Seeking new screen with Android Auto - 2012 Prius

Hi @MattFL , any update on the direction you ended up going in?

I am in a similar situation, here:

Anyone try those $100-200 Android Head Units on Amazon or eBay? | PriusChat

 

I've used a few I have not used any that are installed permanently in the car that replaced that big piece of plastic on your dash I'm using dash top under dash etc . They all basically mirror your phone so you need a god phone to use all the features etc . I have a built in in a 2007 it's a soundstream vddr7 or some such number 7 inch in dash no flip etc . It too works very well has a very decent screen no complaints has more audio adjustments than ya want .

 

I went the Crutchfield route in 2024 and yes it was pricey for all the extra "stuff" needed, but it was almost 100% plug and play except for 1 connection I had to crimp. Steering wheel controls and backup camera worked out of the box and I have not had any issues in the last 2 years. Link for reference: Radio Upgrade to Pioneer DMH-WT3800NEX | PriusChat

I think a lot of the extra "stuff" is because of how modern cars are integrated that you need the control box to translate from the radio to the car for steering wheel controls / backup camera / car settings (can still change the lock / unlock / etc settings like you could from the original radio). If it wasn't for all these and just ran wires to each speaker it would be much more simple.

I also have a 1990 BMW and was doing a radio upgrade in there and in that case all I needed was the radio and a handful of wires for power / standby / ground / illumination / 4x speaker connections.

 

Over the past weekend, I installed this unit in my daughter's 2015 Prius:
Amazon.com: BINIZE Carstereo Android 13 Radio Compatible with Toyota Prius 2010-2015 | Carplay Android Auto, 9 Inch Touchscreen Head Unit Bluetooth GPS SWC RCA Back Camera : Electronics

It works well, not quite as smooth as the Apple CarPlay which is an original equipment feature in my BMW Z4, but it works well enough considering the $170 price. You would be giving up the CD player and AM radio. This aftermarket unit has a very good FM stereo receiver with 18 station presets.

If you are interested in this, look at this YouTube video which provides great instructions. Bing Videos

The vendor does not provide very good installation instructions so you definitely will need help via YouTube.

Following are photos of the original equipment radio/CD player, then plastic trim removed, then the hole in the dashboard with radio/CD player removed, and finally the new electronics.

The original rear view camera is supported. Pay attention to the YouTube video as it explains the various wiring harnesses and how to connect them up.

 

The MOST important thing is, does SHE like it??? The rest doesn't matter!

 

She is thrilled with how it works. The only issue is that sometimes she has to turn off Bluetooth on her phone, then turn it back on and connect to the new electronics unit, to get Apple CarPlay to start.