I bought mine during a sale a couple of years ago for less than $1k. You can get a more basic interface for less. The EC unit does a lot more than just Carplay. I have Hema maps and Google maps running of a separate, included GPS locator. Also have a 500Gb micro SD card installed, to which I can download movies via Netflix, Prime etc and they play through the rear monitors via an HDMI output. I can also use my phone as a wifi hotspot to stream live sports on YouTube TV.
Yea that sounds nice and all but I have little use for those features/functions. I simply want my phone mirrored on the screen to be able to use Google Maps, Spotify, and Messenger/Text from my Cruiser screen instead of on my phone. Obviously this isn't a huge issue or major desire so I'd have a hard time paying more than $500 for that ability.