Which Head Unit Upgrade?

[catflaps]

Hello,

I'm brand new to the forum and just purchased my 09 passion fortwo this week.

It currently has a radio 9 install (no tweeters that I can see, no aux in glovebox), and I want install something flashier!!

I have searched through numerous forums for answers but so many links are dead I can't actually tell what people have purchased or what has actually been a success.

1) I want to be able to plug in the ipod (preferably hidden in glovebox) so I can read and select the ipod menus from the headunit as well as allowing the ipod to charge (I have this in my mk6 Golf and it's brill).
2) I want bluetooth phone connection to my iphone 3gs.

Can someone recommend a suitable headunit and advise what other kit I need (fashia adapter etc)? I'd like it to be a double din with a nice screen. I'm handy enough that I can install myself using the great links to videos etc i've found on this forum.

I'd consider the AVICF310BT but it hasnt had great reviews and sat nav although cool wouldnt be essential.

£300 would really be the max spend unless it's something very cool :-)

thanks in advance,
Cat

[NeilP]

Re: Which Head Unit Upgrade?

pioneer avh-3200bt going for £310

awesome unit, bluetooth etc, only the screen is a tad on the small side for me, front usb

pioneer avh-p4200dvd going for about £430

lovely big screen, easy to use, great if you plan on any future stereo upgrades(what i went for in the end), rear usb as well though you can get a bluetooth module for it. there is also the previous model(p4100dvd) which you might be able to pick up cheaper has similar functions to the 4200. Pioneer has also released their 2011 units at ces, so you might want to wait for a price drop on all current pioneer units as they will be refreshed with newer models

the avicf310 is a great unit just the menu is a not the easiest to get to grips with

ultimately, if you find that front usb is a bit of a problem (i admit, a flush fitting unit is so much nicer) then you might want to consider the pioneer FH-P80BT but that doesn't have a screen

but me personally, I would either go for pioneer or alpine head units

they have the best tech for their money etc, and they look great too!

you won't need an iso adapter, but will require a fascia - expect to pay about £20 for it, smart mods have one, but i cant comment on the quality of the finish

http://www.smartmods.co.uk/index.php?page=details&id=5

got the connects2 one myself and it's spot on...though is more money

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/11167.html

i hope the post gives you a bit of help, if your budget can stretch, then you might be better off looking for the p4100 or p4200 with the CD-BTB200 bluetooth module

[madDan]

Re: Which Head Unit Upgrade?

Are you a pioneer sales rep or something? ;-)

[catflaps]

Re: Which Head Unit Upgrade?

thanks so much for the info.

I'll take a peak around online and see what bargains I can find on those you've mentioned

cheers,
cat

[NeilP]

Re: Which Head Unit Upgrade?

Are you a pioneer sales rep or something? ;-)

one would think

:p

no, my part time job is working for a car audio shop

so i get to play around with a variety of units etc

thanks so much for the info.

I'll take a peak around online and see what bargains I can find on those you've mentioned

cheers,
cat

no worries, i know none of the options work within the budget, but with these things you get what you pay for

make sure you don't go to halfords...they'll rip you off without a doubt

check a local car audio shop near where you live, they'll be happy to show you a few units if they have available for demo etc

[catflaps]

Re: Which Head Unit Upgrade?

yes, i figured a chain store would be a rip off!!

Luckily there are 2 car audio shops not far from me so i'll try one of them at the weekend.

thanks again