2014 FR-S alternative radio options.
 

Hi guys,

I'm pumped about the fact that I'm going to be buying a 2014 FR-S at the end of July. But I was wondering about the radio/navigation unit that now comes standard with FR-S's.

I'm not that big into technology. I only want it available if I'm going to use it.

I'm like my car radios a certain way, so they play FM/AM, CD's, MP3's, tell the time and maybe have an optional AUX port. I don't care for Bluetooth (why does my car need access to my phone?!?), I don't need navigation (I know where I'm going and I know how to use maps when I don't). Don't want satellite radio (the idea of paying for something that's is currently free is inconceivable in my mind). Don't want touch screen, because they get smudged easily and you end up cleaning it all the time depending on your level of OCD for cleanliness.

Bottom line, IMO, the current head unit installed in 2014 FR-S's is way to big, bulky, ugly and has way to many features that I will never use. What are the alternate options available (if any)?

jdd

Then just buy a leftover 2013 with the original head unit and save some crazy $

http://image.automotive.com/f/scion-...ad-unitjpg.jpg

Crutchfield shows 197 head units that fit the 2014 FR-S. I would suggest going to their site, entering the car in the "Tell us what you drive" function and then using the filters on the left hand side of the results page to narrow down the results to the units that fit your needs. There may be a few options Crutchfield doesn't carry, but there won't be many.

I have a 2013 with the above radio and will trade you for yours. I'll even cover shipping.

I hope you'll cover more than shipping because if not that's a pretty raw deal

I ordered my FR-S with a upgraded head unit (/w 6.1 touch screen). The dealer botched this detail and delivered it with the original 2013 HU.

My requirements are basically the same as yours OP, and I am very happy that I ended up with the HU I have. Wouldn't trade up now if I could. It sounded like crap day one with factory settings, but once I got it dialed in properly I found the audio exceeded my expectations. The buttons are great if you do lots of switching between stations/devices.

I actually like the base HU for its ease of use and its output isn't bad, I think that it just needs better speakers and maybe some dynamat in a couple of places. I'd love to afford the OEM+ system, but, I'd rather spend the money on an exhaust and listen to a different kind of soundtrack.

get a single din head unit. toyobaru was kind enough to give us the ability to easily change out the stereo; find one you like from best buy or something and go install it.

I'm very happy with the base head unit. I have a micro 8G usb key in the jack and it streams just fine from the phone if I want.

One reminder though - I changed my batteries (phantom!) the other day and noticed my stereo sounded so boomy. Then I remembered the car setting that I set on day 1 and then forgot about.

With stereo off, hold down power/volume knob for the settings menu. Set car from "TC" to "FRS" and it's good again. If you have factory unit, check that you're set to the right car settings.

Personally, I have come to really like having the nav unit, not for navigation but for lead on curves ahead. When I'm on an unfamiliar twisty road, I put the screen into map mode and glance at it every now and then to see what kind of curve is coming up. It's just like using the map function on a driving video game.

Going from an older car to the 2013 FRS, I will say that Bluetooth is the best radio feature ever to me. Automatically sync your iPhone so you can listen to a playlist vs. plugging it in every time is awesome.

That being said, I'm with you on the other stuff. Definitely prefer physical buttons and don't need nav unit features.

Current base radio is best! Upgraded "Navi" one with the Apps only supports iPhone 4S currently...


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Could check out the forums market place. Threads trickle in selling this and that. Lots of bespoke options going on there, few other things too.

Embrace technology, many things you feel you have no use for, once used you can't seem to live without lol.

This.
I had the same thoughts about Bluetooth. Until one day I was driving along and my stereo started making this funny sound and I realized that it was the phone ringing. Being able to take and make calls legally and safely while driving has turned out to be amazingly handy.

Yes, I am an out of touch old fart.

The base HU ain't bad, but the speakers could use some work. I'm not a hound for quality though, so I don't really care. Plus, more sound stuff = more weight.

EDIT: If I wanted bells and whistles, I would have bought a luxury car.

I'm also an old fart, but absolutely love bluetooth connectivity, both for music and hands-free phone. Have BT on my FRS and my wife's '14.5 Camry.

I'm with you on the specs, but I have decided that I would really like a unit that has no CD at all – just AM/FM with a USB input (with perhaps ability for an SD card or two as well) that plays a variety of file types (MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, WAV, etc.). My current "wish unit" for when I have enough money to do the stereo system properly is the Pioneer Stage 4 DEX-P99RS. It does have a CD, an ambient light display, and lacks physical buttons for radio presets, but it is currently as close as it gets for me.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...age4/DEX-P99RS

I know you don't like touch screens but check mine out, love it Attachment 84238

Also support the base '13 head unit, wouldn't change a thing about it.

Bluetooth syncs automatically, picks up automatically from either spotify or google play depending on what I feel like (music & podcasts respectively) and hands free calling with physical buttons that mean I don't have to take my eyes off the road, all while my phone is still in my pocket. Ever since the Jellybean update it's been flawless putting up track info on the display.

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If I don't work something out with the dealership, you'll have first grabs.

What mount are you using?