My GX is starting its modification process as I'm rarely ever happy with bone stock vehicles. In fact, my GX is scheduled to get all its chrome bits painted semi-gloss black tomorrow. Once this exterior work is done, I'm looking to enhance the features/functionality aspects on the inside.

-Navigation unit
-Rear parking camera
-Upgraded speakers including a bit more bass

I'm the type that will pay a bit extra for peace of mind. I want top-shelf work done on all my cars so wanted to field your thoughts on the quote below. It's a sizable chunk of change in relation to the value of the vehicle, but the added enjoyment will certainly make it worthwhile. A few years back, my then dd 4Runner had the same work done with same vendor that provided the quote below. They've also worked on my Porsche.

Any feedback? Should I wait for the new 2012 Kenwood unit to come out instead of going for the Alpine? I love Garmin's navi interface which the Kenwood has, but I understand their 9XXX model has horrible iPod performance.

Thanks!

 

If you're comfortable paying $80 for cables, go for it. You could probably save some money in a few places, but those mods are still gonna cost you.

 

I'm assuming your GX is a non factory nav version?

 

I don't have navi in mine and didn't care to have one as I knew I wanted an aftermarket Garmin-based unit at some point in time.

 

I'm jelous I searched and searched for a GX without NAVI and third row, but never found one. Upgrading the sound system on the NAVI version has proven more challenging than it's worth. I just hope mine never breaks, or I'm screwed like so many others with NAVI.

 

The speaker option really won't work on the GX. Looks like a Focal 6.5" set of how many speakers? I guess you will not be using all of the factory locations? Parts and labor look cheap to build custom 6.5" mounts, rewire to new amp location and fabricate custom amp mount. Since the GX system runs at a odd impedance you will not be able to reuse ANY factory speakers. I think you will need to rework your speaker option here and it will probably wind up being MUCH more expensive.

You should also confirm that the dash adapter will be color matched to the US interior. Many of the dash kits come in flat black while the US dash is grey. This usually requires custom paint to match.

The factory NAVI has many car system controls integrated into the flat screen which makes replacement almost impossible so it's a good think you found one without.