Pioneer NEX-4100 - wait for 7100 with built in GPS?

[capnfatpants]

So, like most everyone here, I'm pretty fed up with the OEM headunit (2015 Touring - Bose, no navigation). I'm thinking about toying with the idea of upgrading to the pioneer NEX 4100. This is the one with resistive touch screen and no built in Navigation. $700 bucks is still pretty expensive, so I'm not getting terribly excited about it yet... Until I know how things will work. I've never replaced a stereo (my 1996 Ford Aspire didn't come with one, so that was a different story). I know I'll lose the ability to change car settings, but I haven't touched them yet in a year, so I'll survive. How does the Bose system translate to a new headunit? I'm under the assumption that the Bose components are just the speakers, or is there an amp involved? Would the Pioneer keep the sound boost? (I know some people aren't fond of the Bose, but to me it sounds a lot clearer). The Crutchfield site says I'll lose my Aux and USB port under the armrest... are there ways to keep them, probably by rewiring some things?

Also, experience with GPS driving around cities with tall buildings, my phone loses signal quite a bit. Do you think the upgrade of the pioneer, the 7100, would get a stronger signal?

 

[jlcpremier]

Pretty much did all this with a 4000

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123840616-Pioneer-AVH-4000-NEX-Install

However, Mazda just came out with a TSB that fixes the bluetooth issues, so if that's your main reason for going aftermarket, well you can save the money. Even so the Pioneer with CarPlay blows the stock radio out of the water in terms of sound (7 band EQ as opposed to 2) If you use an iPhone you get NAV with Apple Maps. Using Siri is way better than the factory voice activation. And messaging works flawlessly through CarPlay. If you're on Android, I think the 4100 added in support for Android's version of CarPlay though I have no experience with it.

As for the Bose integration, I cover the wiring in my install thread, but you lose Centerpoint and Audiopilot, and yes there is an amp involved. You lose AUX and USB, but if you pull out the USB, you can run a lightning cable (or whatever Android uses) into your center console through there.

 

[capnfatpants]

Thank you. I'll have to bookmark that walkthrough... very nice. maybe one day i'll pull the plug and splurge on an aftermarket for something that blows my mind and melts my face, but for now the stock just works.

 

[odiemutt]

Be careful with the 4100NEX, it's got a glossy display vs the 4000NEX which is matte. That 4100NEX will be pretty reflective... like a mirror showing what's out the passenger side window, looks like it would be annoying in the daytime.

 

[mentalcase]

I have the 8000NEX which also has the glossy screen and I do not have any real issues with glare. A big reason I bought the 8000 is many 7000 users were complaining that the 7000's screen was easily washed out in the sun. My 8000 does not have that issue.

That being said, my next is already shot. The bluetooth crapped out on me back in January, but luckily I bought a square trade warranty with it. I'll be sending it in this week and using the check to by a 8100nex.

 

[manwolf]

went to my local stereo guy that has done all my past work - the appradio 4 was awesome. I was stoked that plugging in iPhone - maps, music, everything works, i tested it out on demo he had displayed. incredibly intuitive. probably getting one this weekend. anything I should know, aside from the backup cam integration described in jlcpremier's post here? http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123840616-Pioneer-AVH-4000-NEX-Install

I get cost on the head unit so I'll probably just have him install it. i'm confused, though. MZ11 or Metra axxess ASWC for the steering wheel controls...?