Toyota derived stereo upgrade for the standard 58812 unit

[Parptoot]

Hello all knowing and hallowed members,

            I've had my 2004 RAV4 for about a year now and apart form the usual running costs, it's been a great little workhorse for me. I do have a question regarding the stereo that I've not been able to find a definitive answer to on here.

While the original 58812 stereo is functional, I am wondering if there's a Toyota derived upgrade available that will plug straight in to the dash, with no cutting, soldering or splicing needed. Maybe something with satnav? Just something a little bit snazzy.

Thanks.

[AJones]

I doubt you will find an upgrade option from Toyota, they don't seem to actively sell upgrade options for the stereo units, so you'll probably need to look at aftermarket units. Some of the Android based ones with sat-nav are very good, can run Google Maps or Waze and when connected to your mobile give you real-time traffic information and real-time re-routing, they're better than the factory fit multimedia units supplied with most Toyota's over the last few years.

These units are typically double-din sized, so you need to check whether your RAV4 can accept a double-din and whether it would need a plastic surround (bezel) to fill any gaps, you can typically search these out.

For the wiring, most of these aftermarket units have standard ISO connectors and you buy a customised harness adaptor, which plugs into the vehicle's wiring using the existing plugs, converting the signals to the ISO connector for plugging into the stereo. That said, there can be odd signals which need some cutting and connecting to get everything working, like the steering wheel controls etc.

Worth checking Youtube to see if there's any videos of anyone changing the stereo in your model, they can be really useful as a guide on how to remove panels, covers etc.

[Parptoot]

Thank you for the reply but I've already considered (bought and regretted) an aftermarket double DIN item. Although this didn't have the Android connectivity, which would be handy, what I'd really miss is the MPG function of the standard 58812, that I'd have hoped another Toyota derived head unit may have had.

I suspect I'll end up leaving it as is and putting up with it until it expires, or the car goes. Unless there is a plug and play Toyota alternative.

[flash22]

What make was the radio, there is a lot of junk from China, i have fitted a few (now refuse to fit them) as they are a headache, no warrantee, no support and are just bad quality

As for Toyota upgrades, it will be of the same vintage if you want to put a new Toyota radio in it will require wiring

if you want android auto they start around £350 + fitting accessories from the likes of pioneer or alpine

[Parptoot]

11 minutes ago, flash22 said:

What make was the radio, there is a lot of junk from China, i have fitted a few (now refuse to fit them) as they are a headache, no warrantee, no support and are just bad quality

As for Toyota upgrades, it will be of the same vintage if you want to put a new Toyota radio in it will require wiring

if you want android auto they start around £350 + fitting accessories from the likes of pioneer or alpine

It's a Pioneer AVH-3500DAB. 

I just wondered if the options list for this old bus included a posher head unit when new but I think this 58812 must be it for this model. 

Nay worries. I'll put up with it. It's working normally and does what I need really. Radio 4 is about as hard as it needs to work 😚

[flash22]

What was the problem with the 3500DAB

[Parptoot]

37 minutes ago, flash22 said:

What was the problem with the 3500DAB

Nothing at all, it's currently for sale on eBay.

I removed it from my Golf with the intention of fitting into the RAV4 but when I considered it all, extra dash bits, steering controls connectivity (£45), no MPG reading, I decided to stick with the old 58812.