Mazda 3 (2014) and Android Auto Dealer Upgrade

peteru on 04/06/2024 - 14:02

A family member wants to sell a 2014 Mazda 3 (moved onto a farm property, now drives a 4x4) for $15k, which according to RedBook is at the top end of the range. I've been asked if I want it as a second car. I'm on the fence about it.

I'm used to Android Auto on a Subaru Impreza and would want that feature in any car I buy. On the 2014 Mazda 3, Android Auto is a dealer upgrade. https://www.mazda.com.au/owners/help-and-support/apple-carpl… says that it's over $500! That seems a bit steep.

Can it be upgraded cheaper than that? What are my options?

My eyesight isn't the greatest, so a cradle for a mobile phone isn't a workable option while driving. I need something with a largish screen that is firmly affixed to the vehicle.

Automotive Android Auto Car Car Audio Head Unit Mazda

Comments

  • spackbace on 04/06/2024 - 14:12
    +2

    The screen on the Mazda is 7"

    Not too different from your phone, I'm sure…

    • peteru on 05/06/2024 - 00:59

      Oh bummer. I haven't seen the car yet, so had no idea the Mazda screen was that small. I guess I'm spoilt from the Subaru, with multiple screens.

  • EightImmortals on 04/06/2024 - 14:13
    -2

    Coincidence?

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/848722

    Different model but similar question. :)

  • Pikaloo on 04/06/2024 - 14:21

    https://aliexpress.com/item/1005007083390571.html

    Latest one with wireless android auto + wireless carplay. Obviously need to install it yourself or pay someone to install it.

  • CheapandUsed on 04/06/2024 - 14:35

    Can it be upgraded cheaper than that? What are my options?

    Yes but… It is a lot harder to DIY now because Mazda went on a rampage issuing take down notices for everyone that was sharing the firmware versions needed before and after the install.

    There are still sellers on ebay selling the HUB Unit Retrofit Kit For Mazda Carplay & Android Auto and Aliexpress if you are that brave, so it is probably still possible..

    There is a number of Youtube videos showing the install process or the Mazda.. When I did mine (have since sold the car) it took about 2 hours including a lengthy install of firmware and having to leave the car alone for 5mins x2 so it would properly shut down.

    • Duckie2hh on 04/06/2024 - 15:03

      How difficult was the install? Are we talking about re-wiring, crimping, etc?

      • CheapandUsed on 04/06/2024 - 16:17

        No, no crimping or anything like that. The kit just replaces the existing USB cable (plugs into the back of the screen unit and into the hub) and replaces the hub. So its pretty much plug and play.

        Hardest part was actually removing the old hub unit without breaking its frame - 4 tabs to press down at the same time.

        I have a trim removal tool set, so removing the trim pieces was nice and easy, taking the screen unit out required a socket extension which I borrowed off a mate, the bolt is quite deep into the dashboard.

        I was able to feed the new USB cables down through the hole when the screen was removed and into the passenger footwell, from there bringing it along the edge of the tunnel to the new hub unit was simple and saved heaps of time over some of the instructions that have you pull apart the entire transmission tunnel.

        • timmof on 04/06/2024 - 16:25

          Yep, did this too on my 2014 6 wagon. Pretty easy. Watch the videos, take your time. Dont drop the single bolt that you need to remove to get to the back of the unit - youtube warns about this, so I used blutack in the socket.

          The most annoying thing though is that you need to upgrade to the latest firmware. I was on an older version that still allowed tweaks to be applied - the best one being to allow the touchscreen to be used at any speed, rather than the insane Mazda set up of disabling touch over 5kms pre hour. It's like the UX people dont know there's a passenger seat…

          But ended up wanting Apple Carplay more. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

          • Duckie2hh on 06/06/2024 - 23:15

            @timmof: Any tips for a "free" firmware update?

            • timmof on 07/06/2024 - 11:00

              @Duckie2hh: So the orignal tweaks I installed needed firmware of v 55 or less and you could install using a USB stick. Post v55, you need to remove the head unit and use a serial connection, which is too much stuffing around for me for software updates (worth it though to install the updated hardware for CarPlay.)
              Its a bummer, because the two tweaks I really miss are: 1) Dont disable the touchscreen over 5kph, and 2) Pause on Mute. (If you're listening to an mp3 or podcast and hit mute, then the file keeps playing. The tweak will pause the track. Why oh why Mazda doesnt do this from the start, I have no idea

              Search for All-in-one mazda tweaks, and there's a mazda tweaks site worth a look.

              Otherwise, to use carplay, you'll need to install a later version of the firmware.

              This reddit thread might help :) https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda6/comments/1492ojt/where_to_do…

  • seanfoite on 04/06/2024 - 15:31

    I got our 2017 CX5 retrofitted with it and no regrets. Works seamlessly and no chance that I was going to try it myself. I would just pay the premium and get it properly done

  • Hermsh on 04/06/2024 - 16:15

    I did it. Took about 2 hours. The kit i got came with the required tools. The anti-rattle tape wasnt quite fit for purpose so i suplemented it with some elastoplast. Not difficult but a bit awkward as you wind up with your hands up in the dash etc.

    Seems to be on sale now for 118.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Retrofit-TK78-66-9U0C-00008FZ34-Co…

  • brad1-8tsi on 04/06/2024 - 18:43
    +2

    Offer $500 less so you can afford the upgrade

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