Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX...... thoughts?

Any thoughts on this one? Still haven't decided on a floating unit yet. Looking for a unit with Android Auto and HDMI input.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-6MEmO...MI5KyC_tf9-QIVxY5bCh0-Nw7OEAAYASAAEgIc1_D_BwE

 

Noone?

 

I feel like at the price you might as well go bigger screen?

 

I bought this model in January 2020 for $430 and even at that price, would not purchase it again. I still have it installed.

Overall, I guess it's an ok head unit, but it randomly reboots for no apparent reason.
Might not reboot for a few weeks, sometimes will reboot two or three times in the same drive cycle.

Pioneer seems to have forgotten they released this model as well because there is no support for it on their website for firmware updates, documentation, etc.

I can't speak to Android auto though since I have an iphone. But I can say that sometimes it's a PITA to get my phone connected through wireless network for apple carplay.
I don't know if that's a phone issue or not. It's easier to just connect it wired.

 

I have an older Pioneer unit in my Z, and could NOT imagine such a small screen in the Tundra. I went with Dasaita 10.2” Android unit. I liked the OEM look, but if I did it again I might go with the larger screens now available.

My Pioneer also does not boot up at times even though it will charge my phone when hooked up. After 2 - 5 min it will finally boot up.

I’d look at at least 10” screen options. If you got the money, I’ve heard good things about the Stinger radio. Father has it in his Jeep Gladiator.

 

Nut up dude. Just get the 8600 and enjoy.

 

I was just reading on this...the early production of this model and the 4400 had reboot issues due to the internal SD card failing. People have replaced the card and were good to go. I wonder if the later production units still have the issue or if they fixed it. The original firmware was 1.02. I wonder what version is in the ones manufactured this year. That might be a starting point to see if the issue was fixed.

https://youtu.be/2cHp6jxD5R8

 

How in the hell does Pioneer not have firmware updates for certain models. Apparently the 4400 and 4500 have issues with the internal SD card failing. This is the card that has the firmware on it. It's probably safe to say that Pioneer has not changed to better SD cards for these units? I say this based on some of the reviews on Crutchfield over the last couple of months. Not only based on the bigger screens, the more I read, the more I feel that the 7600 and 8600 are far superior units. At least they have firmware updates available.

 

Thanks for that, I’m going to see about doing that this weekend. I need to remove it anyway to get to the maestro because I somehow programmed the up/down button backwards on the left side of the steering wheel. So when I push up, it goes down on the radio. And my dumbass didn’t leave an accessible usb cable connected to it when I buttoned it all up.

 

Being the flagship models for pioneer i would imagine they get more attention from the company

 

Looking past the larger screens of the floating units, what is your honest take on the SD card issue? I have never heard of that before. Crutchfield reviews as of just a month or 2 ago has some people still getting the boot loop shortly after install. That has me thinking that Pioneer has not upgraded to a better card to prevent failure. The local shop has one in stock with a Jan 2022 manufacture date. There are no firmware downloads available for that unit either. I'm honestly leaning towards the 9 inch 7600 and will getbused to the floating design after a day or two.

 

I wouldn’t do the 4500. We have one in the wife’s 4Runner. It’s a 3+ yr old model and has never had a firmware update. The 4660 is the same size roughly and has been the same firmware schedule as the 8600/7600.

 

Agreed

 

I did see the 4660 online. I don't remember if it has HDMI. How is that unit if I don't lean towards the 7600/8600?

Edit....it has mini HDMI input

 

I’ve not seen a 4660 in action. I see it on the same firmware communications so I’m assuming it’s very similar to the 7600. Forgetting screen size for a minute I do prefer the interface of the 7600. It’s way nicer than the 4500. Also, my phone is an IPhone Pro Max. I’d prefer watching stuff on it rather than connecting to the smaller HU.

 

Gotcha. The 4660 has some not so favorable reviews on Crutchfield as well. It's looking like the 7600 is starting to win lol.

 

How does your backup camera image look?

 

No complaints

 

Looks good...thanks. I think it will be the 7600. Pioneer completely denies that there are any known SD card issues with the 4500. I knew they would say that.

 

8600 or bust, bud.

 

Ha.....just because yours was a little cheaper lol.

 

Yeah but now I kinda regret it considering my vet bill is 8 big ones

 

It will work itself out....life is like that at times.

 

True...

 

They were out of the 8600 but I did get the 7600. It will work with my phone mount being where it is. I think all I need is a mini Hdmi to HDMI adapter and a USB C to USB adapter. There is a USB cable in the box but its just an extension I think...I'll have to look at it again.

 

Noice! Isn't that the 9"?

 

Yes, and I bought a Roku yesterday.

 

Congrats man! Going with the Metra dash kit?

Here are the adapters I got:

UGREEN Micro HDMI to HDMI...

$10 UGREEN Micro HDMI to HDMI Adapter, Micro HDMI to Female HDMI Aluminum HDMI Cable Adapter Supports 4K 3D 1080P, Compatible with Raspberry Pi 5/4, GoPro Hero 7 Nikon B500, 8" Grey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P5SDCVT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Syntech USB C to USB Adapter Pack...

$10 Syntech USB C to USB Adapter Pack of 2, USB 3.0 Female to Thunderbolt 4/3 Adapter Compatible with MacBook Pro Air 2024, Surface, iPad, iPhone, Galaxy Notebook, XPS and More Type C Devices, Space Grey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVX3516?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

I have the Metra that my current Pioneer is in.

 

I just stuck the screen up in front of my other radio. This thing is going to look bad ass once it's installed.