Car Radio, 1DIN Size, with MP3 Playback and BlueTooth

Russ on 18/08/2020 - 01:04
Last edited 20/08/2020 - 00:32

Edit: Thanks everyone, I have bought a "4019B" head unit from AliExpress, for AU$40-41 depending on the exchange rate. I used the US$3 sign-up coupon to get this price, without the coupon the price is AU$44-45.

I am looking for a new radio for an older car, that doesn't currently have BT nor the ability to play MP3s.

I have seen a lot of suitable radios on Aliexpress, Ebay and Amazon, and some of them look quite good. But I tried to buy one from Amazon AU for the amazing price of $12 delivered, only to find out it was most likely a scam, and that seller was unwilling or unable to supply. They first sent me an item that wasn't even close, and then tried to get me to pay half for the wrong item. Amazon refunded my money in full. I'd rather not go through the same 6-week process again and be unsuccessful.

Here's what I would like:

  • 1 DIN size
  • a display that can show the full song title
  • NOT a touch-screen display (so I can find the Bluetooth "answer phone call" button by touch)
  • Preferably NOT have the Bluetooth answer/hang-up buttons right beside the power-off button
  • USB socket for MP3 music
  • Nice to have: micro-SD socket as well, for MP3 music
  • Nice to have: will also play FLAC and OGG music formats (so I don't have to transcode my music library)
  • under AU$50 delivered.

I've identified a few models that look good to me, and I found reviews on YouTube that are positive. These models are the 4012B, 4019B and 4022D. There may be other models too, that I haven't found yet.

Here are typical models I like, at Ebay AU, pricing is not great:
4012B: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/301770564353 (I know the power button is close to answer button)
4019B: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/143649388802
4022D: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/123860343748

Also, I've never bought from AliExpress before, can anyone point me to a good guide on how to purchase from AliExpress? I'm currently finding it frustrating, seeing good prices, clicking through, and then finding postage is an additional $20-plus. Is there a way to sort by price+postage, like Ebay AU can?

Thanks in advance!

Automotive

Comments

  • Mechz on 18/08/2020 - 01:25
    +2

    I'd just wait for the next Supercheap or Autobarn (or that other shop that pops up on Ozbgn) sales. You'll get something decent for $100-150 with a warranty and you won't be gambling your money away.

  • Hithere on 18/08/2020 - 07:30

    Have you tried the wreckers?

    You can sometimes pick up some good deals on second hand car radios in working condition.

    Don't forget the PIN if you do go that way ;)

    • pegaxs on 18/08/2020 - 08:48

      Don’t need the PIN, you just enter random ones in and hope you guess it in less than 10 tries…

  • Dean29 on 18/08/2020 - 09:41
    +1

    You won't get a decent head unit for $50 or under.

    Autobarn have this head unit for $99 which is as cheap as it will probably get unless someone is ends up clearing out discontinued models.

    It plays MP3 and FLAC via USB but no microSD which if you have USB you shouldn't need anyway. The only downside is the microphone for calling is on the unit itself instead of having an external microphone closer to the driver so i'm unsure how good the call quality will be.

    • Russ on 20/08/2020 - 00:30

      I like the microSD, because it doesn't protrude from the front of the unit. In my car, the radio is directly in front of the gearstick, and I occasionally brush it with my knuckles while driving. Having a USB stick poking out is risking accidental damage to the USB and/or the radio.

      Also, it leaves the USB port free to charge my phone, if I need that. All I need is a right-angle USB cable to minimize the chance I'll damage it.

  • Russ on 20/08/2020 - 00:33

    Thanks everyone, I have bought a "4019B" head unit from AliExpress, for AU$40-41 depending on the exchange rate. I used the US$3 sign-up coupon to get this price, without the coupon the price is AU$44-45.

    I got 7 working-day shipping included in that price, apparently from AU warehouse. AliExpress says I receive a full refund if I don't receive the unit by 31 August, which is 7 working days away.

    I read Altomic's excellent guide to Aliexpress: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/261004

    • Russ on 23/01/2021 - 18:09

      A follow-up, everything didn't go smoothly.

      I received a tracking number from Aliexpress, that didn't track. Nothing arrived. I complained, and Aliexpress refunded my money a couple of days after the "7 working-day shipping" period expired.

      So I ordered a slightly different model (4022D) from Amazon, for an unbelievably low price (~$15). I received a parcel containing a hose clamp. Raised issue with seller, then with Amazon, who refunded my money.

      Then I tried Fasttech.com, and after two days they politely sent an email saying "we can't get it any more", and offered a refund, which I accepted. Fasttech also updated their website to say "unavailable".

      Then I tried DX.com, bought a 4019B radio with reversing camera, for AU$57. This arrived, has been installed, and works fine. I haven't installed the reversing camera, as installation looks rather more difficult than installing the radio.

      Amazon still haven't removed the fraudulent seller who sent me a hose clamp, now they are selling the radio at an even lower cost ($10). Don't buy, unlikely you'll receive what you ordered: https://www.amazon.com.au/Qiyun-4-1inch-Player-Autoradio-Blu…

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join