While I'm aware there are some threads already about head units (most recently from @Lizard1977) I would like to discuss more generally what GZers have done to make their dumb cars smarter. This has been prompted by me both modifying my existing 2004 Nissan Maxima and looking to replace it.

The Maxima (NZ new) was reasonably well specced when it came out, climate air, cruise control, etc, but no Bluetooth, reversing camera or navigation. Having bought the latest gen Ford Focus with Synch 2 I have discovered how useful all these extra features are. But an all-in-one aftermarket solution for my Nissan doesn't exist. That is partly to do with the Bose system fitted and the way the climate controls are integrated into it. So after much searching I ended up installing a product from Xcarlink that linked into the multi CD changer port on the back of the oem headunit and provided Bluetooth connectivity using the headunit buttons for control. So can now make/receive calls and play music from my phone, but there is no useful info displayed on the car's screen.

The next step was for a reversing camera, once again no way of integrating it into the oem system, and at the time, ones built into a rear view mirror were clumsy and expensive. Having a standalone monitor just for the camera seemed a bit redundant. So I tried a wifi camera that linked to my phone, but it's performance was patchy and it refused to work completely with an android phone with lollipop or later (app software abandoned by developer). So I decided to go wired and got a camera with built in reversing sensors off ebay (China). It ended up being surprisingly easy to run the av cable through to the front of the car. I printed a self designed mount for my phone which incorporates a wireless charger and connected the camera via a USB dongle and OTG cable. I use google maps for navigation (or Here Maps offline). I was considering adding an OBD II adapter as well but have decided after all that that I would like to update the car completely.

So then I started looking at newer family sized cars. I can't afford brand new, so have been looking at approx 5 yo. Most NZ new models are very limited in the tech they have in that era and the JDM imports have all the smarts, but are only useful if you read and speak Japanese, and want to drive around Tokyo.

I have had a good run out of my Nissans, but their insistence on integrating their navigation, entertainment and climate, makes them virtually impossible to 'smarten' or convert from Japanese. So you are left with a display that yells at you in Japanese and is only any use as a reversing camera.

For that reason i started looking at Mazdas and Subarus. Both have separate climate controls and have aftermarket head units available that provide navigation, Bluetooth and reversing camera. There are ones that appear to replace the oem units exactly, as they have the front face the correct shape and rake angle rather than having to fit a dash kit. Most seem to run Windows CE 6.0 although some now run Android 4.4 and even 5.1.

Some of the imports I have viewed have a Pioneer Carrozzeria head unit fitted. Once again JDM so useless here, and they never seem to sit correctly in the dash (rake angle wrong), but I would guess you could easily change it out with a mainstream brand double din unit (easiest option). I like the idea of Android for the OS to be able to add things like Torque to it and the ability to use Google maps for navigation.

This post is getting a bit long now but I am keen to hear what GZers have done to make their cars smarter.