New Avensis Factory Audio System

[Desmond22]

Just asking but has anyone tried an alternative audio unit in a New Avensis?

If so what did you choose & how does it fit in the fascia?

[Bosnjo]

Mine is 1.8 VVTi from 2005. Before car has arrived I've tried everything and everywhere, but no success. Now I see that Toyota's unit is very good. I have 6CD's changer (Toyota) and I'm very satisfied. The only thing I would like to have is CD Text from changer. Before deciding about changer I've tried from many international sellers to get adaptor because I have had great 10CD's changer SONY, with CD Text and everything. Infortunately, there was no adaptor for Avensis made after Jun 2004.

Conclusion, I'm satisfied with what I have, only missing CD Text.

[Norbreck21a]

I would agree with what Bosnjo said. The Toyota stero in the Avensis is superb, and as stated only misses 3 things in my mind to be perfect.

1. As Bosnjo said, CD text from the 6 Disc changer would have been nice. (I don't understand why the head unit is CD text compatible but the Toyota Cd change is not ?)

2. MP3 compatibility would have been fantastic.

3. A line out port to attach an Ipod or similar would have been nice as well.

Other than that, not a lot to critise really.

Regards

Andrew

[Desmond22]

I'm quite happy with the system except for the MP3 and line in issues which seems to me to be a big omission these days.

Most of my music is on MP3 now and while I can use an iPod through a cassette adapter there seems to be a software problem with leads like the Dension ICE which is supposed to give track text. Without that it doesn't seem worthwhile to Shell out £120+. That's why I was curious about alternative head units.

I swapped the radio/cd/cassette in my old Carina for a really good Clarion but this doesn't look very promising with a brushed steel dash panel in the Avensis.

[JAHill]

I too have a stack of MP3s and my last vehicle had a Sony MP3 unit in it - now in my wife's car. It's the only thing I really miss in the Avensis unit. The sound is nicely setup but MP3 is a bit of an omission.

I noticed this Toyota MP3 Changer and wondered about getting it... Not sure if it would fit my 2005 Avensis though.

[Desmond22]

I too have a stack of MP3s and my last vehicle had a Sony MP3 unit in it - now in my wife's car. It's the only thing I really miss in the Avensis unit. The sound is nicely setup but MP3 is a bit of an omission.

I noticed this Toyota MP3 Changer and wondered about getting it... Not sure if it would fit my 2005 Avensis though.

I looked at this too but wasn't sure of its functions - will it show text or whatever?

The last time I asked the audio dealer about these units he said they only showed Track 1, Track 2 etc.