Difficulty in upgrading headunit to obtain Android Auto

[14MDRam]

I've been looking to get back into a truck recently. The only thing that is really having me lean to buying a 2018 is the fact that it comes with Android Auto. I'm a big Android fan and would love this feature. I plan on keeping the truck for years so it's definitely something I want.

Obviously, there are aftermarket headunits out there that also come with this feature that could be used to replace the Uconnect 5.0 or 8.4 systems in an older model. What all is involved and what sort of cost am I looking at to get a decent HU with Android Auto and retain steering wheel controls? Are there options to integrate the other stuff managed within the Uconnect (I'm drawing a blank on whats in those menus, so maybe it's not all that important).

I also saw where someone upgraded a 2018 HU into an older vehicle but they're running over $1500 just for the unit and is hard to justify.

Thoughts? Buy a 2018 or buy a nice used and do a small upgrade?

 

[1500canoe]

Buy a 2018. Great deals to be had right now, and you'll get the full Android Auto integration with steering wheel controls, as well as all of the Uconnect 8.4 features.

 

[14MDRam]

Buy a 2018. Great deals to be had right now, and you'll get the full Android Auto integration with steering wheel controls, as well as all of the Uconnect 8.4 features.

I know, the deals are amazing. I've just been a used car guy because I hate that depreciation. Currently driving a Chrysler 300, sticker was 40k I bought it two years used for 14k. Trucks do hold their value better though so that makes me slightly leaning towards new.

 

[joshuaeb09]

I know, the deals are amazing. I've just been a used car guy because I hate that depreciation. Currently driving a Chrysler 300, sticker was 40k I bought it two years used for 14k. Trucks do hold their value better though so that makes me slightly leaning towards new.

It really depends on your local market. Around here you're almost guaranteed to get ripped off buying a used truck unless you've got a private party sale who is either generous or stupid. I know plenty of guys who started looking used and ended up finding a better deal on a new truck (value/dollar).

If you do go used I installed an Apline ILX-207 in my '16 to replace the stock 8.4 so I could have AA and Carplay. So long as you use the idatalink module and the right trim kit it's pretty easy and everything works perfectly in my truck. I still have access to all the settings, my trailer brake controller, etc and the only part that was somewhat painful was moving the dials (Volume, Fan Speed, etc) over to the new trim insert.