After searching the forums for a while, I haven't found any information about this regarding the tC.

Do all Scions have the same radio in it? The reason for asking is that I've seen posts for aftermarket stereo installation using a walmart Scoche kit for an xB. (I really *really* dislike the stock system.) If it has the same dimensions and wiring harness I can just order one from them online (they have stuff for a 2003 xB or xA). My only real concern then is the waterfall flap thing -- whether or not that will get in the way.

I'm itching to get in and transfer my Alpine gear into my tC -- anybody a) do it yet or b) have any web site resources?

 

I'm 99% sure they do share the same radio. In all the cars there is a option to select on the head unit that will let it know what car its in, you can pick xA, xB & tC on that list.

xA Head Unit

xB Head Unit

tC Head Unit

 

Good question. I test drove the xB and really thought the stock stereo was pretty bad. So I was amazed when I got my tC and the stock system sounded really good (for a stock system). I thought I was going to have to spend $1000 to upgrade but now have decided to stay with the stock system. Might add an amp down the road.

Kevin

 

Yea, I can't complain much about how it sounds - albeit it could be a lot better - but I've never run across a stock deck that I liked. This one has one feature in particular I can't stand - the lack of a pause button. Sounds stupid, but that's just one thing.

 

The power button is a nice pause button

 

Also on the plus side are the MUTE and SCAN buttons. Many mid-price HUs do NOT have these features. Also as mentioned before, use the POWER button for the pause.

Kevin

 

it is the same system stereo wise for the XA, XB, TC one because you can choose which model car the stereo is in. Example you can be in a TC set it for the XB style and it will have more bass. They are the same though, Scion wanted it to be simple to change the stereo back and forth i guess.. or one way to save money..

 

I am completely content with stock HU - 1) it's free (came with the car), 2) it plays MP3 CDs, and 3) it controls XM

 

My only beef with the stock HU (for what it is) is that it's pug fugly... there is really no reason to have a car as nice as the tC with something so ugly in it. After making the xA and xB, where I don't consider the deck that much of a problem, it seems that they might have put the waterfall door over it just to cover it up... youch...

 

Personally, I like the black colored HU. The controls are easy to read and bigger than most. On most other HUs, selecting the radio 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is very difficult as the "*****" are so small.

However, I would have liked the volume control to only go from 1 to 20 and not 1 to 62 (I think). Have to keep hitting the volume to move the sound to any degree.....

Kevin

 

It's not the functionality or quirks that I object to. It isn't the black either. It's the totally 80's looking big silver oval thing in the middle. That is way lame. A bigger LCD readout would be nice too, but whatever. It just surprises me that the stock deck never looks anything like an aftermaket deck - is there a reason? Does Scion get a cut when someone replaces the deck? You think they'd make it cooler if they're going to keep talking about it. I just can't believe how bad it looks compared to the deck I've got in my Integra.

 

sorry to say that it does get in the way. you could drill new holes in the radio mounting bracket to move the hu back but you'd better make sure you can drill.
you might also want to goto a installer and ask them for help, you'll pay more if you buy from them but sometimes they have information that is priceless.

 

The mounting kit is different for the tC. Harness is a standard toyota plug.

You can modify a echo kit to work, but its not perfect. It will work for now till a real kit comes out, then you can redo it with a proper kit once they come out in 4-6 weeks.

 

Sounds like I should just wait... :?

I hate waiting :: sigh ::

 

Should not have bought a tC just yet though

 

http://www.angelfire.com/ego2/sometimeslost/cars.html

pics of my rough install

 

hey, why not replace it with tha 2004 camry navigation system. that thing is nice.