My In-Dash Navi Selection and Installation Review
12-28-2008, 09:56 AM
#1
Former Vendor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (52)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 6,912
Car Info: Evo X
My In-Dash Navi Selection and Installation Review
Navi Selection
So it was between the Pioneer Z3, Pioneer F90BT, and Kenwood DNX8120. I really wanted a 7” at first, but just couldn’t find a good one. Z3 requires me to get additional module for the iPod and Bluetooth and DNX8120 also requires me to get an iPod cable tough not very expensive. However, the big decision point for me are the resolution and prices. Both the Z3 and DNX8120 are 7” with 480x3?? where F90BT is 800x480. Both DNX8120 and Z3 are over $1k and F90BT is well under that.
Installation
I’ve never installed an aftermarket head unit myself and this is my first real aftermarket unit. (Well, I replaced my radio in my Mazda before, but it was free install, and more of a direct replacement.) So I went to an installer near by my work instead.
The shop is CK Auto Image. I went into the shop several times prior to the install and asked many questions and looked at the unit prior to install. He never pressured me to buy and was very knowledgeable as well. Ken is the owner of the shop and he did an excellent job of installing the system for me while I waited, watched, and learned how the whole thing works. Ken really took his time and was very careful throughout the entire install and answered all the questions I had. The unit looks and works great however the dash kit from Metra was sub-standard.
Of course this not something Ken can fix, the kit just sucks. Maybe later down the road I’ll get the JDM DD dash kit. But right now, it’s good enough for me. I liked that he tapped the wires and did not cut any just in case if I have to go back to my OEM unit or change to something else. After the install, I had some problems using my wife’s iPod and he had us come right in and took care of us (somehow the iPod was empty).
He promised to give some nice discount if you go in and mention Leo or Detail Addict too!
CK Auto Image
3700 Thomas Rd #107
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 330-0888
www.ckautoimage.com
Before
The shop
Ken inspecting the dash kit prior to install
Remove stock unit and trims
Stock vs Metra dash
Mic install
Testing the speakers and locating the wires
Running the wires
Unit and trims back in
Installed!
So it was between the Pioneer Z3, Pioneer F90BT, and Kenwood DNX8120. I really wanted a 7” at first, but just couldn’t find a good one. Z3 requires me to get additional module for the iPod and Bluetooth and DNX8120 also requires me to get an iPod cable tough not very expensive. However, the big decision point for me are the resolution and prices. Both the Z3 and DNX8120 are 7” with 480x3?? where F90BT is 800x480. Both DNX8120 and Z3 are over $1k and F90BT is well under that.
Installation
I’ve never installed an aftermarket head unit myself and this is my first real aftermarket unit. (Well, I replaced my radio in my Mazda before, but it was free install, and more of a direct replacement.) So I went to an installer near by my work instead.
The shop is CK Auto Image. I went into the shop several times prior to the install and asked many questions and looked at the unit prior to install. He never pressured me to buy and was very knowledgeable as well. Ken is the owner of the shop and he did an excellent job of installing the system for me while I waited, watched, and learned how the whole thing works. Ken really took his time and was very careful throughout the entire install and answered all the questions I had. The unit looks and works great however the dash kit from Metra was sub-standard.
Of course this not something Ken can fix, the kit just sucks. Maybe later down the road I’ll get the JDM DD dash kit. But right now, it’s good enough for me. I liked that he tapped the wires and did not cut any just in case if I have to go back to my OEM unit or change to something else. After the install, I had some problems using my wife’s iPod and he had us come right in and took care of us (somehow the iPod was empty). He promised to give some nice discount if you go in and mention Leo or Detail Addict too!
CK Auto Image
3700 Thomas Rd #107
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 330-0888
www.ckautoimage.com
Before
The shop
Ken inspecting the dash kit prior to install
Remove stock unit and trims
Stock vs Metra dash
Mic install
Testing the speakers and locating the wires
Running the wires
Unit and trims back in
Installed!
haahah 
