Sony - 6.95" Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver - Black

This Somy XAV-3250 is amazing. Very easy to install and elevates your older car to make it feel newer. The regular sony interface moves swiftly however the carplay lags a bit behind. Its still usable though. The microphone that comes with this system sounds clear and doesnt make static noise on the other line. The sound is incredible on this. It can go up to 50 max. The buttons work properly and dont mess up even when pressed multiple times. Grab this item if its on sale because its absolutely worth it. When you turn on the car bluetooth automatically connects. You might need a flushmount adpater for carplay since the carplay usb is quite a bit short.It comes with a 1 year warranty and your serial number is lovated on the stereos metal part. Been using it for 2 weeks and i can say its very nice. I would definitely purchase it if you are thinking about it. Trustedbrand with good reviews.

I wanted something simple to use, not too may features (teenage driver distractions), that most professionals recommend. Sony was the repeated brand that is mentioned for obvious reasons. Its basic, like doesnt even show you the title or artist playing on fm stereo like mosts newer models do. It does when in carplay though. Connects to bluetooth for apple music/spotify so you dont always have to plug it in automatically when you pair your phone. But if you wanna see maps, or have it read a text message, it needs to be plugged into usb. All in all, cant really complain. I didnt want to break the bank on features, you can go down a rabbit hole if so, “for this much more it can be wireless, for this much more it can show car features” etc. adds up quick. I had wireless carplay before and I didnt like that it auto connected and required too much effort to disconnect. For me its easier to just plug in if you want it connected. Super simple and basic. Probably a little over priced when it comes to the features it has. But made an 2009 Camry modern and had a back up camera installed too.

Bought to replace the factory stereo in my 2004 Lexus ES330. Huge sound quality improvement. Self installed in an afternoon with the less expensive module harness than the one Best Buy suggests because I dont have steering wheel controls. Ask for it at the installation bay. They will have to order the dash replacement kit for our make and model so order ahead of time or call other car audio shops if you cant wait. The sound is excellent. Makes these 18 year old factory speakers and subwoofer thump and gives modern features like GPS, back up camera, bluetooth and the clearest handsfree calling microphone. The EQ gives enough range to tune each speaker for their optimal sound. Self Install was a learning experience. Wiring the module is as easy as matching the wire color the instructions tell you to on the Sony harness. White to White, Blue with White stripe to, you get it and all the wires were there and matched. Just strip a small bit of the wire end, twist and electrical tape it. For the mounting brackest, use the top long slits and the Nissan holes straight across under the Toyota holes. I fished the USB cable into the glove box with help through an upper right gap and into the gove box. For the mic I dropped it down the back of the dash and out by the pop out ashtray. I double sided tape mounted it right next to the Auto air control.

I've got to say, my opinion on Sony radios has changed. I normally go for Kenwood or Pioneer radios and my last car had a Kenwood but with the current shortages and price spikes, I was going to be paying a hefty amount for a Kenwood or Pioneer. So I sprung for this Sony radio not only because the price was good, but it was also in stock which was already a difficult situation. When I recieved the radio, to my surpise the build quality is out of the park for the price tag, it's built very very well and feels very premium. I do have small complaints which I'll list. Pros, Very well built radio for the price and the EQ settings are well laid out, I own Sony XM4 headphones so I'm not surprised at the great EQ settings. Apple Carplay connects with no problem for me and I was also able to mount it in my truck with the OEM brackets and no other extra trim kits. Bluetooth connects very fast, even faster then my Kenwoods and I appreciate that. Cons, My biggest complaint that keeps this radio from getting 5 stars from me is the display, god it's just mid, I appreciate Sony making it non reflective however there are no adjustments for the brightness when in the non-dim setting (headlights off). On a sunny day and wearing sunglasses, this radio is very difficult to see. On my Kenwoods, I could rearrange the icons but these radios have them locked in place. I have to scroll to the next page if I want to access the settings meanwhile SiriusXM which I don't use is taking up space on the first page. Wallpapers are also limited and it's picky about the USB drive you use to load in custom ones. Apple Carplay can also become a little laggy when you're on a phone call. It never disconnects but it can get slow. Theres also no quick toggle to turn the dimmer on or off, sometimes I drive with the headlights on due to rain and the display is already difficult to see but with the dimmer on during the day just makes it impossible. Overall, I'm still happy with this radio. The value is great for what you recieve, just make sure it works for you in the store before you buy.

For $299, this is an incredible upgrade to my 2004 F250. I added a backup camera and wired it to switch to the backup camera as soon as shifter is put in Reverse. (Pink & Black wire on main fuse panel in dash) Android Auto is awesome, can listen to Spotify and navigate via Google maps without touching your phone which is connected via USB and charging simultaneously. What more can you ask for? I'm sure there are way better units out there but I am completely satisfied with this one for the price! BTW, if you are installing yourself in a 2004 or similar Super Duty, the BB computer system specs the wrong Metra install kit. You need the 95-5817. And, for my truck, I needed a backup camera extension cord on a crew cab short bed.