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Sony XAV-AX100 - Carplay and Android Auto Head Unit - $399.20 + Delivery from SuperCheap Auto

900
XMAS20

The Sony XAV-AX100 head unit is currently on sale for $499, RRP is $799 but is regularly on sale for around the $500 mark. Use the XMAS20 discount code ot get it down to $399.20. Delivery came in at $9.95 for me. This is the cheapest I have seen for this unit. Can be combined with discounted supercheap auto gift cards from other sources to bring even lower. Very cheap for a dual Carplay and Android Auto head unit.

  • Android Auto to control music playback, send messages, take calls or navigate via smartphone
  • Apple CarPlay integrates your iPhone seamlessly to make calls, send messages and get directions
  • 6.4 Inch Touch Screen with Bluetooth for hands free calls and wireless music
  • Use voice control commands to play music from Apple Music, Google Play music & Spotify
  • Hand Gesture Command
  • External Mic. & Remote Control Supplied
  • 3 x RCA Pre Out
  • Reverse Camera RCA input (camera sold separately)
  • (Navigation requires compatible smartphone, data charges apply)
  • Suits Aerpro harness APP8SP4 (Optional, sold separately)

I picked up this unit last month for about $450 after discounted gift cards. I am pretty happy with it. Does have its flaws but overall works well and I am happy with the unit. Touch screen is responsive, and sound quality is good. Takes about 10 seconds to start up but reverse camera will come on automatically once ignition is on. I think if you have it plugged into constant power then it will not need to do a hard reboot every time, but you physically need ot turn the unit off every time you get out of the car or it will stay off indefinitely. Much easier to just wait the 10sec start up each time. Also annoying warning screen comes up every time you start the unit which you manually have to press before doing anything (but reverse camera still works before you press the warning screen).

I had to spend approx another $160 on harnesses and fascia kits to get it to fit into my 2017 Nissan Qashqai. Installation took me about 2 hours to do. Feel free to hit me up if you have any questions on installation or this specific unit.

Thanks to Regie69 for posting original deal.

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  • +1

    Daaamn. Just paid $500 for mine a month ago. Great head unit though.

    • +9

      same :(

      even better when you disable the damn warning message at startup!
      https://github.com/superdavex/Sony-XAV-AX100/tree/master/Cau…

      • +5

        Holy shit. I love you. I was honestly getting so fed up with that damn message.

        • Logged in to second this. Holy shit.

      • This will be great if I can disable! Is it as simple as copying the files to USB, connecting USB and powering on the stereo? I am just unsure of how to do this, it would be appreciated to know a few quick steps to complete :)

    • I've got a cheap Chinese smart headunit right now but I get quite a bit of engine/alternator whine coming through the tweeters of my set up. I've got the gain on all amps at the lowest and also made sure all my grounds are good and signal cables are separated from power. Anyone use this and seen a improvement on sound quality in isolating noise from external factors? I've also done the big 3

  • how can i check whether this compatible with my car? (Subaru Forester15)

    • +12

      Really all you need to know is if you have a double din unit. If not you will need to find a fascia kit for the forester. You then need an SWC (steering wheel controller) lead that connects your steering wheel controls to a universal ISO lead (if you have steering wheel controls). You will then need a Sony to universal ISO to connect it all up. You will also probably need a suburu antenna patch lead.

      This is all the stuff you need.

      Aerpro are good and they make all the parts - just look around to find the cheapest place to purchase each part.

      • Thank you so much. I've ordered one. Now I just need to shop around for all those parts… Any recommendations on which Aerpro dealer would have all of them? in Melbourne.

      • Hey chillybags,

        I own Nissan Pulsar Sedan 2017 B17 1.8 ltr. ST model. Can you please help me on how to go about installing this unit in my car?

      • You might not need a separate steering wheel controller, this unit can do custom controls with a 3.5mm headphone jack and wiring outputs from https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/support-info.pl?info_id=1470

      • hey chillybags, i have an old Audi A4 B8, i checked the aerpro website but couldnt find a facekit etc, does it mean my car is not capable for this Sony xav head unit? thanks in advance..

        • Is the image at the bottom what your radio unit looks like? It’s possible that once you remove that front trim panel there is a standard double din slot behind it so no fascia kit required. You’d have to do a bit more research.

        • @chillybags: thanks, I’ll do a bit more research on this :)

    • It'll go in. At the very least you'll need a fascia, antenna adapter and steering wheel control interface. Sony in their wonderful wisdom have recently changed steering wheel control input configuration, hence a lot of SWC interfaces won't work properly with them, but the PAC SWI-CP2 will work with it.

      If you have a factory reverse camera, you'll need a reverse camera adapter harness.

      https://aerpro.com/vehicles/subaru/subaru_forester_2015_sj

      https://stingeraustralia.com.au/what-fits-my-car/#models/323

    • Same car, I would like to find out too.

      I heard on Pioneer HU, it's not straightforward. First of all, need to get a fascia kit as Subaru's head unit isn't a standard size. To get the steering wheel controls to work, need to get special harnesses and you need some electrician skills. And the microphone will not work at all because of different signal format.

      I'm considering getting this one after the break:
      https://www.seicane.com/android-2014-2015-2016-subaru-forest…

      But still prefer a proper brand name one with Android Auto…

      • +1

        I have an SG Forester 2007 and recently put in a Chinese Android heat unit.

        As others have hinted - the mounting points in some Subarus are standard Double-DIN but the aperture where the face pokes through may not be (it 'necks' down a bit in my SG). Full double DIN is 7"x2" (178mmx50mm) but the opening in mine was 170mmx46mm. My Chinese unit face was the full double DIN size but many aftermarket units are a bit smaller.

        My 'Plan A' was to mount it 'back' in to the dash a bit but the volume knob interfered so I had to go at it with a Dremel.

        At the time - these were in the $600 ballpark - but if they were this price I probably would have gone with one over the Chinese one.

        • Get a Gauge Pod Housing and mount it on the top of the dash.

        • @quarrymaster:

          Yeah - I think I will. It would be nice to have it at eye level rather than knee level.

        • Pretty much every car has a a standard double din sized radio with a custom surround/fascia from the factory. So pretty much every car needs a fascia/surround kit if you install an after market radio.

        • @senorclean: It's about angle and distance. I have no trouble in the wife's Golf where the HU is located in the middle of the dash under the air vents. In my MY06 Forester, my elbow obscures a third to half the HU, partly because it's also one of those with an ejectable cupholder to the left, which pushes the HU closer to the steering wheel.

          Only problem however is the more easily obtainable version of the gauge pod housing makes the HU sit just a tad too far from my fingertips, so I would need a steering wheel with audio controls for better access.

    • +1

      I believe the best head unit for the forester is the 2015 - 2017 Kenwood DDX9017DABS.

      The cheapest i have seen one is just under $1K mark. The unit is a plug and play and will work with all steering wheel controls ans you can get the frame with it.

      I have been looking for my 2017 forester as the head units are crap with no apps. Mirrorlink and the Subaru app is simple useless

      This unit has Maps, Apple and Android car play and phone mirroring

      • NICE…but so expensive :(

      • DDX9017DABS was only introduced in early 2017. Can be had as cheap as $800-odd with eBay 20% discounts that pop up on here from time to time. It is NOT plug and play, either wires need to be soldered or crimped in, or ISO harnesses are required.

        • Cool, thanks for the heads up - I'll shall be looking out for a deal

  • Nice find; I was weighing up going for this Sony unit vs the Pioneer MVH-Z5050BT. Ended up getting the Pioneer unit due to the pioneer cashback promotion resulting in about the same price as this one. Seeing this post prior to ordering would've made my decision harder. lol

    • Hey mate, mind showing me the cashback promotion for the Pioneer MVH-Z5050BT? Very interested. Thanks!

  • +5

    Get a further 15% if you use gift cards. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/350140

    • Looks like gift cards are sold out. :(

      • $20 cards still available: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15-off-Supercheap-Auto-Digital-Gift-Card-20-50-or-100-Email-Delivery/122859293495?var=423310080184&_trkparms=%26rpp_cid%3D5a3308cf068d1861e1d3d6f8%26rpp_icid%3D5a36d43b095e3d10ee4371ca

        Edit: Now they're all sold out

        • I bought 5 of the $20 gift cards as that was the PayPal max. Unfortunately I can't use more than one in the transaction…. after entering the details of the first one it asks how much of the card you want to use so I wrote 20 and then it says there is remaining balance how would you like to pay and if you click gift card again it just says "modify gift card amount" rather than prompting for further gift cards…..

          Screenshot: https://i.imgur.com/Nm6ouBz.png

        • @Agret:

          Yeah, I'm in the same boat, was gonna buy an air compressor. Gonna call them in my lunch break to see if they can sort it out.
          On their site it states:

          "Unfortunately supercheapauto.com.au can currently only process one gift card per online transaction. To redeem multiple gift cards you will need to split your order over multiple transactions."

          But unfortunately it doesn't tell you how you're meant to be able to split it over multiple transactions.

        • +1

          @matthewk85: By "split over multiple transactions" I assume it refers to when buying multiple items rather than one single… I just paid the rest of the balance with credit card and will open a help ticket with them and list all my gift cards and ask for a refund of the balance to the card. What a stupid website.

        • +2

          @Agret: Just called customer support, gave them the separate card details and they're issuing me with 1 x $100 card.

      • You could probably go to JB and price match this price, then use the $100 gift cards from there.

        • +2

          Would be great but don't think they would price match a coupon code price 😏.

        • @TheOneWhoKnocks:

          I think they'll do it if you show them the checkout price and ask if they really want the commission lol, seems like the only option considering the gift cards have been taken down.

    • cashrewards has 2% cashback

  • Silly question (maybe). But from what I can tell there is no radio?? :|

    • +2

      Radio is old school. You stream these days

    • http://www.sony.com.au/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/…

      Specs talk about number of presets and RDS - so sounds like it does do AM/FM radio at least (but not DAB+)

    • +1

      You made me second guess it, just keep going along the gallery on the website you will see the screen with Tuner on it

      http://media.supercheapauto.com.au/sca/images/zooms/530051_0…

      The reason you don't see radio in the first pic is because that's Apple Carplay so it's mirroring from an iPhone (why it has that weird square home button on the left)

    • There is radio - FM and AM but the AM doesnt work for me - only a drag for when the cricket is on

      • +6

        "only a drag for when the cricket is on" I think you mean "the cricket is on, what a drag"

      • My AM works fine (but not as strong as my old stereo).

        • Yeh could be my antenna or the unit itself but either way doesnt bother me

      • Check that the aerial power is connected and not just the signal

        I had to get a converter and had to separately connect to power (I think it's called aerial or antenna power on the wiring diagram)

        the power goes into the windscreen an amplifies the signal

        Now my am works perfectly as does my FM

        Honda jazz install

  • Couldn't have been better timing, thanks OP!

  • Wish I could be bothered tinkering with installs. I'd love to replace my stock player on my Aurion.

  • +5

    If you want fully featured without the price try one of these: https://www.carjoying.com/

    I've been using one for about 2.5 years and apart from not being able to upgrade the OS the thing is customisable with whatever apps you want.

    • Would suggest that also, but Dasaita brand is pretty good as well with decent price tag. Ebay got the some real good prices these days.

    • Agree. Brilliant unit. Had one for a couple of years in our main car and it makes the $800 JBL audio upgrade in our new Aurion seem like total junk. Cannot fault the Joying in any way… I wish all new cars would come with the option of no audio so you could put a Joying one in.
      Some are sold that look similar but that is where it ends.

    • I've been looking at getting a Joying for my 2014 Corolla Hatch. Do you have any knowledge on how these things behave with an iPhone? (ie, messaging / calls / maps / etc..)

      • I'm Android only so can't say unfortunately.

    • Had a Joying HU for over a year now. All good for the price, just the volume knob is a bit sketchy when trying to turn it down (occasionally turns it up).I use one of the USB inputs to power my Viofo dash cam; HU works with OEM reverse cam (massive headache to get working). My mate got the same model HU and has had to return it for another model due to faults. Then he tried to upgrade firmware and had major issues until he rolled it back; now his GPS won't work.

      Long story short, you get what you pay for and don't fck with the firmware/Android version.

      Oh and if your mic isn't working, you prob didn't push it in hard enough, the final click is a big push.

  • +1

    Anyone know if it'd be possible to put this in a 2014 Mazda CX-5?

    The mazda seems to have quite a specific size slot for its existing screen up in the dash, and you can also set up a bunch of characteristics of the car via their on-board interface which I imagine you may lose if you replaced it…

    • +1

      You need a new fascia as Mazda design their console so a standard double din doesn’t just slot in. They want you to go for their higher grade Head Units in higher spec (more costly) models when you buy the car. Unfortunately Mazda would rather you use their utterly appalling user interface than Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so don’t offer it. It is the one thing I hate about Mazdas, and I have owned a few and otherwise like them.
      You will also need connectors for the steering wheel controls etc. these parts should be readily available

    • This is where I am at. Just bought a CX-5 and the head unit is appalling. Takes several minutes after start before I can play music via bluetooth as seems to reload everything. Total pain.

  • This is a bloody good headunit. Sound from the inbuilt amp is probably not as good as say an Alpine - but will be better than a stock head unit. Most inbuilt amps are rubbish anyway - I use mine with seperate Amps.

  • Does anyone know if this would fit in a Kia Cerato (2015)

  • Does this unit go in easily to a VZ Commodore?

    • Also interested in upgrading my stock head unit in a VZ commodore as the wifes new car has apple play and she raves about it. Just not sure about price to get it installed and possible issues if I was to try myself.

  • Would still prefer the real android double Din unit, this does not support installing the app but only the CarPlay. android double Din units these days with octa-core beats this in every way. If you prefer the brand, I guess it is pretty good in price.

    • +2

      Android uses Android Auto and the UI is very good for that. Because it mirrors the app from your phone it is kept up to date and as they open the SDK to more developers more features will become available. I have had nothing but problems with those Android double din units after trying 3 different Eonon branded ones as although the hardware is good the firmware is cheaply made by the Chinese and has tons of bugs with lots of force closes and other weird happenings.

      • +1

        Heard lot of complaints about the Eonon units… Joying is a different story. Chinese units can look similar but the quality varies from the worst to the best on the market.

      • you are almost right there but i haven't had any issues with my double din unit for the last year and half, as long as you dont install too many craps on it, it will just do fine. i can download youtube videos on my android double din and let others watch on the road, enjoy music videos, let kids watch movies with tons of format, bluetooth music streaming, browsing ozbargain while stuck in traffic while don't need to care about being pulled over by cops… stuff like that made me a happy customer. but on the other hand, these big brand with heavy price tag just doesn't justify the price for only playing music and mirroring some ransom apps..

        • +1

          while don't need to care about being pulled over by cops

          Uhh…think again. If a cop sees you using it for anything other than music or navigation you're up shit creek.

        • +1

          @potplanty: you are right, but there are more chances they are going to catch the people using a mobile phone rather than chasing up people that playing their double din.

        • @potplanty: technically you can’t touch gps while driving either

        • Just get Siri to read out ozbargain RSS feed

  • I'm an amateur with this stuff.. anyone knows if this will fit in honda civic 2006?

    • As I’ve said above first step is to work out if you need a fascia kit and then if you have steering wheel controls you need an swc adapter to get them to work. From there you just need to get all the leads and install :)

  • +1

    I want one of these but the conversion kit for an 06 Holden Omega Commodore basically costs as much as the unit.

  • I noticed this only has one USB input…so when you use your phone you can't plug a usb to listen to music. Not a real issue if you use your phone to stream…

    I don't know about Android Auto…I've used a magnetic holder and Android Auto on my phone when using the GPS and ported the phone onto the car's bluetooth audio…does the job for me.

    I once used Android Auto on a car rental (2017 Outlander) in Queensland - seemed pretty good but price is still very high for little gain.

    • You can legally touch and use this while driving while using your phone is a different (and illegal) beast altogether.

      • I thought even with the Android Auto you still need to be stationery to touch the screen itself?

        • I believe that's why units disable touch screen if it detects the car is moving. At least that's the case with my stock unit.

        • Android Auto (when using the phone itself as the screen) will let you touch the screen while in motion. But if it suspects you're buggering around with it while driving, e.g. you start flicking through music playlists, it'll block the screen for a few seconds and tell you to pay attention to the road. Some head units do lock out touching the screen when the car's moving though, so if you were using AA or Apple CarPlay via one of those, you'd be locked out.

    • This is correct, and you cant play FLAC except over USB… Not a huge issue but something to be aware of.

  • Dopes the Apple Car Play work over Bluetooth or does it have to be plugged in via USB?

    • +1

      It uses both. You plug in a cable for GPS etc and the BT is used for streaming audio.

    • +1

      CarPlay itself needs to be over Lightning to USB. You'd need Wireless CarPlay to ditch USB, and then it connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It'll be the norm as you get wireless charging in cars as well.

      • Is this a unit with Wireless CarPlay?

        • No.

        • There’s an Alpine wireless CarPlay unit (iLX-007), it just costs $900 USD. personally, I’d save the good 1k difference they’d charge in AUD and get this unit. But to each, their own.

        • @tetsuma: The wireless is great for certain scenarios but IMHO GPS uses lots of battery alone, let alone BT streaming on top. Having that running for an hour or so will leave you wanting when you get to your destination. Having the phone charging while it uses those two actually increases my battery level while driving I found.

        • @potplanty:
          There's some pretty cool DIY pages for wireless charging, which would be neat for 8/X owners. You can put 'em under the centre console (which is applicable in my case) and have the best of both.

          https://www.amazon.com/Creazy-Wireless-Charger-Circuit-Charg…

        • @tetsuma: You're thinking the iLX-107, the iLX-007E model is the older wired one.

  • +4

    This is a great machine i have had it for several months and installed myself in an Alfa Romeo 159. I paid about $520 for it with a ebay 20% off promo.
    Steering wheel control harness and sony-specific harness was required, as well as a double din cage.
    I mainly use it for Android Auto but i had a friend with an iphone plug his in and the Apple Carplay is far more visually impressive at the moment.
    Maps works great, the fast update speed/smooth map turns look really cool.
    Voice control via Google is also very functional and cool. You can just say "OK google" and ask a random question, or ask it to direct you somewhere, or ask it to play a song (any song if you have google play music subscription). No need to press a button beforehand, it is always listening for the 'ok google' prompt.

    Has bluetooth which can be used for playing music if you don't plug your phone in but for full android auto/apple carplay it requires usb. it comes with a USB extension cable. You can use a small USB to lightning/usb micro/usb c or whatever you need on the other end.

    Sound quality is great and many controls for equalizing, seperate volume controls for subwoofer channels etc.
    I definitely do not regret this purchase even though its dropped in price now.

    • Great review cheers mate!

    • Great price for this unit I stayed the same without you eBay discount to 520 and a 90 dollar face cover for Honda jazz

      Above I commented on hard to fix the AM radio by also connecting the power

      I have a problem that the radio forgets the time of day so I when using Bluetooth mode Android phone

      I have a problem that the radio forgets the time of day so if I I'm stopping between Android car mode and Bluetooth mode, my Sony sometimes it forgets what the actual time is on the radio

      It is the device that forget what the actual time is on the radio device

      In absurd mode plugged in it uses the phone time

      Btw I mostly do not plug the phone in and Bluetooth only works well.

    • Dope post

  • @chillybags with the wiring harness does it talk to your in-car microphone for BlueTooth and steering wheel controls properly?

    • Yes swc works fine for me. Had to use the external mic that came with the unit though.

  • Does it come with spacers for 200mm gaps?

    • No. You'll need to get a fascia kit for it. SCA will sell that to you though.

  • Got this installed in my 2012 Mazda 3, works great with Android auto and has problem with most of the video formats I've thrown at it, including flv. The only issue I've really had was a case of it not always detecting Android auto, and needing to turn the car off and on. Simply turning the unit off doesn't seem to do the job.

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