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Inspire by Molgrips basic Merc v fancy Passat thread and the fact that I have just bought a new car with a disappointingly basic stereo can anyone enlighten me about the merits or drawbacks of replacing the standard issue head unit with an aftermarket double DIN head unit with CarPlay and / or Android Auto so that I can get DAB and use it as a Sat Nav?
Alternative is a Garmin / Tom Tom type and a separate DAB tuner.
I'd have a word with the dealer - I wouldn't go messing with the electrics of a new car. Everything is so integrated nowadays.
They may say you are OK to visit a specialist car audio fitter - but be prepared to have your wallet emptied.
I wouldn’t go messing with the electrics of a new car. Everything is so integrated nowadays.
Not new new. 3 years old but new to me new. Shoulda made that a bit clearer.
I don't think Apple allow 3rd party sat nav apps over Car Play which means you're limited to Apple Maps which is, frankly, a bit shit. (Possibly the same might be true for Android Auto, except you can use Google Maps which is a bit better, still limited by the fact you need a cell signal though I think). Once (if) this limitation is lifted I'll be all over CarPlay but IMO it's a massive drawback as it stands.
I fitted a kenwood recently in my zafira works great and was a doddle to fit. Just needed the facia bits and an adapter still cost around 600 all in. Sound is great and I love that I can just tell it to direct me to somewhere or what to play and fast charge is great too. I use mine with android but it does apple play as well
Edit.. Mine has GPS built in and uses data cache (or something) so doesn't eat my data, need a phone signal or phone gps
But I think you need a data connection for the initial search although I've never tried it as I've always had a data connection
Apple maps and I believe Google will cache your destination so no need to for a data connection.
You still need a data connection before you can program the journey in though don't you?
I mentioned this in another thread - I put a Kenwood DMX7017DABS in my truck last month and it's ace. The key thing is it has Android Auto/Apple Carplay and DAB+ for under £400 - mine was £345 including GPS antenna and DAB aerial. If you go for any other head unit you'll be paying almost much for one or the other, and likely £500+ for both.
Sound quality is excellent, fitting was a doddle - it's all just plug-and-play. I really can't fault it. Spotify integration is great. Waze via Android Auto got me all the way to 10 Under The Ben and back last weekend without skipping a beat despite travelling through some lengthy reception blackspots, so it would appear your journeys are cached when you set off, and the standalone GPS antenna means you don't need your phone sliding around the dash just to get satellite reception. There's nothing not to like about it.
You still need a data connection before you can program the journey in though don’t you?
Well yes but that’s not generally an issue.
If you get a head unit which has both Android and apple functionality built in are you restricted by what type of phone you connect i.e. If you connect an iphone you can only use Car Play and if you connect an Android phone you can only use Android Auto?
I'd imagine this is the case?
As far as I can tell with mine it runs both OS and just selects them depending on what you plug in. There's just a USB socket in the back of the head unit. Plug in an iPhone and it'll automagically start Car Play, plug in an Android phone and it'll select Android Auto. The faff would be changing cables every time, but I'm sure you could get some kind of extension cord to make it easier.
When whatever OS is running, you can still connect other phones via bluetooth.
Keeping an eye on this as I've got a second car with the STD Bose stereo in it and would like at least DAB.. and a USB for my iPhone ...
Whilst we are on the subject anyone car to recommend an aftermarket unit or sub unit I can fit int he glovebox so not to disturb the original look of the stereo unit? (Audi)
Apple Maps is fine these days and I’d take it over any car manufacturer satnav, not least because it stays updated. With Android Auto you can choose google maps or Waze. Both systems great for music & podcasts too.
Have used my phone as satnav for over a decade, used to have an offline nav app for when I was out of data range, can’t remember the last time I needed it. Even if I go into deepest darkest wales with no phone signal there’s enough mapping cached to get me back to a major road when I get signal again.
Have had CarPlay/AA on current and previous car, if/when I run something older it’ll be getting a capable double DIN fitted straight away.