arr0gant

A few answers.
-Top-middle of back window, I think...
-You have to solder something to get everything to work whilst moving. It's supposed to be an ez fix, although, it can void the warranty, so I'll wait a year to do it.
-I have not installed Bluetooth. It's $180, just for the module. Will try to find it on ebay for under $100. I would think you could make calls, but who knows. I do know that it imports all your contacts, then brings them up onto the screen. You simply scroll down, hit the contact and speak freely.
-The camera can be and IS active while moving. Also, when you put it in reverse, it comes on. You prolly knew that.

springgeyser

Thx again.

Time to get the wife's approval.

arr0gant

It is wired. And yes, ran a wire all the way from outside of the back to the front.

arr0gant

Ya, after all the research and then driving to different places and playing iwth the units, this was the one. If anyone has a different one, I'd love to hear opinions and see pics. For anyone who is on the fence about this one, I think this is the way to go. It's very sleek/simple/elegant.

I love the fact that it has ONE *** for volume. When I reach down to turn it up OR down, I don't want to hit a button, I naturally want to turn an analogue **** for fast volume change.

Also, this one has NO moving parts, ie doesn't have to open to put a CD in. I liked that feature, a lot. It looks better, IMO cause it doesn't have the frame around it. This also gives it a more "factory" look, as most factory units have the CD-slot built in.

My climate was already there. The Audiovox License-plate-frame camera works great!!!

DFC

Looks great! But you have to do something with the cigarette outlet plug - is it for a radar detector? If so, there is switchable power easily accessible and you can wire it in less that 30 minutes.

heelix

Why the rear camera? Interesting hack - but there had to be a reason to shell out ~300 for it. Parking tight?

arr0gant

Damn...good question... [rubs head]

No, seriously. It's a new feature coming on new cars. It's for backing up. You can see if anything is on the road behind your car, that you otherwise would not be able to see. It's a little frivolous but, what the hell.

joesmoe

I recently installed a new unit too, however I chose not to go with a double-din and stayed with a single, replacing the stock HU, and not having to move things around.

Attached is a picture of my install. Its the new JVC KD-NX500 and it has all the same functions as the AVIC. Not sure however if the Avic has a built in HD. This one does and its 40gb, 16 is reserved for the Nav, the other 24 you can copy mp3s, or rip cd's onto it.

A plus to this is that it will play divx, mpg, avi files. Which is quite nice having a bunch of music vids that i've compiled and stored onto DVD. Also, it is satellite ready, and has the option to send/receive video (ie parking), or external monitor hookups. And lastly, it can tilt up to 4 angles.

I spent a total of $800 for the unit, ipod cable, and bluetooth. My ipod is stored in the lockable center console. The JVC unit also controls the ipod, and can show you either file name or tag. The nav attenna, I put under the alarm light on the top of the dash. And the bluetooth mic, is just hooked up to the storage bin in the center console.

Now to upgrade the amp and speakers

AsianImage

looks great...all except the rear view camera. I ALMOST did this mod. But when I saw the plate camera...I was soo turned off..and it was very pricey. My installer quoted me the exact same price. $199 for the plate camera and $100 install.

I just think it was too ugly for my plate so I did not do it. But to each his own. Either way the install is clean!

996 Jammy

gant,
$ well spent! probably as close to factory as you can get. was on the fence btwn the pioneer and eclipse units. Thanks for the pics! Keep us posted on how you like it once you log in time playing with it.

bonkur

As I mentioned, I just bought a 99 cab. It sat on car lots for about 8 months, and in that time it was relieved of it's Alpine CD changer and it's aftermarket amp. My car "had" the upgraded stereo when sold (not Bose), so it has the 6 sets of speakers. Right now the only set working is the rear, thanks to the butchery of the carlot morons. So, last night I got a quote for the same AVIC-D3 unit, + an amp to run the mids in the door - $1900 without the camera or bluetooth, or ipod connector. Prices were full retail + $400 install.... This is the top shelf shop in Sacramento, as I was afraid of small chop shops (one of which I visited and they knew **** about the D3), but I gotta find a more afordable shop as I still have to take the car in for it's 60K, buy a hardtop, get a new keyless remote...... you get the idea.

Gant - I want your shop!!! Anybody know a better auto stereo shop in the Sacramento area?

996 Jammy

Surprising that you wouldn't be able to negotiate off msrp at a auto sound shop. There must be plenty willing to win your business.

TOORUF

Mine is real similar. I went with the Z1 and I did the Bypass for access while moving. Works great.

Irksome

Very dumb question time...

Does this unit have AM & FM tuning and presets? I don't see it listed in reviews or specifications, but it seems like a very basic need.

arr0gant

MSRP was $1000 for the unit, I got it for $900 and $100 for the install.