Car Stereos: After-market mp3+blue tooth for 05 Civic, alpine iva, double din head unit

Question
Hi:
We bought a used Civic Hybrid but would like to retro-fit it with (a) mp3 playback (b) blue-tooth - hands-free phone capability and (c) Navigation.
Is there an option to be able to do so and what would it cost?


Answer
Certainly, it can be done.  

Replacing the head unit in a Civic Hybrid isn't significantly different than replacing the head unit in a standard Civic.  The radio and accessories all work with the standard 12v system.

You can replace your factory radio with an in-dash navigation receiver.  I'd consider Pioneer's AVIC-F700BT.  This unit has built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone and streaming audio, MP-3 playback via CD, USB or SD card, and GPS navigation.  It's a full-size double-DIN head unit, so it doesn't have a motorized flip-out screen that can break down.

One thing the AVIC-F700BT doesn't offer is DVD movie playback.  You can get this with the next model up, the AVIC-F900BT.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/Navigation/In-Dash/AVIC-F700BT

Some other in-dash units that would fit your requirements:

Alpine IVA-W203/P1
Kenwood DNX7120 (with optional KCA-BT200 Bluetooth adapter)


You'll need a mounting kit and wiring harness to install it in your vehicle.  The Metra part numbers are 99-7865 for the kit, and 70-1721 for the harness.