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Looking to upgrade Prius v three 2012 non JBL navigation to aftermarket

Discussion in 'Prius v Audio and Electronics' started by darkleafar, Sep 17, 2015.

  1. darkleafar

    darkleafar Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I created an android auto thread that didn't get attention, and this one is similar but with a new objective. Since I refuse to pay for Toyota nav update, I rather spend that money on modernizing my current Prius. I want a head unit that as android auto, carplay, and mirror link if possible. You know, just because I like choices.
    I have already encountered that the Pioneer 8100, 7100 and 4100 NEX units since to fit the bill the most closely, but I have a few qualms.
    First, there is other unit I've seen around in the Prius third gen forums that is identical to the OEM but is essentially an android 4.4 device. However I haven't seen any Prius v owners with that unit.
    Does anybody with a Prius v have either the pioneer units or the android 4.4 unit installed? If so, I wanna know specifics on what OEM things work and which don't, like USB port, mic, steering wheel controls, etc.
    Also I would like opinions on how android auto compares to that android 4.4 unit. I have done a lot of research elsewhere but I really want to hear it from a fellow Prius v owner.
    Also if you guys have some recommendations on where to buy and where to get said units installed for a Prius v (Houston area) I would appreciate that as well.
    Thanks for your time!
     
  2. darkleafar

    darkleafar Member

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    Man is it that rare for folks to put aftermarket units on the Prius v? I expected at least one reply :/

    SM-T700 ?
     
  3. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    It's slightly rare...but costly if done right. Not 100% familiar with your specific factory system, but the interface, amp/s, speakers usually don't play well aftermarket head units. I ripped out the whole factory thing to put mine on, but that was more expensive than the yearly $200 Toyota Nav updates. Metra and PAC would be good starting points, factory wiring diagrams and good installers that know their stuff can help as well. The demographics of PriusChat is not like other car forums.

    frodoz Stereo Upgrade | PriusChat
     
  4. ems2158

    ems2158 Active Member

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    Prime Advanced
    I dislike the Toyota nav system as much as anyone and have researched aftermarket units. I came to the conclusion, it would be too expensive and probably would disable some of the factory functionality. I don't like the thought of hacking the wiring either. I just use my Garmin GPS with lifetime updates.
    I think most Prius v owners have come to the same conclusion. That is why you don't hear much about aftermarket upgrades.
     
  5. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    I know with the 2010-2011 Base systems it was easier and resulted in no loss of function. Anytime a display is used jointly between the sound system and other functions the complexity increases. With the GEN II's a separate sound system had to be spliced in to avoid this loss. The early GEN III JBLs and all 2012+ models have a completely different set of issues with work-arounds that have not been widely talked about. Anything can be done...for a cost and sacrifice. I suggest that a Garmin would be the frugal solution darkleafar, but please add to the wealth of knowledge here what-ever the results of your project. ;)
     
  6. darkleafar

    darkleafar Member

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    2012 Prius v wagon
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    Three
    What exactly is the loss of function you guys are referring to? Are you talking about the "car" button that shows you a diagram and how power is being drawn from each engine? Because if that's all, it's not that big idea deal.
    Now if you are talking about something that actually messes with the functionality of the car, how come people with gen 3 Prius can do it just fine? Is the Prius v really that different?

    SM-T700 ?
     
  7. KEELFOOT

    KEELFOOT New Member

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    Two
    Wisdom says... don't mess with the Toyota GPS system. Get the Garmin w/updates. They (Garmin) don't build cars, but Toyota doesn't build/design/or care about GPS either - just something to put into sales brochures.
     
  8. ATX2016

    ATX2016 New Member

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    Three
    Just curious what updates you decided to go with - picked up a 2012 Prius V last Oct and looking at an Android update as well. According to the shop I was talking to, I won't lose any functions on the steering wheel, but I will lose my set-up functions on the head unit for adjusting settings for the remote key unlock, etc. Any way around that?
     
  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    No...but the Dealership Service Dept can still hook up and change those settings if dump the factory HU.
     
    ATX2016 likes this.