Swap in head unit from newer Toyota/Lexus/Scion?

[SoCal Dan]

I've searched the forums so hopefully I'm not asking something that's been covered elsewhere...

I have a 2000 LX470 with the Nakamichi system. I'd like to upgrade to something with an aux input, but I'd prefer not to go aftermarket. Anyone swapped in a later model head unit from a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion?

 

[Bardiya]

You'd need an adapter for the wider faced double din that the new head units use.
Something like what's in the picture, just wider

 

[OutoftheMud]

Factory Radio Service, Car Factory Radio Services

Try out these people. They claim they can add an aux input to just about any factory head unit. But I also see people on the Club Lexus forum adding an aux through the tape deck in their Nakamichi system in the LS400. Disassembling the unit and hard wiring it in. It involves some soldering. I don't know anything about it. Just though I'd throw the idea out there.

 

[RobRed]

you can add an aux input via the cd changer line in

 

[TexasCrane]

This will give you an aux input: Select Toyota Scion Lexus 02-12 Auxiliary Input Adapter Kit

 

[SoCal Dan]

Update:
It appears the Grom Aux Input Adapter kit does not work for the 2000 LX470...
Factory Radio Service does not offer the 2000 LX470 radio (with Nakamichi) on its website, but they can install an aux port on my radio... if I drop it of and pick it up in Rancho Cucamonga (about an hour away).

So then the question becomes: is it worth updating my stock headunit?

I'd still like to find out about a later model headunit that would plug right in, retain the factory look, and have some more modern features. But, I'm thinking that's not available.

 

[RobRed]

The factory audio sounds like absolute crap so upgrade worth it? if you care how it sounds I would say yes.

There is an OEM upgrade.... it's from a 2003 LX . Which sounds like crap as well but it's OEM.

Leave the OEM headunit and install a good system with a hidden head unit - then you can have your OEM look.

 

[Greenbean]

Speaking of OEM head units can anyone identify this open plug on the back of my factory 2000 LC radio?

I'm looking into the GROM unit only to have a dedicated input for my iPod. Don't really need anything else but I was wondering what this plug was for?

 

[SoCal Dan]

RobRed- I hear you. I've had a lot of aftermarket headunits that have been great, but the LX470 will be shared with my parents when they're in town. They were frustrated with the Pioneer unit in my last truck ("I pushed something and the whole faceplate rotated up!" "I pushed something and now it's asking about a USB stick!" "I can't see the preset buttons without my glasses!") and they drive a Lexus at their home, so I'd like to stay with a factory radio as it will be more familiar to them.

For others with a 2000 LX470 with the Nakamichi setup here's a good thread that outlines some of the options for an aux input:
iPhone connection

Wondering what people think of the FactoryRadioService units... will poke around the forum when I have more time.

 

[beatsmd]

Speaking of OEM head units can anyone identify this open plug on the back of my factory 2000 LC radio?

View attachment 1359633

I think that's the CD changer port. I think there are some aftermarket adapters that will plug into that port to give you an aux (or bluetooth) input. This one should work: Crux BTS-TY1 Bluetooth® Interface Stream music through the factory radio in select 1998-11 Toyota vehicles at Crutchfield.com

 

[Greenbean]

Thanks.

Yeah my changer is in the unit so I may look into that.