Hey everyone! I’m looking to install Carplay. I have a 2014 SE and I’m not trying to go for the most expensive option, just something budget-friendly that works well. The main reason for wanting Carplay is that I’m putting in subs and want an easier way to control things.
Any suggestions would be great as I’d rather get advice here than sift through a bunch of stuff on Google that I might not understand.
I don’t think there are any truly budget-friendly options since you’d need to upgrade your whole infotainment system to a compatible version. There might be other ways, but I’m not aware of them.
This should work but you’d need to send your terminal for reprogramming first before getting it, or at least that’s how it used to be.
Same here. I had Sync 1. Switched it to a Tesla tablet. It was a bad choice! Every command was multiple steps. Then I got an Android from Amazon for less than $500. Best choice ever. Just had minor issues like needing a new camera and the RAM was a bit slow. But overall, it works great! I have a Fusion 2018.
Honestly, I think all these Sync 3 screens look ugly and they’re pretty pricey. It might be better to reach out to a car modification shop nearby that does custom work. They might be able to install a clean-looking 9-inch screen for around $500. But that’s just my personal opinion. I plan to get this done next month and will share a post here about it since I know a lot of people are curious!
I’m looking into this too but can we just acknowledge how awful Sync 1 is? Using it feels like self-harm. I can’t even remember how to switch to Bluetooth audio; it always defaults to line in, even when my phone connects!
What confuses me is why upgrades cost $800-$1500. I see decent-looking Android Auto options on Amazon for $150. Do I need to worry about keeping SYNC functionality? I have so much research to do.
@Parker
That radio from Amazon is just an interface, by the way. All stereo levels in the Fusion use the same ACM module, just set differently.
Caden said:
@Parker
That radio from Amazon is just an interface, by the way. All stereo levels in the Fusion use the same ACM module, just set differently.
What does that mean? Would it provide Android Auto and work with the car speakers and everything?
@Parker
It’s terrible. I don’t know how they let a car leave the factory in 2014 with such a system.
Fallon said:
@Parker
It’s terrible. I don’t know how they let a car leave the factory in 2014 with such a system.
Sync 1 is the basic model, and the $2000 upgrade to Sync 3 was the more appealing option.
