like the headunit to have is bluetooth for talking on the phone, on a screen pandora controls, and wireless connectivity to my phone. Android auto is not a must but would be nice. I'd rather not have to plug my phone in to get the features to work, bluetooth is obviously preferable.
Does anyone have an idea of a headunit for me? I can't spend much, say 300-400?

 

I want to say that there are harnesses for most makes that let you keep those controls. Kenwoods are nice as are Pioneer. Maybe $400-700 range.

 

I have no clue what most of the description means on these units. Is this any good?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-...4dyIetctqf0Y3n9k_Rz0MBjGV39RDwTEaAtRtEALw_wcB

 

You're looking at ballpark $600 all in for a Pioneer 4400NEX (~400 on sale), idatalink maestro and related accessories (~200)

Not worth doing with a lesser headunit, IMO

 

make sure your cell phone is wireless android auto capable. I remember hearing that your phone needs a fairly new version of android for it to work.

 

Hate to speculate either way.

As mentioned the AVH-4400NEX is a very nice HU for more than double the one you asked about. I have the 8100NEX and it is very nice.

Not sure if price is an indicator of quality, thinking lower product line level. Both units mentioned are at Crutchfield online listing many of the same features. If interested I would resource them on the phone and try to determine the difference.

Good Luck!

 

It looks like the "N" descriptor for Pioneer is for Navigation. The unit you are looking at may be just fine for your needs. I am not sure about the "idatalink maestro" (have a gen2) but says compatible. As mentioned, I would utilize Crutchfield or any other auto audio source for info and/or recommendations.

 

When buying all the idatalink maestro harnesses etc look on eBay and Amazon. Usually quite a bit cheaper than going thru crutchfield.

 

I ended up going with the Pioneer W4400NEX route purely because of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto capability. I was originally looking at the W2300NEX for about half the cost, but found a good deal on the 4400 and kept saying to myself "buy once, cry once"... Keep in mind, you can get a decent amount of money back from your stock head unit if you aren't planning on swapping back at some point.

 

Pioneer headunits are hands down the most problem free, reliable - Toyota of headunits

 

I like that one but I'm looking for one with a volume knob. I have an SR5 so no steering wheel controls to make changing the volume easy.

 

Duct tape the remote to your steering wheel - problem solved.

 

Done!

 

I do miss the volume knob but price was free so not complaining too much