Hello Folks,

I am thinking of installing an Eclipse AVN5500(used) on my 04-Rx8(non bose).

Please suggest me if I am going the right way

I am getting a metra double din Kit http://www.metraonline.com/part/95-7510HG for the head unit.

I also needed some expert guidance on the steering control interface offered by metra http://www.metraonline.com/part/ASWC
Has anyone used the steering control interface before?

Also I wanted to know whether I should ask a professional stereo install or I should do it myself. Any other thing

Please let me know if I am missing anything in this install. Any member with eclipse setup in the car please guide

Thanks in Advance
Harshal

 

I used to sell that exact model headunit. There are some things I like and some things I dislike about it. Though keep in mind, this headunit is dated and newer headunits have many upgrades. I like that it has 3 pair of 5V RCA outputs. I like that it has separate drives for DVD and CDs. This allows you to listen to a CD and have full control over your navigation (newer headunits have all the navi data built-in, and who uses CDs anymore anyway?). It was one of the first navi headunits to have 3D maps (common nowadays). I don't like that it doesn't have iPod connectivity built-in (requires IPC-106, and it's still dodgy). I don't like the menu structure AT ALL. Compared to similar dated Pioneer's it's difficult to stumble your way through. Lastly, I don't like what Eclipse has turned into. They used to be a high quality manufacturer. Now they just crank out cheap junk, by comparison. Don't get me wrong, I'd take this over a Pyle or Pyramid headunit any day of the week. But I hope you're getting it used for a song and dance. More than a couple hundred bucks and I'd say you're making a mistake. You can get a brand new top of the line Pioneer for ~$600 shipped. If you have an iPhone, that headunit has some ridiculously awesome features. Listen to facebook and twitter updates, Pandora, real-time traffic updates, utilize compatible apps on screen, built-in nav data (no disc), full control in every way over your phone.

Oh and yes that's the correct installation kit and steering wheel control interface. If you're mechanically inclined and do other work on your car, I'd say do it yourself. It's probably the hardest kit to install that Metra makes, but at the same time, it's really not that bad if you know what you're doing. If you're the type of person that takes your car somewhere to get the oil changed, then by all means, take it to a professional.

 

Thanks Firebirdude for the response. I understand this is an old unit and there are better options available now. But I got it for $150 from my friend at Tow yard. So I thought of giving it a try .

I was thinking of using it for some time and get a better unit in future probably.

So if we consider the current cost of head unit. Do you think it a good option over OEM stereo

Thanks in Advance,
Harshal

 

Absolutely. Provided everything on it still works properly, you can't go wrong for 150 bucks.