got a new head unit, finally! Options

[lagos]

so ive been rocking the oem cd player for the past 4yrs. since i got an ipod for xmas, i thought it was finally time to replace the oem one with something that had at least a line in so that i can play the ipod in the car.

i went with an alpine 9851. anyone else got the same unit? any opinions?

[runriot95]

I have the 9855 which is a few models up from what you have. It's probably very similar performance-wise but more bells and whistles. The sound quality is great and the biggest problems I have are more with the complexity of the glide-strip feature that yours(luckily) doesn't have. Anyway, I think you made a good choice.

Now for installing it:

If you want to bypass the factory amp and either use the stereo's built-in amp or an aftermarket external one(which I recommend) then you will have to locate the factory wiring plugs. This can be a chore as mine were held in place underneath the factory amp with a plastic fastener. I say plug(s) as there are 2 blue plugs that you need to locate. If you get the wiring harness that is for Toyotas 1987 and up, it will have 2 plugs that will match up with the blue factory plugs. They key really is getting to those plugs. I had to remove all the center trim to get to mine.

Good luck!