Apple CarPlay — What should I be looking for?

I am interested in doing an entire audio upgrade, starting with a new head unit.

My goal would be to spend at most $400 on a head unit, knowing I have to spend an additional $150 or so worth of wiring harnesses, idatalink etc.

I’ve been looking at the pioneer AVH-2300NEX and like it based on the $299 price tag but don’t know if I’m missing out on anything by not spending more...

 

wireless AirPlay. Most of the current units, you still have to connect the cable to your phone.
so look for one with the wireless features.

 

I don’t think I’ve seen any wireless versions in my price range.

 

yeah not many made. I think Pioneer has few units. Honestly this is the way to go. I can't stand wires in a bluetooth world.

 

cheapest I've seen the W4400NEX (lowest pioneer unit with wireless carplay) is $367 after a $150 rebate back in November, but that rebate expired Dec 31

 

That’s not bad actually

 

I was originally looking at the 2300 until my buddy mentioned wireless CarPlay. I tried talking myself out of the extra cost, but that's not something you can add on later. The rebate Jason mentioned is awesome, but I've also seen some open box deals on Crutchfield and at Best Buy if you're patient. Also, word on the street is that several more wireless CarPlay HUs should be launching soon, so maybe there will be a budget friendly option coming out.

 

The W4400NEX is on sale for $100 off right now at Crutchfield - I just snagged the last open box that was another $100 off on top of that

There's also a free Sirius XM adapter special right now, so that saved another $100. Good time to jump on that receiver, if you have the funds.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1304400NEX/Pioneer-AVH-W4400NEX.html

 

I’ll have to take a look! Thank you

 

Open box is back in stock! https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1304400NEX/Pioneer-AVH-W4400NEX.html?cc=02

 

Dayum at 499 I’m tempted but what am I going to do with the 4201nex that I have installed decisions decisions

 

But they don't connect carplay via BT, it's connected via WiFi. I'm looking for a carplay stereo for my wife's RAV4 and there are only like 5 out there with wireless connection carplay. I may just get the cheaper wired version Pioneer 1400NEX and tell her wireless isn't available

 

The hardwired CarPlay sounds sooo much better than Bluetooth version, it’s night and day difference. The decks all still have Bluetooth, so you can play music, answer calls wirelessly, but if you want the most punch from your speakers and amp, go with hardwired until wireless has been better perfected. Got the 8200nex and it’s awesome. You don’t lose many options by purchasing a cheaper NEX series, mostly creature features like better screen quality, navigation...I routed my lightning connector from the deck, to inside the center console so there’s no wires hanging around my dash like it’s 2005 again.

 

I was in the same boat as you and was really interested in the wireless carplay, but here is why I am sticking to wired carplay:

1) Many reviews state wireless carplay is spotty, maybe these newer models have it down, but there were reviews of numerous manufacturers stating their carplay would not respond, take forever to connect, or just flat out not connect

2) Wired carplay charges your phone. Google/Apple/Waze apps using GPS and Data eat phone batteries alive with lengthy use. Sure, it's a wire, but I plan on using a black cable and putting a USB slot in my dash where the Aux used to be so it maintains factory appearance (at least in my 2007)

 

I purchased the AVH-2300NAV. At $299 price point it was the best option for me. Especially if you do the maestro harness that’s easily another $100-150.

 

I've only had my 4400nex in for a couple days, but the wireless CarPlay has worked very well for me. I have an iPhone Xr, though, so newer hardware may help with that. As far as sound and everything goes, even over the wireless CP option, it's still a huge improvement over the factory HU. I've installed wireless chargers in my truck in the center console and next to the front cup holder, so I wasn't too keen on plugging in if I could help it.

 

Yeah, I guess I'm stuck in the past, otherwise I'd be going wireless too.

2007 Tundra
iPhone 7 (no wireless charging / the wifi antennae on my phone is terrible)
Battery that indicates 80% of original capacity (Im stuck tethering to power basically)

 

My wife's Pilot has wired CarPlay and I was bummed at first that it didn't have wireless. Then I realized I keep my phone plugged in 100% of the time when I am in the car so when/if I make this move it doesn't make sense to spend the extra $$ on wireless.

 

Can I run a test with one of you guys that has a Pioneer CarPlay head unit? I want to confirm the HU will display Japanese characters before I buy it for the wife. Can I send you an MP3 or an email in Kanji characters and you test it on your CarPlay? I guess a text message will also work, but not sure exchanging numbers is accepted here or not. I suppose you could find something on google to test and upload a photo for me. Whatever works...

I've contacted Pioneer tech support and they say it will not display. However, the Google says otherwise. Maybe my question to tech support was misinterpreted.

let me know if you can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

So, you just want to see if they will simply display on the pioneer screen, like if your wife got a text message in Japanese text?

Feel free to shoot me a text in Japanese, I’ll let you know...

 

It doesn’t display Japanese characters on mine, maybe if your wife’s phone (which I assume is Japanese) was hooked up to the pioneer it may work. I would say that if Siri can translate it in Japanese on her phone, it may work...

 

I just bought a dnx574s for 230 bucks, switched from a dmx7705s

 

Thanks again for your quick help!