I like several others was planning on getting the AVIC-N1 for the TC but it looks we will need to pull apart the dash to do it because of the flip top cover (which I wanted to hide the navigation system)\

The Kenwood DDX7015 is the same system (Denso) used in the Toyota 4Runner it mounts flush and slides down and away .It has the input for the nav but does not come with it. In the 4 Runner the nav unit and DVD was in the back.

Anyone know where I can get the second half of this. The Nav on the 4Runner is excellent and I would love to put in the TC and be able to hide behind the door.

 

fount it ... actually the DV3100 is the remote unit for navigation. I am seeing both units for about $1200 each should be abloe to get them both for about $2000



The bottom of the unit comes straight out as the top rolls down (to tilt the unit or place a DVD inside) The recessed radio of the TC will not be a problem because of this. I'll end up paying about $500 more then I wanted to but I don't see a choice and I can take it with me to the next car .....

 

You know it's kind of weird but the 4runner Nav unit says its a JBL unit but I'm pretty sure the maker for the unit is fujitsu-ten(ECLIPSE) take a look at this. Doesnt that look just like the nav screen and graphics as the 4runner?
[/img]http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/avn/images/avn_top_r2_c1.jpg[img]
[/img]http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/avn/images/avn_top_r3_c1.jpg[img][/img]

 

You know it's kind of weird but the 4runner Nav unit says its a JBL unit but I'm pretty sure the maker for the unit is fujitsu-ten(ECLIPSE) take a look at this. Doesnt that look just like the nav screen and graphics as the 4runner?





Heres a pic of it in an xA http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/avn/avn_navi.htm

 

here is a picture of the unit sliding out:

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=13904

 

The Eclipse unit has a double DVD/CD player in the front, 4Runner did not. That front unit is not the same but most likely has the same functionality.

The hideaway unit allows for backup cam, voice etc... The unit in the 4Runner (2004) is a Denso and when you search out the Denso unit it is a joint venture with Kenwood and boom... you find the kenwood unit which is identical. The Unit in the 4Runner is super quiet since the DVD stays in the hideaway unit and can be hidden away in the back. When I purchased a 4Runner 4 weeks (gone now... long story) ago I paid the Extra 2700 for the nav unit. It was quite good.

The only thing I don't like is advertiseing that you have a NAV system. The Nav on the Mazda 3 folds away. Although it is not as powerful as the Pioneer or Kenwood units you may end up keeping it longer. But the KenWood sitting behind the cover will be great.

If you want navigation in the TC you have three choices..

1) Dash mounted portable, there are some excellent ones out there.

2) Put a single flip up unit in which will mean putting a cover or CD changer on the upper space and removing the cover on the dash.

3) Putting in a Flush Front face unit like the Kenwood.


The cost is also in that order

 

It looks like the avic-n1 will work fine without having to remove the cover. It will prob. have to be mounted in the bottom din opening. And when it is on you could position the screen so it rests against the cover. Hard to tell without having it installed. However I think I'm going to be going with the Eclipse AVX2494 It has a 20GB harddrive that lets you store up to 3,000 songs on it and record cd's to its harddrive as you play them. And you can add navi to it if you want it. http://www.eclipse-web.com/products/avx/avx2494.htm

 

But where can you purchase a new unit (besides ebay) I know of no-one that carries it..


Ahh.... thats the model without navigation..... kind of an expensive mp3 player...

 

if you want to do it for a whole lot less and add a boatload of functionality... you can build your own system... my total cost to date is:
$300 for CPU
$300 for touchscreen (7" LCD)
$200 for GPS software
$25 for FM antenna
$19 for USB 802.11 adapter
$100 for amp

all the software is free (except GPS)... check out http://www.mp3car.com

I use the MediaCar front end (look under software development on the forums)

for a good look at the current status that most people are enjoying check out this guys page
note-you can change the icon to match your car (he has just about every brand covered)

also, there is a bluetooth option that people are using to answer their phones...

this is a lot more footwork, you have to custom mount the screen, but the functionality far exceeds the Kenwood unit... there are a few solutions for backup cams - as cheap as a USB to as fancy as a high res, wide angle setup...